New Architectures for End-to-End Network Slicing in 5G and 6G Communications

Abstract

Network slicing is a core technology that enables new services and solutions in 5G and upcoming 6G communications. However, deploying network slicing at a commercial scale presents numerous challenges, demanding comprehensive end-to-end network management and automation. It also requires various state-of-the-art technologies based on collaboration across international standards organizations and open-source communities. This dissertation proposes new architectures for end-to-end network slicing. First, we focus on the essential use cases and technology trends associated with network slicing, followed by a survey of standard organizations and open-source projects related to network slicing and how they have evolved. Then, we overview an end-to-end network slicing architecture and consider the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) standard. For transport slicing, we discuss SDN architecture and requirements for network slicing with traffic isolation, unified QoS policy, and traffic engineering. We also cover SLA management using active and passive monitoring. The latter part of the dissertation proposes new architectures for end-to-end network slicing, including end-to-end O-RAN, RAN-integrated xHaul, containerized cell site router, protocol independent monitoring, multi-connectivity enterprise network, advanced 5G/6G edge data center, and network slicing security. In conclusion, this dissertation provides a comprehensive overview of design issues related to network slicing. It proposes solutions, paving the way for the realization of end-to-end network slicing at a commercial scale.