On using a SDN-based control plane in 5G mobile networks

Abstract

Today’s mobile operators face significant challenges with handling the ever-increasing volume of mobile data traf-fic. With new mobile communication standards, like 4G/LTE, the mobile backhaul architecture has a clear split of a packet-only dataplane and a management plane. Although this new backhaul architecture yields to easier management, we find that this architecture can be im-proved further by applying the principles of Software-defined Networking (SDN). SDN allows for better evolv-ability of the dataplane without depending on a slew of management or control protocols, allows for central-ized control of the overall infrastructure, and allows for a richer feature set based on its programmable nature. This paper investigates the redesign, and illustrates its potential with mobility management as an example. 1.