Flexible and Programmable Evolved Packet Core

Abstract

The mobile core network experienced many transformations during the past decade and at this moment virtualisation constitutes the next big phase in the operators strategies. Another technology which might step in the coming years is Software Defined Networking (SDN), a more mature technology in data centers, which strives to revolutionize the current Long-Term Evolution (LTE) architecture. However, the integration of SDN components into the legacy network and the transition between phases need to be carefully addressed. This thesis aims to develop a new Evolved Packet Core (EPC) (the core network corresponding to the LTE radio network) SDN-based architecture and to take into consideration the challenges that this technology might bring to the mobile core. Therefore, a thorough assessment of the interfaces and protocols that should be preserved or modified on both the user and control planes is investigated. By describing the simulation details of the proposed architecture, one of this thesis goals is to present the trade-off between preserving the traditional 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) architecture and the actual benefits, along with the challenges for mobile operators in adopting SDN and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) in their deployments. To achieve this, two testbeds are used: one based on a network emulation tool and another one using physical elements. The obtained results emphasize the flexibility in deploying such solutions. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of two SDN controllers performances is presented. In order to fully benefit of the flexibility of NFV and SDN in their networks, mobile operators should have an overview of the different tools and technologies, which might allow SDN integration in their networks. Another thesis goal is to provide the necessary information in order to give operators the input for building their roadmap to the upcoming technologies.