Showing papers by "Deutsche Telekom published in 2016"

A Survey of Security in Software Defined Networks

Abstract: The proposition of increased innovation in network applications and reduced cost for network operators has won over the networking world to the vision of software-defined networking (SDN). With the excitement of holistic visibility across the network and the ability to program network devices, developers have rushed to present a range of new SDN-compliant hardware, software, and services. However, amidst this frenzy of activity, one key element has only recently entered the debate: Network Security . In this paper, security in SDN is surveyed presenting both the research community and industry advances in this area. The challenges to securing the network from the persistent attacker are discussed, and the holistic approach to the security architecture that is required for SDN is described. Future research directions that will be key to providing network security in SDN are identified.

Mobile network architecture evolution toward 5G

Abstract: As a chain is as strong as its weakest element, so are the efficiency, flexibility, and robustness of a mobile network, which relies on a range of different functional elements and mechanisms. Indeed, the mobile network architecture needs particular attention when discussing the evolution of 3GPP EPS because it is the architecture that integrates the many different future technologies into one mobile network. This article discusses 3GPP EPS mobile network evolution as a whole, analyzing specific architecture properties that are critical in future 3GPP EPS releases. In particular, this article discusses the evolution toward a "network of functions," network slicing, and software-defined mobile network control, management, and orchestration. Furthermore, the roadmap for the future evolution of 3GPP EPS and its technology components is detailed and relevant standards defining organizations are listed.

5G Radio Access Network Architecture: Design Guidelines and Key Considerations

Abstract: While there is clarity on the wide range of applications that are to be supported by 5G cellular communications, and standardization of 5G has now started in 3GPP, there is no conclusion yet on the detailed design of the overall 5G RAN. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 5G RAN design guidelines, key design considerations, and functional innovations as identified and developed by key players in the field.1 It depicts the air interface landscape that is envisioned for 5G, and elaborates on how this will likely be harmonized and integrated into an overall 5G RAN, in the form of concrete control and user plane design considerations and architectural enablers for network slicing, supporting independent business-driven logical networks on a common infrastructure. The article also explains key functional design considerations for the 5G RAN, highlighting the difference to legacy systems such as LTE-A and the implications of the overall RAN design.

5G service requirements and operational use cases: Analysis and METIS II vision

Abstract: One of the objectives of METIS-II project is to facilitate discussion on scenarios, use cases, KPIs and requirements for 5G, building upon the comprehensive work conducted in the METIS-I project and taking the work of other European projects as well as other bodies such as ITU-R, NGMN, etc. into account. This paper analyses the landscape of 5G use cases and presents METIS-II 5G use cases that cover the main 5G services, have stringent requirements and whose technical solutions are expected to serve other similar use cases as well. It also links these use cases to the business cases defined by 5G PPP so that requirements of vertical industries can be taken into account when designing the 5G Radio Access Network (RAN).

Impact of network slicing on 5G Radio Access Networks

Abstract: Network slicing addresses the deployment of multiple logical networks as independent business operations on a common physical infrastructure. The concept has initially been proposed for the 5th Generation (5G) core network (CN) however, it has not been investigated yet what network slicing would represent to the design of the 5G radio access network (RAN). The paper explains how network slicing may impact several aspects of the 5G RAN design such as the protocol architecture, the design of network functions (NFs) and the management framework that needs to support both the management of the infrastructure to be shared among the slices and the slice operation.

Information-Centric Networking (ICN) Research Challenges

Abstract: This memo describes research challenges for Information-Centric Networking (ICN), an approach to evolve the Internet infrastructure to directly support information distribution by introducing uniquely named data as a core Internet principle. Data becomes independent from location, application, storage, and means of transportation, enabling or enhancing a number of desirable features, such as security, user mobility, multicast, and in-network caching. Mechanisms for realizing these benefits is the subject of ongoing research in the IRTF and elsewhere. This document describes current research challenges in ICN, including naming, security, routing, system scalability, mobility management, wireless networking, transport services, in-network caching, and network management. This document is a product of the IRTF Information-Centric Networking Research Group (ICNRG).

RECODIS: Resilient Communication Services Protecting End-user Applications from Disaster-based Failures

Abstract: Disaster-based failures can seriously disrupt any communication network, making its services unavailable. Such disruptions may be caused by natural disasters, technology-related failures, or malicious attacks, and they are observably increasing in number, intensity and scale. When network services that are a part of critical infrastructure become unavailable, commercial and/or societal problems are inevitable. The issue of limiting the impact of disaster-based failures needs to be urgently addressed due to the lack of suitable mechanisms deployed in the current networks.

