NS-ENFORCER: Enforcing Network Slicing on Radio Access Networks

Network Slicing is a key technology of 5G mobile systems. This technology enables operators to create customized logical networks on the same physical substrate in order to support different services and vertical industries, such as public safety and entertainment. In this paper we present NS-ENFORCER, a dynamic slicing mechanism for 4G/5G Radio Access Networks. NS-ENFORCER receives slicing rules from an SDN Controller. Based on these rules and the network state, NS-ENFORCER dynamically assigns spectrum resources to slices, and performs slicing in both downlink and uplink communication channels. Such assignment procedure is supported by a novel allocation model proposed in this work. The performance evaluation of NS-ENFORCER was carried out using a scenario having different types of applications and mobility of devices. The results show the benefits that can be achieved with NS-ENFORCER, such as the improvement of the QoS experienced by end users.