Showing papers presented at "International Conference on Mobile Networks and Management in 2012"

Physical Cell ID Allocation in Multi-layer, Multi-vendor LTE Networks

Abstract: The evolution of radio access technologies and the user demand for increased capacity drives network deployments towards multiple cell layouts, often referred to as Heterogeneous Networks. With the ongoing rollout of commercial Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, not only different radio access technologies are offered but LTE networks can also be multi-layered by themselves, consisting of differently sized cells providing coverage in overlapping areas. This comes with increased complexity of network management, which is even more relevant in common multi-vendor deployments, where coordinated configuration and operation of network elements provided by different vendors is essential. In this paper, we investigate and evaluate possible allocation schemes of an LTE radio parameter, the Physical Cell Identity. Results indicate that a particular allocation strategy, the range separation provides an elegant and efficient solution, which makes PCI management in multi-layer, multi-vendor networks easier. The standardization relevance of the range separation scheme is also discussed.

User-Centric Mobility Management Architecture for Vehicular Networks

Abstract: Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) is a subclass of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks that provides wireless communication among vehicles as well as between vehicles and roadside devices. Providing safety and user comfort for drivers and passengers is a promising goal of these networks. Some user applications need a connection to internet through gateways which are in the road side. This connection could generate an overhead of control messages and also the handover time among gateways can affect the performance of these applications. This paper proposes an architecture for intra- and inter-system management for virtual environments in vehicular networks, supporting user-driven applications. More specifically, we consider applications that depend on virtual environments which must be constantly updated, such as online gaming. To efficiently support these applications, the proposed architecture includes an extension of the 802.21 protocol to cope with the virtual environment updates. NS3 simulations were performed to evaluate the proposal over the proxy MIPv6 considering VANET and LTE networks as base stations. We observed that the proposed mechanism that extends the 802.21 protocol had a shorter handover time and lower packet loss when acting with the presented architecture.

A Cognitive Management Framework for Smart Objects and Applications in the Internet of Things

Abstract: This paper proposes a cognitive management framework for the Internet of Things (IoT). The framework includes three levels of functionality: virtual object (virtual representation of real object enriched with context information), composite virtual object (cognitive mash-up of semantically interoperable virtual objects), and user/stakeholder levels. Cognitive entities at all levels provide the means for self-management (configuration, healing, optimization, protection) and learning. The paper also presents the implementation of the proposed framework, comprising real sensors and actuators. The preliminary results of this work demonstrate high potential towards self-reconfigurable IoT.

Statistical Analysis of Contact Patterns between Human-Carried Mobile Devices

Abstract: In this paper, we focus on analyzing the impact of human-to-human contact patterns on opportunistic communication in Pocket Switched Networks (PSNs). We take advantage of statistical methods to consider the distributions of two different types of inter-contact time as well as the number of contacts between human-carried mobile devices. Different from the results from recent studies, we present empirical evidence that power law with exponential cutoff characterizes all three distributions of interest better than other possible long-tail distributions. We further show that each of the investigated distributions has a finite mean value. Having a finite mean value is of importance for each distribution, as it facilitates the design of distributed community detection algorithms as well as social-based forwarding algorithms. Finally, we make the recommendation to exploit the average number of contacts as a threshold for each device to determine their friend-set, which is a precondition for some distributed community detection algorithms.

Denser Networks for the Future Internet, the CROWD Approach

Abstract: This paper presents the key ideas behind the ICT CROWD (Connectivity management for eneRgy Optimised Wireless Dense networks) project, funded by the European Commission. The project moves from the observation that wireless traffic demand is currently growing exponentially. This growing demand can only be satisfied by increasing the density of points of access and combining different wireless technologies. Mobile network operators have already started to push for denser, heterogeneous deployments; however, current technology needs to steer towards efficiency, to avoid unsustainable energy consumption and network performance implosion due to interference. In this context, CROWD promotes a paradigm shift in the future wireless Internet architecture, towards global network cooperation, dynamic network functionality configuration and fine, on demand, capacity tuning. CROWD pursues four key goals: (i) bringing density-proportional capacity where it is needed, (ii) optimising MAC mechanisms operating in very dense deployments by explicitly accounting for density as a resource rather than as an impediment, (iii) enabling traffic-proportional energy consumption, and (iv) guaranteeing mobile user’s quality of experience by designing smarter connectivity management solutions.