On the filter narrowing issues in elastic optical networks

Abstract: This paper describes the problematic filter narrowing effect in the context of next-generation elastic optical networks. First, three possible scenarios are introduced: the transition from an actual fixed-grid to a flexi-grid network, the generic full flexi-grid network, and a proposal for a filterless optical network. Next, we investigate different transmission techniques and evaluate the penalty introduced by the filtering effect when considering Nyquist wavelength division multiplexing, single side-band direct-detection orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, and symbol-rate variable dual polarization quadrature amplitude modulation. Also, different approaches to compensate for the filter narrowing effect are discussed. Results show that the specific needs per each scenario can be fulfilled by the aforementioned technologies and techniques or a combination of them, when balancing performance, network reach, and cost.

Disaster-resilient communication networks: Principles and best practices

Abstract: Communication network failures that are caused by disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and cyber-attacks, can have significant economic and societal impact To address this problem, the research community has been investigating approaches to network resilience for several years However, aside from well-established techniques, many of these solutions have not found their way into operational environments The RECODIS COST Action aims to address this shortcoming by providing solutions that are tailored to specific types of challenge, whilst considering the wider socio-economic issues that are associated with their deployment To support this goal, in this paper, we present an overview of some of the foundational related work on network resilience, covering topics such as measuring resilience and resilient network architectures, amongst others In addition, we provide insights into current operational best practices for ensuring the resilience of carrier-grade communication networks The aim of this paper is to support the goals of the EU COST Action RECODIS and the wider research community in engineering more resilient communication networks

MyShake: Initial observations from a global smartphone seismic network

Abstract: MyShake is a global smartphone seismic network that harnesses the power of crowdsourcing. In the first 6 months since the release of the MyShake app, there were almost 200,000 downloads. On a typical day about 8,000 phones provide acceleration waveform data to the MyShake archive. The on-phone app can detect and trigger on P-waves and is capable of recording magnitude 2.5 and larger events. More than 200 seismic events have been recorded so far, including events in Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, and across North America. The largest number of waveforms from a single earthquake to date comes from the M5.2 Borrego Springs earthquake in southern California, for which MyShake collected 103 useful 3-component waveforms. The network continues to grow with new downloads from the Google Play store every day, and expands rapidly when public interest in earthquakes peaks such as during an earthquake sequence.

VirtuWind: virtual and programmable industrial network prototype deployed in operational wind park

Abstract: With anticipated exponential growth of connected devices, future industrial networks require an open solutions architecture facilitated by standards and a strong ecosystem. Such solutions should also deal with range of quality of service requirements imposed by industrial networks. Preserving strict quality of service is particularly challenging when services pass across domains of multiple provides. VirtuWindVirtuWind: http://www.virtuwind.eu. aims to develop and demonstrate a Software Defined Networking and Network Function Virtualization ecosystem, based on an open, modular and secure framework to address stringent requirements of the industrial networks. A prototype of the framework for intra-domain and inter-domain scenarios will be showcased in real Wind Parks, as a representative use case of industrial networks. This paper details this vision and explains steps forward. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Semantic interoperability for the Web of Things

Abstract: This paper is co-authored by an informal group of experts from a broad range of backgrounds all of whom are active in standards groups, consortia and/or alliances in the Internet of Things (IoT) space. The ambition is to create mindshare on approaches to semantic interoperability and to actively encourage consensus building on what the co-authors regard as a key technical issue

Vorrichtung zur Anbindung von kieferorthopädischen Vorrichtungen an Kommunikationsnetze, kieferorthopädische Vorrichtung, System und Verfahren

Abstract: Die Erfindung beschreibt eine Vorrichtung zur Anbindung von kieferorthopadischen Vorrichtungen an Kommunikationsnetze, sowie eine kieferorthopadische Vorrichtung, ein System und ein Verfahren konfiguriert zur Bereitstellung einer Anbindung einer kieferorthopadischen Vorrichtung an ein Kommunikationsnetz. Die erfindungsgemase Vorrichtung weist dabei mindestens einen Sensor zur Aufnahme von Sensordaten betreffend die kieferorthopadische Vorrichtung und eine Kommunikationseinrichtung zur Weiterleitung der Sensordaten an das Kommunikationsnetz auf. Das erfindungsgemase System, ist dabei ein System mit einer Patientendatenvorrichtung, die uber ein Kommunikationsnetz mit einem externen Gerat verbindbar ist, wobei das externe Gerat mit der erfindungsgemasen Vorrichtung verbindbar ist.

