Showing papers by "Thomas Magedanz published in 2015"

EASE: EPC as a service to ease mobile core network deployment over cloud

Abstract: The objective of this article is to demonstrate the feasibility of on-demand creation of cloud-based elastic mobile core networks, along with their lifecycle management. For this purpose the article describes the key elements to realize the architectural vision of EPC as a Service, an implementation option of the Evolved Packet Core, as specified by 3GPP, which can be deployed in cloud environments. To meet several challenging requirements associated with the implementation of EPC over a cloud infrastructure and providing it "as a Service," this article presents a number of different options, each with different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. A thorough analysis comparing the different implementation options is also presented.

Near optimal service function path instantiation in a multi-datacenter environment

Abstract: Service Function Chaining (SFC) supports services/applications through linking an ordered list of service functions (such as firewalls, deep packet inspections and load balancers) in the network. Using Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) provides a simpler and shorter SFC process. In order to provide high-availability on a multi-site SFC, it is required a flexible algorithm able to properly select Service Function instances while creating the Service Function Path (SFP). This paper presents a new service function selection algorithm providing a flexible tradeoff between the SFP distance and the loads per service function instances at the deployment stage. The flexible tradeoff provided in the algorithm can be adjusted by a parameter. This parameter value can differ among different types of SFCs based on the service/application (real time or non-real time) dedicated for its SFC. Matlab has been utilized for validating it with different scenarios. It is also compared to other existing algorithms such as, load balancing and shortest path. The results showed that the proposed algorithm could provide the best SFP end-to-end distance performance as the shortest path algorithm for the real time services/applications, and that will result a good Quality of Service (QoS) performance for real time services/applications. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm provides an acceptable load distribution over the available service functions instances better than shortest path algorithm and not far from and load balancing algorithms.

Application-derived communication protocol selection in M2M platforms for smart cities

Abstract: Linking the communication and the information technology infrastructures forms the new Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication trend. We aim to exploit available standard protocols to support smart cities applications. In this paper, we report the work of implementing and evaluating the performance of using request/response protocols for M2M communications. The paper also introduces a mechanism to select the proper communication technology based on the exchanging M2M traffic pattern from sensors/devices and gateways to an M2M server platform.

A solution for provisioning reliable M2M infrastructures using SDN and device management

Abstract: The current trend of running software components on top of virtual machines in cloud platforms is gaining more momentum as it reduces the deployment time and operational costs in comparison to running them on dedicated hardware. By providing elasticity through orchestration, this approach brings even more value taking advantage of the resources on peak times and saving energy when the load is not significant. However, such an approach brings some challenges due to the dynamic instantiation of new service components: it is necessary to always announce clients changes in the backend infrastructure. In this paper, we propose a solution for dynamically communicating parameters provisioning between M2M endpoints using a device management protocol. Two device management protocols were compared and OMA LWM2M was chosen for its energy efficiency. The proposed solution is based on the OpenMTC toolkit and enables safe and reliable communication establishment from one M2M endpoint to another one elastically deployed in the cloud.

Towards Mobile Federated Network Operators

Abstract: Mobile Network Operators provide wireless communication services to their customers using their own network infrastructures. For providers, in particular in low income countries, access to latest network functions to offer 4G/5G services can be a large burden as this is directly impacted by financial restrictions of operators. Although some network sharing solutions between operators to reduce the total cost of ownership exist in standards and literature, none address specific requirements of the operating environment of low income countries. In our approach, we are exploiting the raising interest in the cloudification of the related infrastructure, namely Network Function Virtualization (NFV) over Software Defined Networks (SDN), to allow each operator in these countries to offer specific network functions as a service in a federation in order to share them and to increase their revenue. Initial results are presented based on the development of a commercial toolkit (OpenSDNCore) and a federated testbed research project (TRESCIMO). As a result, we define the notion of a Mobile Federated Network Operator (MFNO) and provide an analysis of the underlying requirements for such a use case and potential approaches to address them.

Towards Semantic Monitoring Data Collection and Representation in Federated Infrastructures

Abstract: The federation of infrastructures in the fields of Cloud and Future Internet (FI) test beds is evolving rapidly due to its multilateral benefits for end-users and infrastructure owners. However, interoperable monitoring data exchange across multiple administrative domains is a critical task to achieve as the heterogeneity of the used tools and interfaces arises. Several efforts have been done to unify interfaces but are task or domain specific. In this paper alternative, existing data models and collection protocols are reviewed. Their limitations to serve the need of a generic monitoring solution operating across federated, heterogeneous infrastructure are identified. This paper introduces an approach for unification of monitoring data collection and representation based on Semantic Web technologies. The main contribution of this paper is the design and implementation of an ontology-based information model for monitoring federated infrastructures. An initial validation has been achieved in a local cloud test bed, however, this solution is planned for a federation of multiple heterogeneous test beds within the context of the European Fed4FIRE project.