Evaluating User-Centric Multihomed Flow Management for Mobile Devices in Simulated Heterogeneous Networks

Abstract: We implemented approaches to solve the multihomed flow management problem using the OPNET simulator. We formulate a quality-aware decision method as a binary integer problem and use it (with the CPLEX solver) to drive the network selection and flow distribution in the simulated scenarios. We compare the behaviour of application flows with our approach and the most commonly implemented nowadays. This allows us to more accurately evaluate these approaches’ potential when applied to real network scenarios, where adaptation loops in protocols and algorithms in the network stack may alter the expected performance. We show that, even uncalibrated, the quality-aware multihomed flow management allows to make better trade-offs between different user criteria and identify improvement directions.

On the performance of LTE UL power control in realistic conditions

Abstract: This paper deals with the interference control in the uplink (UL) of Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems. Although the multiple access technique allows an almost null intra-cell interference, the system is still sensitive to the inter-cell component caused by neighbouring cells. The UL power control proposed by the 3GPP is a means to reduce this interference. In this sense, user equipments (UE) establish an operation point (open loop power control or OLPC) to compensate the mean path loss and its slow variations. Additionally, this may be fine tuned by specific commands (closed loop). The current paper focuses on the performance of OLPC when deployed in realistic scenarios where heterogeneity is a key feature, both in the deployment of sites and in the concentration of users. The investigation is done in a comparative way, against a classic synthetic and regular scenario. Results indicate that the performance of the OLPC differs from the theoretical environment, due to the difference in the scenario nature. The summation of indoor coverage and guided path-loss results the urban scenario OLPC optimal point to lie in between two limits, one established by the reduced transmitted power fixed by the OLPC and the other by the interferences.

OConS Supported on Demand Radio Resource Allocation for Virtual Connectivity

Abstract: With the increase of mobile network utilisation, the virtualisation of wireless resources becomes an important issue in the overall Virtual Networks (VNets) process. In this paper, the On Demand Virtual Network Radio Resource Allocation (OnDemand VRRA) mechanism is proposed to take advantage of the set of shared resources available within a cluster of wireless resources from different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) for wireless virtualisation. Optimising resource utilisation satisfying the VNet contracted capacity is its main objective. Furthermore, the mechanism is modelled according to the Open Connectivity Services (OConS) architecture, in order to demonstrate the advantages of its use within the OConS framework. Simulation results show that the introduction of OnDemand VRRA allows supporting the minimum bandwidth requirement in a wireless cluster, composed of several physical base stations from different RATs. The percentage of operation out of contract (i.e., below the virtual operator’s contracted capacity) for a VNet with guaranteed minimum service is zero for a number of end users in the VNet up to 80% of the total, which is higher than in other circumstances. One also observes that VNets providing guaranteed services can achieve the contracted data rate independently of the number of end users in other VNets.

Uplink QoS Aware Multi-homing in Integrated 3GPP and non-3GPP Future Networks

Abstract: Future wireless networks will consist of a mixed heterogeneous 3GPP and non-3GPP access technologies. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP has already facilitated the integration of non-3GPP access by standardizing the System Architecture Evolution (SAE) where non-3GPP access technologies can co-exist with 3GPP access networks. In such heterogeneous networks though the seamless vertical handovers can be performed between the available access networks, the question still remains whether the Quality of Service (QoS) demands of user applications can be satisfied from QoS unaware non-3GPP access technologies? Within the context of the Open Connectivity Services (OConS) of the SAIL European project[1], this work investigates the effects of the integration of two network types on user Quality of Experience (QoE) in the uplink direction. In order to realize QoS guaranteed service from non-3GPP access technologies, this paper proposes two novel resource estimation and management algorithms. With the help of simulation it is shown that integration of non-3GPP technologies in the existing 4G networks extends the network capacity without compromising the user QoE when the proposed schemes are deployed.