Joint Design of Communication and Control for Connected Cars in 5G Communication Systems

Abstract: This paper is advocating for joint design of com- munication and control in cyber physical systems, especially self driving automobiles, exploiting adaptive and next generation networking concepts such as mobile edge clouds in 5G commu- nication systems. In this paper, we present our '5G connected- cars' testbed that was demonstrated in multiple international events including the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona in 2016. It constitutes a complete network architecture and cloud software services that facilitates custom built miniature cars to run autonomously on a track with an intersection without collisions by using hybrid car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communi- cation. We tackle the latency problem in classical connected cyber physical systems by the use of mobile edge cloud in the full blown emulated 5G air interface in the cmWave band in Nokia Airframe. Finally, presenting some measurements from the testbed, we advocate for a dedicated 5G air interface for reliable and scalable steering and control, as opposed to the use of ISM bands such as IEEE802.11P.

On practical selective jamming of Bluetooth Low Energy advertising

Abstract: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Advertising is an important component of BLE as it is used to broadcast connection information to other devices nearby, usually smartphones. Furthermore, it is the foundation of a variety of services, such as indoor localization. We present a selective jammer against BLE beacons. The jammer selectively jams only BLE advertising beacons for which it was configured (API) on just the BLE advertising channels actually being used (narrowband). Such a jammer is hard to detect and hence requires a sophisticated Intrusion Detection System (IDS). The prototypic implementation uses off-the-shelf embedded hardware which is low-cost, small-size and very power efficient. Experiment results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed solution and reveal the impact of the distance between jammer and receiver on the advertising success rate. At short distances the jammer is able to successfully corrupt all BLE advertisement beacon frames making the BLE beacon source undiscoverable.

How can a mobile service provider reduce costs with software-defined networking?

Abstract: Network architecture innovation has been driven by virtualization and centralization of network control based on software-defined networking SDN and by network functions moved to the cloud with network function virtualization NFV. These two principles are considered as promising enablers to reduce costs and spur innovation. In the first part of the paper, we argue that the evolved packet system EPS can be seen as a service function chain and an area in which service providers can capitalize on SDN and NFV capabilities. A multi-layer modular architecture for carrier networks based on SDN and NFV principles is provided. In the second part of the paper, we focus solely on SDN, and we argue that service providers can benefit from SDN to reach cost savings in their mobile network. Our work focuses on the cost savings that can be reached via the centralization of control and the operational paradigm of developing and operating the network management software in-house instead of buying a vendor solution only. We quantify the potential cost savings that can be reached in an Internet protocol/multi-protocol label switching-based transport service with SDN capabilities that interconnects the key functional elements in a mobile network. In the analysis, we evaluate the impact on capital expenditures and provide details on the impact on operational expenditures. The evaluation can serve as a blueprint for techno-economic analysis of the mobile network operator's processes in the transport network of a mobile network. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

(Re-)actions speak louder than words? A novel test method for tracking user behavior in web video services

Abstract: Assuring user engagement has become a key issue for Internet Service Providers and Over-the-Top Providers. How long are users consuming a service? When are they likely to abandon it due to quality problems? Rather than just estimating perceived audiovisual quality, future quality prediction models will also factor in possible user behavior. This contribution presents a novel test method to assess short-term user behavior in web video services, in a controlled living-room-like environment. We show that typical behavioral responses (such as seeking, reloading, or selecting another video) can be elicited, with the real purpose of the test hidden from the viewers. We can also see that when users are not focused on judging quality, their perception of errors changes significantly. This paper highlights the strong impact of laboratory test situations on users' behavior and discusses the challenges revolving around finding valid test methods.

An adaptive 5G multiservice and multitenant radio access network architecture

Abstract: This article provides an overview on objectives and first results of the Horizon 2020 project 5G NOvel Radio Multiservice adaptive network Architecture 5GNORMA. With 5G NORMA, leading players in the mobile ecosystem aim to underpin Europe's leadership position in 5G. The key objective of 5G NORMA is to develop a conceptually novel, adaptive and future-proof 5G mobile network architecture. This architecture will allow for adapting the network to a wide range of service specific requirements, resulting in novel service-aware and context-aware end-to-end function chaining. The technical approach is based on an innovative concept of adaptive decomposition and allocation of mobile network functions based on end-user requirements and infrastructure capabilities. At the same time, cost savings and faster time to market are to be expected by joint deployment of logically separated multiservice and multitenant networks on common hardware and other physical resources making use of traffic multiplexing gains. In this context architectural enablers such as network function virtualization and software-defined mobile networking will play a key role for introducing the needed flexible resource assignment to logical networks and specific virtual network functions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Doing business in Ukraine – multinational companies in the trap of regional institutions?

