SDN-Based Data Offioading for 5G Mobile Networks

The rapid growth of 3G/4G enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets in large numbers has created increased demand for mobile data services. Wi-Fi offloading helps satisfy the requirements of data-rich applications and terminals with improved multi- media. Wi-Fi is an essential approach to alleviating mobile data traffic load on a cellular network because it provides extra capacity and improves overall performance. In this paper, we propose an integrated LTE/Wi-Fi architecture with software-defined networking （SDN） abstraction in mobile baekhaul and enhanced components that facilitate the move towards next-generation 5G mo- bile networks. Our proposed architecture enables programmable offloading policies that take into account real-time network conditions as well as the status of devices and applications. This mechanism improves overall network performance by deriving real- time policies and steering traffic between cellular and Wi-Fi networks more efficiently.