A Re-optimization Approach for Virtual Network Embedding

Abstract: Network Virtualization is claimed to be a key component of the Future Internet by enabling the coexistence of heterogeneous (virtual) networks in the same physical infrastructure, providing the dynamic creation and support of different networks with different paradigms and mechanisms in the same physical network A major challenge in the dynamic provision of virtual networks resides in the optimal embedding solution of virtual resources into physical ones

On the Addition of a Network Coding Layer within an Open Connectivity Services Framework

Abstract: In this work we propose a tailored Network Coding (NC) solution to be fitted within the scope of a novel communication architecture designed to address the requirements of the Future Internet, thus taking advantage of the subjacent flexibility and openness that this concrete framework is able to provide. Besides, we evaluate the behavior of TCP over a wireless mesh network in order to assert the benefits that such NC solution might bring about, compared to a legacy store-and-forward routing scheme, thus filling the gap encountered over the tuple NC-Wireless Mesh Networks-TCP .

ISAAR (Internet Service Quality Assessment and Automatic Reaction) a QoE Monitoring and Enforcement Framework for Internet Services in Mobile Networks

Abstract: In order to achieve acceptable service quality, the broad spectrum of Internet services requires differentiated handling and forwarding of the respective traffic flows within increasingly “Internet Protocol (IP)” based mobile networks. The “3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)” standard based procedures allow for such service differentiation by means of dedicated “GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP)” tunnels, which need to be specifically setup and potentially updated as the mixture of client initiated service consumption changes. The ISAAR (Internet Service quality Assessment and Automatic Reaction) framework augments existing quality of service functions in mobile networks by flow based network centric quality of experience monitoring and enforcement functions. The following chapters state the current situation followed by the explanation of the ISAAR architecture in chapter 3 and its internal realisation in chapters 4, 5 and 6. Chapter 7 gives an overview of the required signalling procedures and interfaces followed by a summary and outlook chapter 8.

Prototype: OConS Multi-path Content Delivery with NetInf

Abstract: One of the primary activities of today’s networks is the movement of content. This has made the point-to-point communication architecture of current networks unsuitable for today’s needs. Information Centric Networking (ICN) changes this model with newer networking architectures such as the Network of Information (NetInf). The multi-path capabilities that are much admired in current networks, have also been integrated into these architectures. But, these architectures do not define formal mechanisms to utilise these multiple paths to avail their benefits. The prototype presented in this work demonstrates the use of multi-path content delivery in NetInf based ICN networks through the Open Connectivity Services mechanisms and framework.

QoS Impact of Hierarchical Routing in Multi-channel Sensor Networks

Abstract: Enabling integration of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and smart objects with the Internet is an important milestone towards the so called Internet of Things. Providing these networks with QoS capabilities is crucial for emerging applications that have end-to-end requirements on the border wireless network domain. Impairments such as delays and losses are heavily influenced by the quality of the communication channels, the routing, the MAC protocol and the interactions of these influential factors. In this work we report on a hierarchical routing scheme for sensor networks with multi-channel radios aiming at improving QoS. The scheme decouples the aforementioned influences: The MAC-protocol is responsible for a scheduling in a set of nodes called a cluster. Neighboring clusters use different frequencies. The routing is done at the level of clusters. The (distributed) algorithms executed by the network nodes to support this architecture are evaluated against optimal solutions for clustering, frequency allocation and routing derived from Integer Linear Programming.

Centralized GW Control and IP Address Management for 3GPP Networks

Abstract: This paper discusses a shift of functionality in the 3GPP Evolved Packet Core (EPC) from distributed data plane gateways (GW) to centralized control nodes. In particular in deployments with largely distributed GWs cost savings for management of the network can be expected. As a special use case that takes advantage of the proposed architecture a GW relocation scheme is introduced that allows smooth migration of users from one GW to another.