Abstract: The transition process in Ukraine is far from being completed and large differences among the regions prevail. The adaptation of market-based and reliable institutional arrangements differs strongly among the capital region, the western (Lviv), and the eastern part (Kharkiv) of the country. Conducive regional institutions are necessary for two reasons. First, multinational corporations (MNCs) need transparent and reliable institutions to fully exploit benefits from their investment decision. Second, MNCs might only deliver positive impacts to the regional economy which are envisaged by the local governments under these circumstances. This paper aims to assess the quality of regional institutions from the perspective of MNCs and the interdependence between institutional quality and investment motives by using data from an explorative enterprise survey of 153 foreign firms in three Ukrainian regions. The analysis of the World Bank’s Doing Business indicators clearly shows strong regional variation in institutional quality in Ukraine. Due to higher institutional quality, investors are attracted to the capital region and are potentially performing more sophisticated activities and create a higher value for the regional economy. Whereas the capital region can be seen as the frontrunner in the transition process, the regional economic system of Kharkiv is still strongly based on persisting networks from the Soviet time which leads to worse evaluations of the institutional quality. In Lviv, the post-Soviet legacy is less pronounced and institutional quality is assessed more positive than in Kharkiv, but still falls behind the capital region. As a result of the very distinct assessment of the regional quality of institutions, region-specific policy measures are proposed.

Method for controlling radio access resources in a communications network

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling radio access resources in a communications network (300), the communications network (300) having a plurality of sub-networks (305) with a first sub-network (305-1) and a sub-network (305-2), at least one pre-determined quality of service class being assigned to each sub-network (305) according to at least one quality of service agreement. The quality of service classes of the sub-networks (305) are managed by a central quality of service manager (301) and the communications network (300) also has a radio access network (303) comprising a plurality of radio access entities (401). The method comprises: transmission of details of a quality of service class of the first sub-network (305-1) by the central quality of service manager (301) to a first radio access entity (401-1), for radio access to the first sub-network (305-1).

Performance Evaluation for New Web Caching Strategies Combining LRU with Score Based Object Selection

Abstract: The topic of Internet content caching regained relevance over the last years due to the extended use of data center infrastructures in CDNs, clouds and ISP networks to meet the capacity and delay demands of multimedia services. In this study, we evaluate the performance of web caching strategies in terms of the achievable hit rate for realistic scenarios of large user populations. We focus on a class of score gated least recently used (SG-LRU) strategies which combine the simple update effort of the LRU policy with the flexibility to keep the most important content in the cache according to a predefined score function. Caching efficiency is evaluated via simulations assuming Zipf request pattern, which have been confirmed manifold in the access to popular web platforms for video streaming and other types of content. We analyze the possible hit rate gain of alternative web caching strategies over pure LRU for the standard independent request model (IRM) within the complete relevant range of the three basic system parameters. The results confirm that absolute hit rate gains of 10%-20% over LRU as observed in case studies for special caching strategies are a realistic estimation in general. Moreover, we compare IRM evaluations with results for dynamic request pattern over time using Wikipedia statistics, which recently have been made available as daily top-1000 page requests. Simulations are extended to show the impact of varying object popularity on the caching efficiency and to adapt a score-based caching strategy to increasing popularity dynamics.

Enabling Efficient Multi-Layer Repair in Elastic Optical Networks by Gradually Superimposing SDN

Abstract: Multi-layer resilience is one of the prominent new concepts for modern carrier networks; it efficiently combines the advantages of the optical and the packet layer. However, not all features offered by modern optical transport networks can be fully used by the packet layer yet. In case of a fiber cut, an optical protection mechanism restores the original IP topology after a short transient time. But such an optical restoration is expected to use a new, longer light-path, which in turn might affect the optical capacity of the link. Bit-rate flexible optical transceivers are able to utilize the remaining optical capacity efficiently by adapting the network link capacity accordingly. However, the packet layer is not able to cope with fluctuating link capacities; often the policy is to rather shut down the link completely instead of using the remaining capacity. Consequently, this paper proposes a Segment Routing-based approach with superimposed Software-defined Networking (SDN) to allow the IP network to benefit from these new features. The minimally invasive, gradual deployment of the system is investigated, while keeping other proven and resilient technologies and systems unmodified. Using the topology and traffic matrix of a large German carrier the feasibility of such a deployment is evaluated.