FIDDLE: Federated Infrastructure Discovery and Description Language

Abstract: Considerable efforts have been spent on designing architectures to manage heterogeneous resources across multiple administrative domains. Specific fields of application are federated cloud computing (Intercloud) approaches and distributed testbeds, among others. An important interoperability challenge that arises in this context is the exchange of information about the provided resources and their dependencies. Existing work usually rests upon schematic data models, which impede the discovery and management of heterogeneous resources between autonomous sites. One way of addressing this issue is to exchange semantic information models. In this paper, we exploit such approaches to formally define federations, including their infrastructures and the life-cycle of the offered resources and services. The requirements of this work have been derived from several research projects and the results are in process of being standardized by an international body. The main contribution of this work is a higher level (upper) ontology and initial integration concepts for it. These contributions form a basis for further work in the general context of distributed semantic resource management.

TRESCIMO: European union and South African Smart City contextual dimensions

Abstract: Cities increasingly face challenges related to pollution, efficient use of resources (e.g. water, energy) and ensuring a good quality of life for its citizens. Solutions built on existing and emerging technologies such as Cloud computing, Internet of Things, Machine-to-Machine and data analytics can improve on or create services able to address these challenges. These solutions are seen as contributors in creating a Smart City. In Europe Smart Cities have been implemented, while South Africa has only recently started with Smart City initiatives. Current thinking has been to replicate international Smart City instances in South Africa. However, an open question is raised if this is an optimal strategy as differences in context might impact on the delivery of services. This paper extracts and compares contextual differences between Europe and South Africa, and based on those insights analyse whether full European solutions will deliver on the promise of a South African Smart City. Furthermore the question is raised if insights into a South African Smart City can strengthen European initiatives. A need for inter-continental automated testing facilities such as those developed by TRESCIMO is identified through which integrated experiments can be conducted to provide insight and answers.

Cross-layer service to network orchestration

Abstract: Networking and software design principles converge currently under the notions of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). This means that network services are not anymore static and manually configured, but they become flexible and in the end virtualized components.

Research & standards: advanced cloud & virtualization techniques for 5G networks [Guest Editorial]

Abstract: The evolution of mobile network architecture is an essential part in the development process of the fifth generation (5G) of cellular mobile systems, and that is through the incorporation of advanced cloud technologies and network function virtualization techniques. The new network architecture needs to support a wide range of high data rate applications and services, offering capacities of up to multiple gigabits per second, yet meeting extremely stringent latency and reliability requirements under a diverse variety of scenarios. Thus the automation of network control and overall system management to achieve such an ambitious set of performance targets became crucial. Significant global effort for the necessary new technologies has been initiated.

Research and standards: advanced cloud and virtualization techniques for 5G networks (part II) [Guest Editorial]

Abstract: The evolution of mobile network architecture is an essential part in the development process of the fifth generation (5G) of cellular mobile systems, and that is through the incorporation of advanced cloud technologies and network function virtualization techniques. The new network architecture needs to support a wide range of high data rate applications and services, offering capacities of up to multiple gigabits per second, yet meeting extremely stringent latency and reliability requirements under a diverse variety of scenarios. Thus, the automation of network control and overall system management to achieve such an ambitious set of performance targets became crucial. Significant global effort for the necessary new technologies has been initiated.

Performance of Interworking Proxy for Interconnecting IEEE1888 Standard at ETSI M2M Platforms

Abstract: In the near future, many electronic devices will be equipped with internet connectivity in which they can communicate with one another. They will be also capable of being monitored and automatic controlled from remote location. As a result, IoT (Internet of Thing) architecture shall thrive in the soon future. Interoperability among various access technologies and many kind of devices become one of crucial concern for the upcoming extensive network infrastructure.

A platform for converged, feature-based real-time communications

Abstract: We propose in this paper a platform enabling advanced real-time communication (RTC) services in a very unified manner. Audio/video RTC is converged with other (not necessarily real-time) information and in-/output from users to create a new, richer communication experiences. More concrete, the proposed platform is capable of tailoring audio/video communication streams to converge their real-time payload with supplemental associated data exchange as images, overlay information, maps or texts. Such converged rich and interactive communication services can be provided either for managed Telecom networks with the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) by using the platform as an Application Server, or over the global Internet for browser-based WebRTC User Agents. The platform scales elastically according to different signaling and media processing load requirements. Problems addressed in our work are (1) platform requirements for converging real-tine multi media/protocol communication services and (2) its extensibility and scalability.

