Showing papers in "IEEE Communications Magazine in 2013"
TL;DR: Three problems in network management are identified: enabling frequent changes to network conditions and state, providing support for network configuration in a highlevel language, and providing better visibility and control over tasks for performing network diagnosis and troubleshooting.
Abstract: Network management is challenging. To operate, maintain, and secure a communication network, network operators must grapple with low-level vendor-specific configuration to implement complex high-level network policies. Despite many previous proposals to make networks easier to manage, many solutions to network management problems amount to stop-gap solutions because of the difficulty of changing the underlying infrastructure. The rigidity of the underlying infrastructure presents few possibilities for innovation or improvement, since network devices have generally been closed, proprietary, and vertically integrated. A new paradigm in networking, software defined networking (SDN), advocates separating the data plane and the control plane, making network switches in the data plane simple packet forwarding devices and leaving a logically centralized software program to control the behavior of the entire network. SDN introduces new possibilities for network management and configuration methods. In this article, we identify problems with the current state-of-the-art network configuration and management mechanisms and introduce mechanisms to improve various aspects of network management. We focus on three problems in network management: enabling frequent changes to network conditions and state, providing support for network configuration in a highlevel language, and providing better visibility and control over tasks for performing network diagnosis and troubleshooting. The technologies we describe enable network operators to implement a wide range of network policies in a high-level policy language and easily determine sources of performance problems. In addition to the systems themselves, we describe various prototype deployments in campus and home networks that demonstrate how SDN can improve common network management tasks.
1,122 citations
TL;DR: The most important shifts in cellular technology in 10-20 years are distilled down to seven key factors, with the implications described and new models and techniques proposed for some, while others are ripe areas for future exploration.
Abstract: Imagine a world with more base stations than cell phones: this is where cellular technology is headed in 10-20 years. This mega-trend requires many fundamental differences in visualizing, modeling, analyzing, simulating, and designing cellular networks vs. the current textbook approach. In this article, the most important shifts are distilled down to seven key factors, with the implications described and new models and techniques proposed for some, while others are ripe areas for future exploration.
952 citations
TL;DR: The question of how to achieve a successful carrier grade network with software-defined networking is raised and specific focus is placed on the challenges of network performance, scalability, security, and interoperability with the proposal of potential solution directions.
Abstract: Cloud services are exploding, and organizations are converging their data centers in order to take advantage of the predictability, continuity, and quality of service delivered by virtualization technologies. In parallel, energy-efficient and high-security networking is of increasing importance. Network operators, and service and product providers require a new network solution to efficiently tackle the increasing demands of this changing network landscape. Software-defined networking has emerged as an efficient network technology capable of supporting the dynamic nature of future network functions and intelligent applications while lowering operating costs through simplified hardware, software, and management. In this article, the question of how to achieve a successful carrier grade network with software-defined networking is raised. Specific focus is placed on the challenges of network performance, scalability, security, and interoperability with the proposal of potential solution directions.
943 citations
TL;DR: Large-scale commercialization of visible light communication devices will depend on both the development of robust and efficient engineering solutions, and the execution of incremental commercialization strategies.
Abstract: Visible light communication is a potentially disruptive form of wireless communication that can supplement radio frequency communication and also uniquely enable novel mobile wireless device use cases. High data rate downlink communication in homes and offices and high accuracy indoor positioning in retail stores are two of the most compelling use cases of this promising new technology. Large-scale commercialization of visible light communication devices will depend on both the development of robust and efficient engineering solutions, and the execution of incremental commercialization strategies.
896 citations
TL;DR: Standards and weaknesses of LTE as an enabling technology for vehicular communications are analyzed, and open issues and critical design choices are highlighted to serve as guidelines for future research in this hot topic.
Abstract: A wide variety of applications for road safety and traffic efficiency are intended to answer the urgent call for smarter, greener, and safer mobility. Although IEEE 802.11p is considered the de facto standard for on-the-road communications, stakeholders have recently started to investigate the usability of LTE to support vehicular applications. In this article, related work and running standardization activities are scanned and critically discussed; strengths and weaknesses of LTE as an enabling technology for vehicular communications are analyzed; and open issues and critical design choices are highlighted to serve as guidelines for future research in this hot topic.
744 citations
TL;DR: A new architecture based on distributed caching of the content in femtobasestations with small or non-existing backhaul capacity but with considerable storage space, called helper nodes is presented, which allows an improvement in the video throughput without deployment of any additional infrastructure.
Abstract: We present a new architecture to handle the ongoing explosive increase in the demand for video content in wireless networks. It is based on distributed caching of the content in femtobasestations with small or non-existing backhaul capacity but with considerable storage space, called helper nodes. We also consider using the wireless terminals themselves as caching helpers, which can distribute video through device-todevice communications. This approach allows an improvement in the video throughput without deployment of any additional infrastructure. The new architecture can improve video throughput by one to two orders-of-magnitude.