Neues zum Notruf 110 / 112

Abstract: Die Entwicklung der Informations- und Kommunikationstechnik ruft nach einer Erganzung des bisher auf Telefonie oder Fax beschrankten Notrufs um mobile Apps–auch ohne Sprachdienst, z. B. fur Sprach- oder Horbehinderte. Die rechtlichen Anforderungen insbesondere an die Zuverlassigkeit der Lokalisierung des Anrufers und des Routings des Notrufs zur zustandigen Notrufabfragestelle machen eine solche Erganzung zu einer technischen Herausforderung–der sich Gesetzgeber und Anbieter vor dem Hintergrund der Entwicklung jedoch stellen mussen. Der Beitrag zeigt den aktuellen Stand der Diskussion und macht Losungsvorschlage.

Performance and Precision of Web Caching Simulations Including a Random Generator for Zipf Request Pattern

Abstract: The steadily growing Internet traffic volume for video, IP-TV and other content needs support by caching systems and architectures which are provided in global content delivery networks as well as in local networks, on home gateways or user terminals. The efficiency of caching is important in order to save transport capacity and to improve throughput and delays.

Dynamic M2M device attachment and redirection in virtual home gateway environments

Abstract: Virtualized access to M2M (Machine-to-Machine) devices can offer to operators various benefits in terms of hardware and management costs. However, it is often impeded by the inability to efficiently handle the traffic from the devices towards servers that are appropriate to serve as virtual hosts for the given devices. In this paper we present a solution which can be applied in a virtual Home Gateway environment and is based on (i) encoding information about the device and its virtualization technology into TCP/IP packet headers, (ii) selecting virtual hosts based on their compatibility to certain virtualization technologies, and (iii) using Software-defined Networking to make this virtual host selection at the network level in a dynamic manner. Compared to the main alternatives, which are based either on Deep Packet Inspection or on homogeneous servers, our solution is the only one that combines a tailored and non-costly server infrastructure with low networking complexity.

Standards Driven Security Assurance for Mobile Networks

Abstract: A new security assurance scheme for mobile network infrastructure equipment is described in this article. In introducing an effective security assurance scheme, constraints need to be considered as the environment in which the scheme is introduced defines some boundaries. Technology is not the only aspect that counts and it is necessary to achieve a real balance between technical and organisational security improvement, visibility of security levels of network equipment, operational feasibility, and market acceptance and participation. The end goal is to involve a range of stakeholders that need to commit to the scheme so the likely effectiveness, cost, effort and complexity are important parameters that need to be taken into consideration. The mobile industry operates worldwide and thrives on the development of open standards by multiple standards development organisations. Solutions that are designed and agreed must meet the needs of all involved stakeholders around the world to secure support for their delivery to market. This paper explains how standardisation works in and for the mobile industry and introduces the objectives, the constraints, the reasons for developing a security assurance scheme, and describes the proposed scheme for mobile network equipment and lifecycle processes. The article illustrates that the new Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme (NESAS), as it is called, meets the various and different needs of mobile network operators, network equipment vendors, and regulators in a time of ever growing complexity of mobile networks.

Method and communication device for creating and/or editing virtual objects

Abstract: Zur Verbesserung und/oder Vereinfachung von Augmented-Reality-Systemen schlagt die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Erstellen und/oder Andern virtueller Objekte mittels einer beweglichen Kommunikationseinrichtung (130) vor, wobei eine Definition wenigstens eines virtuellen Objektes bereitgestellt wird und Position und Orientierung der Kommunikationseinrichtung (130) bestimmt werden, wobei basierend darauf aus einem mit einer Kamera (137) der Kommunikationseinrichtung (130) aufgenommenen Bild der realen Umgebung ein Uberlagerungs-Bild erzeugt und angezeigt wird, und wobei in Abhangigkeit von Benutzereingaben die Definition des virtuellen Objektes geandert und gespeichert wird.Die Erfindung schlagt ferner eine Kommunikationseinrichtung zur Durchfuhrung des Verfahrens vor.

Handling of emergency calls of a user equipment connected to a wireless access point

Abstract: A method for handling emergency calls includes: receiving, by a user equipment attached to a mobile communication network, emergency call capability information indicative of whether the mobile communication network supports an emergency service for the user equipment in a case where the user equipment is connected to the mobile communication network via a wireless access point connected to an external packet data network; and initiating, by the user equipment, an emergency call via the wireless access point or via an access network of the mobile communication network different from the wireless access point based on whether or not the emergency call capability information indicates that the mobile communication network supports the emergency service for the user equipment in the case where the user equipment is connected to the mobile communication network via the wireless access point.