Prototyping new concepts beyond 4G – The Fraunhofer Open5GCore

Abstract: Abstract The 5th Generation of mobile networks (5G) is expected to be rolled out by 2020. New and revolutionary applications are already being envisioned, real-time control of machines, the Tactile Internet for wireless, Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things and self-driving cars, among others. To make this possible important enhancements and improvements in today's existing telecommunication technologies form an end-to-end perspective are required. Early testing and fast prototyping of new approaches and solutions will help to shape the evolving technologies. One of the technical enablers for 5G are two concepts based on the softwarisation and virtualisation of the core network, known as Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation, NFV. Fraunhofer FOKUS has set up the Open5GCore testing environment to start shaping, together with its partners, the nascent 5G technologies by addressing these topics together with other relevant technological developments. After a short motivation, the architecture of the open5GCore is presented, followed by a functional description of supported features.

Global Communications Newsletter [GCN]

Abstract: The following information is presented in this newletter: Advancement of Technology and Use in Managing Events and Enriching Attendee Experience: Preparing the GLOBECOM 2014 IT Infrastructure DLT/DSP Event, Dec. 2014, New Orleans; Highlights from the 6th International Workshop on Reliable Networks Design and Modeling (RNDM 2014); Amateur Radio Lectures In India, September 2014; 5th International FOKUS FUSECO FORUM: Smart Communications Platforms for Seamless Smart City Applications.

MOFI: Monitoring ontology for federated infrastructures

Abstract: Cross-domain resource and infrastructure federation has gained more and more attention in the fields of Cloud and Future Internet (FI) testbeds. But, interoperable monitoring data exchange across heterogeneous domains remains a challenge due to the variety and heterogeneity of the used tools and interfaces. Many efforts have been made to define common data models and protocols but are task or domain specific. Based on the Semantic Web technologies, this paper presents an approach for unified data collection and representation across heterogeneous domains. The paper presents the design and implementation of an ontology-based information model for monitoring federated infrastructures. Its implementation and validation has been initially achieved in a small testbed federation. However, this solution will be deployed in a large federation within the context of the European Fed4FIRE project.

Mobility management for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications

Abstract: This chapter discusses the challenges for machine-to-machine (M2M) mobility management. Connecting a broad range of physical objects requires varying levels of mobility support in M2M networks, due to the nature of connected objects (being humans, cars, robots, etc.). The chapter first reviews the connectivity requirements of the same M2M use cases and existing connectivity infrastructure. The chapter then presents state-of-the-art solutions based on existing networking technologies to support mobility of M2M nodes.

Software defined Bearer Intercloud networks semantic-based network exchange for the IEEE P2302 Intercloud approach

Abstract: In the contemporary cloud computing environment, the various cloud providers adopt different architectures for their systems and usually these are not compatible. The scalable exchange of information about these heterogeneous resources is often not addressed; still this represents an interesting challenge, since different Cloud systems and vendors have different ways to describe and invoke their services, to specify and communicate requirements. Hence a way to provide a common access to Cloud services and to discover and use required services in Cloud federations is highly desirable. The IEEE P2302 Intercloud approach is to define a scalable architecture and to adopt the OMN (Open-Multinet) ontology for supporting its operation. Our work specifically describes the inner workings of the Intercloud system in terms of the Intercloud Federation Application Programmers Interface (API), which are in turn based on the semantic definition of resources, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and Bearer Network Provisioning Metadata.

AdM2M: adaptable machine-to-machine transport framework

Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) could be seen as an umbrella term for interconnected technologies, devices, objects and services. It is not a single technology, rather it is a concept in which many physical objects are interconnected and enabled with intelligent technologies. The fact that interconnected objects represent activities related to all-day applications (e.g., health care, energy management, etc.), imposes different challenges to manage the heterogeneity of interchanged content and underlying technologies. In this paper, we introduce a mechanism to select the proper communication technology based on the exchanging Machine-to-Machine (M2M) traffic pattern from sensors/devices and gateways to an M2M server platform.

Semantic-based Network Exchange for the IEEE P2302 Intercloud Approach

Abstract: In the contemporary cloud computing environment, the various cloud providers adopt different architectures for their systems and usually these are not compatible. The scalable exchange of information about these heterogeneous resources is often not addressed; still this represents an interesting challenge, since different Cloud systems and vendors have different ways to describe and invoke their services, to specify and communicate requirements. Hence a way to provide a common access to Cloud services and to discover and use required services in Cloud federations is highly desirable. The IEEE P2302 Intercloud ap- proach is to define a scalable architecture and to adopt the OMN (Open-Multinet) ontology for supporting its operation. Our work specifically describes the inner workings of the Intercloud system in terms of the Intercloud Federation Application Programmers Interface (API), which are in turn based on the semantic definition of resources, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and Bearer Network Provisioning Metadata. Index Terms—Federation, Intercloud, SDN, Semantic, Ontol- ogy