Enhancing Network Slicing Efficiency in Self-Organizing Networks Using Quantum Computing
Asha Rani Borah · 2023
With the proliferation of mobile devices and the growing demand for diverse applications, network operators are facing significant challenges in efficiently managing and optimizing network resources. Network slicing has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges by enabling the creation of multiple virtual networks on a shared physical infrastructure. However, achieving optimal network slicing efficiency remains a critical task due to resource allocation and management complexity. This research proposes a novel approach to enhance network slicing efficiency in self-organizing networks (SONs) using quantum computing. Quantum computing offers unprecedented computational power and the ability to process large-scale optimization problems efficiently. By harnessing the power of quantum algorithms, the study aims to address the resource allocation and optimization challenges in network slicing. The proposed approach leverages quantum-inspired optimization algorithms, such as quantum annealing and quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithms, to tackle the resource allocation problem. These algorithms exploit the inherent parallelism and superposition properties of quantum computing to explore a vast search space and identify optimal solutions in a significantly reduced time compared to classical optimization techniques. Moreover, a quantum-assisted self-organizing mechanism is introduced that dynamically adapts network slices based on real-time traffic patterns and quality of service requirements. This mechanism utilizes quantum machine learning techniques to analyze network data and predict future traffic demands, enabling proactive resource allocation and efficient utilization. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, extensive simulations and comparisons with classical optimization techniques are conducted in a realistic SON environment using the NS2 Simulator. The results demonstrate the superior performance of quantum computing-based approach, showcasing improved network slicing efficiency, reduced resource wastage, and enhanced service quality