Wireless Multi-access Delivery for SVC-Based Video Applications

Abstract: Optimized video delivery, Quality of Experience (QoE) and customer satisfaction are key issues to be addressed by mobile network operators while providing next generation video services to their users. The sharp increase in video traffic, the diversity of video applications and the availability of advanced smart-phones create new challenges that require a closer cooperation between the different layers of the IP protocol stack. Specifically, in this paper we explore the combination of heterogeneous wireless access (3G and WiFi) with intelligent video transport mechanisms implemented at the core network. Experiments demonstrate that implementing Scalable Video Coding (SVC) awareness at the mobility anchors can greatly enhance the video delivery process, increasing the QoE perceived at the users while reducing the cost per bit carried over the wireless network. Leveraging our prior work on IP flow mobility, we conduct experimental tests of SVC-based applications and report the perceived QoE over a sample of 25 people. The results show that the combination of 3G and WiFi coverage enhance the video delivery close to locally played video streams.

Security Requirements for Managing Smart Objects in Home Automation

Abstract: Enabling technologies for the Internet of Things are well understood, and open standards exist that define how to use the Internet Protocol, Version 6, (IPv6) to interconnect smart objects with each other and to the public Internet. As these devices typically are quite limited in their hardware resources, security is often considered too expensive and is sacrificed for a marginal extension of battery lifetime. Missing security not only exposes the application logic to evildoers but also affects management functions. In this paper, we discuss potential threats to machine-to-machine communication and provide a detailed example how protection requirements can be inferred from a given application scenario.

Switching of Routing Algorithms in Wireless Networks for Fire Fighting

Abstract: Fire fighters often work in dangerous and dynamic environments, which results in frequent change of network topologies and routing requirements. While the existing routing protocols are not able to cope with such a changeable environment, this paper proposes a self adaptive hybrid routing algorithm. This routing algorithm can switch between the proactive routing algorithm and reactive routing algorithm for each node pair automatically. An analytical model is created to describe the routing switch decision making algorithm. This model is based on a set of the cost functions. A numerical example shows the necessity of switching routing algorithms to reduce the overall control message overhead.

A price based load balancing scheme for multi-operator wireless access networks

Abstract: We study a load balancing strategy, based on the price offered by the base stations to the end-users who are willing to establish a connection. The proposed scheme is compared with a pure load balancing procedure, in a scenario comprising two different operators.We study the impact of modifying the price offered by the base stations, in terms of the achieved load balancing, as well as considering the revenue obtained by the operators. Furthermore, we also enhance the two former access selection schemes, by incorporating the willingness of reducing the number of handovers, so as to analyze the impact over this particular parameter, and over all the previous results. The whole work is conducted over a proprietary event-based simulation tool, which offers the required degree of flexibility and low computational overhead.

Design and Implementation of the Open Connectivity Services Framework

Abstract: The Open Connectivity Services (OConS) framework is currently being defined within the framework of the SAIL project. Its main objective is to offer adaptive connectivity services to seamlessly address user and service requirements while complying with operator policies and dealing with the heterogeneous and changing network conditions of the future Internet. This paper describes a realization of this framework. It supports flexible integration of both legacy and novel mechanisms and protocols by mapping them to three abstract functional entities: information, decision and execution elements. Organization of these entities is done through an orchestration process to combine and integrate the various mechanisms into a full service for the user. We introduce the OConS protocol used for communication between the presented entities as well as the role played by the orchestration process. We then present the concrete example of a testbed based on this implementation, which shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Service and communication management in cooperative vehicular networks

Abstract: With the increasing demand for traffic safety and efficiency and constant search for innovative solutions within the automotive market coupled with supporting initiatives from regulatory (governmental) domains, the potential of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is vast. Basic vehicle and roadside infrastructure collaboration allows an increase in efficiency and safety and acts as the foundation for an extensive application set to achieve the ITS goals of cleaner, safer and more efficient travel. There are some important considerations however. Taking into account the wide array of communication technologies and plethora of proposed applications, this paper aims to address one of the major and largely unexplored challenges facing the ITS research community in relation to service and communication management (SCM), whereby the underlying communications capability is sufficiently exploited to assure satisfactory operation of deployed ITS applications. Such functionality is integral in ensuring the successful dissemination of relevant information throughout the vehicular network, contributing to the overall success and acceptance of the ITS hypothesis. On examination of the state of the art, a foundational architecture for service and communication management in cooperative vehicular systems is presented. Using this proposed framework, a diverse mix of approaches for SCM are examined using CALMnet, a networkcentric ITS simulation environment, highlighting the effect of different techniques on system performance and user satisfaction.

