Network slicing system supporting ultra reliable low latency connectivity in 5G

Abstract

Network slicing has been considered as a key feature for the 5G network segmen- tation. The network slicing concept aims to bring efficient utilization of network resources, flexibility in network deployment and support for fast growing applica- tions and services. Current LTE mobile networks cannot deal with the growing amount of data traffic due to the insufficient capacity and lack of network flexibility.

The purpose of this project was to design, develop and implement a testbed that demonstrates how network physical resources can be sliced dynamically to support Ultra Reliable Low Latency connectivity in a 5G network. The design is for TAKE5 testbed (www.take-5g.org) which is built on top of X-Network LTE network located in Aalto campus for easy integration. The project concentrates only on Radio Access Network (RAN) and backhaul network slicing. EPC slicing is not considered for the thesis.

The project intends to make network slicing clear by first designing and further implementing the concept by making use of practical network devices that support virtualization to provide isolation between slices. Indoor base stations (eNBs) as well as multiple virtual Evolved Packet Cores (vEPCs) were also used in the implementation. The implementation was tested, and the results compared with already existing network slicing outcomes.