SDN ‐Based Session and Mobility Management in 5G Networks
Alexandros Kaloxylos, Panagiotis Spapis, Ioannis D. Moscholios · Wiley 5G Ref · 2020
Abstract The analysis performed in this article is a concise proposal on how SDN solutions can be integrated into 5G mobile networks in order to address key cellular network challenges related to session and mobility management. Initially, we present the key characteristics of SDN and how session and mobility management are performed in this type of networks. Then we present how session and mobility management are performed in 5G mobile networks and what are the potential drawbacks of the conventional designs that could lead to excessive signaling and/or delays. Then, we analyze how the mobility management can be enhanced using SDN in ultra‐dense 5G networks, where current solutions will lead to an explosion of the signaling cost. Furthermore, we analyze how handling of local traffic in 5G mobile networks using SDN will reduce the delays and the core network signaling in specific 5G use cases, that of fog computing and V2X communications.