User-Centric Network-Application Interaction for Live HD Video Streaming

Abstract: Applications and resource allocation within the network become more and more flexible in supporting divergent user demands This is reflected by state-of-the-art video codecs like H264/SVC which allow a dynamic adaptation of the video quality and therewith the required network resources Within the network, techniques like network virtualization and multipath data transport allow flexible allocation of network resources based on application demands This paper outlines the potential of the interaction between application and network with an example of a scalable video streaming service and a multipath transport network

Threat Model Based Security Evaluation of Open Connectivity Services

Abstract: Open Connectivity Services (OConS) is a new approach for an improved control of connectivity and services on the level of physical or data link, routing and transport, flow and session control The approach builds on the principles of open networking and access to open control interfaces One characteristics of the OConS approach is that the control implementation are foreseen as distributable components that can be spread and deployed over computing nodes To enable the necessary and suitable security and privacy protection addressing misuse, availability obstacles and to identify potential privacy issues, this paper contributes a threat analysis on OConS

Implementation of Context-Aware Network Architecture for Smart Objects Based on Functional Composition

Abstract: Lack of flexibility of current Internet architecture led researchers to come up with new paradigms for a novel Internet architecture, which would be able to reduce complexity and increase flexibility compared to current Internet architecture Functional composition is a promising approach to flexible and evolvable architecture design The idea is composing complex protocol suites by dynamically bind and arrange different functions to obtain certain behavior Herein, we present the implementation of a context-aware network architecture based on functional composition for smart objects A sub-set of those basic functional blocks has been implemented and validated on an experimental testbed using different network topologies

Evaluation of Dense Cooperative Relay Deployments for Autonomic Emergency Communications

Abstract: The consideration of the concept of autonomic cooperative networking is very well justified in the context of emergency communications. Emergency networks are instantiated on demand in the areas of incident and are formed by First Responders who are coordinated by Chief First Responders. This way, the the entire networked emergency system might attempt to adapt accurately to the changing conditions and requirements. Specifically, it is possible to employ cooperative transmission between different Chief First Responders so that, for resilience purposes, they would be in a position to mutually support the transmission of the same data. This paper provides an analysis of cooperative set-ups of this type allowing to quantify potential gains which would result from autonomic switching among densely populated Chief First Responders.

On the Equilibrium of Pricing Assignment for Heterogeneous Wireless Access Networks

Abstract: Next generation networks and service providers are rapidly evolving in order to satisfy the demands of an increasing number of users. Nowadays, one of the most relevant research lines in the Heterogeneous Wireless Access Networks realm is the use of procedures and mechanisms so as to provide intelligence to the network, with the main goal of optimizing its performance. Furthermore, mobile communication users are becoming more demanding, and thus it becomes essential for the providers to be able to offer a competitive value for money. This paper pursues the objective of obtaining, from an analytical perspective, the optimum price assignment strategy according to the characteristics of a particular scenario, analyzing the improvement attained with such optimum pricing policy as compared to a more traditional one. Game theory techniques, which are gathering the interest within the communications scientific community, are used for the analysis.

Service for Management of Connectivity in Spontaneous Community-Based Wireless Mesh Networks

Abstract: Spontaneously deployed wireless mesh networks raise challenging connectivity aspects. Based on an organizational framework and on an open connectivity service architecture, an opportunistic resources management service is proposed, which exploits network conditions and node capabilities to improve connectivity. This service is able to orchestrate adequate connectivity mechanisms, such as access provisioning, mesh forwarding and Internet gateway ones, in multi-radio nodes. The service is evaluated for a spontaneous neighbourhood community-based Wireless Mesh Network scenario, where a flash crowd of end-users with heterogeneous terminals is explored. It is shown that network performance is improved, increasing overall coverage and capacity.