Data Dissemination and Network Resource Management on Integrated Architecture of 5g Multi-Access Edge Computing and Software-Defined Networking

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) proposes to use Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), Software-Defined Network (SDN), and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technologies in the fifth generation (5G) of mobile networks to support three major data services, such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). From the viewpoint of data transmission and network resource usage, MEC has the advantage of low transmission delay. However, if MEC only depends on the computing resources in the edge area, it will impose serious computation load and maintenance cost on the edge server because substantial data streams converge in the edge area. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of data content transfer, even if SDN and NFV technologies are introduced into the 5G core network, the network system cannot sustain the overall service performance if the issues of inefficient multi-path transmission, unreliable routing recovery, fault tolerance, and uneven distribution of network resources cannot be resolved yet. Therefore, it is crucial to study how to integrate ETSI MEC and SDN, and then develop appropriate data dissemination and network resource management technologies in the 5G mobile network environments. Regarding the theme of data dissemination, network resource allocation and management in the 5G mobile network environments, this research project will carry out a series of sub-topic study. Our study will analyze the characteristics, limitations and challenges of combining MEC, NFV and SDN under the 5G environment that comprise the radio access network (RAN), edge area, and core network. The content of this project includes five parts. First, we plan to employ the game theory in the multi-access edge computing environment to perform dynamic resource allocation in the edge area. Second, we plan to develop a multi-path resource allocation mechanism for high-throughput streaming services, and adopt the SDN technology to effectively control the use of network resources. Third, to ensure streaming services with differentiated service guarantee, we will design a QoS-oriented and priority-based routing path recovery mechanism. Fourth, through the network slicing technology, we will design respective data transfer and path planning mechanisms for eMBB, URLLC and mMTC. Fifth, we will propose a cooperative-oriented caching mechanism that can be applied to multiple MEC servers in 5G network. Using both device movement prediction and network coding techniques, we expect to enhance the performance of data caching services. Therefore, in accordance with all above, we will exhibit the research and development efforts of data dissemination and network resource management by advantages of MEC, SDN and NVF in the 5G mobile network environments.