690 citations
TL;DR: A reinforcement learning-based eNB selection algorithm is proposed that allows the MTC devices to choose the eNBs (or base stations) to transmit packets in a self-organizing fashion to avoid congestion caused by random channel access of M TC devices.
Abstract: Machine-to-machine communication, a promising technology for the smart city concept, enables ubiquitous connectivity between one or more autonomous devices without or with minimal human interaction. M2M communication is the key technology to support data transfer among sensors and actuators to facilitate various smart city applications (e.g., smart metering, surveillance and security, infrastructure management, city automation, and eHealth). To support massive numbers of machine type communication (MTC) devices, one of the challenging issues is to provide an efficient way for multiple access in the network and to minimize network overload. In this article, we review the M2M communication techniques in Long Term Evolution- Advanced cellular networks and outline the major research issues. Also, we review the different random access overload control mechanisms to avoid congestion caused by random channel access of MTC devices. To this end, we propose a reinforcement learning-based eNB selection algorithm that allows the MTC devices to choose the eNBs (or base stations) to transmit packets in a self-organizing fashion.
567 citations
TL;DR: This article explains software defined networking, which is the key to network programmability, and illustrates SDN¿s applicability with its own research on OpenADN - application delivery in a multi-cloud environment.
Abstract: Network virtualization is the key to the current and future success of cloud computing. In this article, we explain key reasons for virtualization and briefly explain several of the networking technologies that have been developed recently or are being developed in various standards bodies. In particular, we explain software defined networking, which is the key to network programmability. We also illustrate SDN?s applicability with our own research on OpenADN - application delivery in a multi-cloud environment.
529 citations
TL;DR: A holistic view on hyperdense HetSNets is presented, which include fundamental preference in future wireless systems, and technical challenges and recent technological breakthroughs made in such networks.
Abstract: The wireless industry has been experiencing an explosion of data traffic usage in recent years and is now facing an even bigger challenge, an astounding 1000-fold data traffic increase in a decade. The required traffic increase is in bits per second per square kilometer, which is equivalent to bits per second per Hertz per cell × Hertz × cell per square kilometer. The innovations through higher utilization of the spectrum (bits per second per Hertz per cell) and utilization of more bandwidth (Hertz) are quite limited: spectral efficiency of a point-to-point link is very close to the theoretical limits, and utilization of more bandwidth is a very costly solution in general. Hyper-dense deployment of heterogeneous and small cell networks (HetSNets) that increase cells per square kilometer by deploying more cells in a given area is a very promising technique as it would provide a huge capacity gain by bringing small base stations closer to mobile devices. This article presents a holistic view on hyperdense HetSNets, which include fundamental preference in future wireless systems, and technical challenges and recent technological breakthroughs made in such networks. Advancements in modeling and analysis tools for hyper-dense HetSNets are also introduced with some additional interference mitigation and higher spectrum utilization techniques. This article ends with a promising view on the hyper-dense HetSNets to meet the upcoming 1000× data challenge.
527 citations
TL;DR: The design principles are provided and ongoing discussions on small cell enhancements in LTE Release 12 are introduced, and views from two active operators in this area are provided, CMCC and NTT DOCOMO.
Abstract: 3GPP LTE, or Long Term Evolution, the fourth generation wireless access technology, is being rolled out by many operators worldwide. Since LTE Release 10, network densification using small cells has been an important evolution direction in 3GPP to provide the necessary means to accommodate the anticipated huge traffic growth, especially for hotspot areas. Recently, LTE Release 12 has been started with more focus on small cell enhancements. This article provides the design principles and introduces the ongoing discussions on small cell enhancements in LTE Release 12, and provides views from two active operators in this area, CMCC and NTT DOCOMO.
498 citations
TL;DR: This article deconstruct scalability concerns in software-defined networking and argues that they are not unique to SDN, and enumerate overlooked yet important opportunities and challenges in scalability beyond the commonly used performance metrics.
Abstract: In this article, we deconstruct scalability concerns in software-defined networking and argue that they are not unique to SDN. We explore the often voiced concerns in different settings, discuss scalability trade-offs in the SDN design space, and present some recent research on SDN scalability. Moreover, we enumerate overlooked yet important opportunities and challenges in scalability beyond the commonly used performance metrics.
TL;DR: Current achievements and trends in high-speed indoor visible light communication (VLC) research are presented and for the first time, a bidirectional real-time VLC prototype achieving data rates of up to 500 Mb/s is presented.
Abstract: This article presents recent achievements and trends in high-speed indoor visible light communication (VLC) research. We address potential applications and future visions for the VLC technology, where transport of information is “piggybacked” on the original lighting function of LED-based lamps. To mature this technology and transfer it into practice, our recent research is focused on real-time implementation and trials. For the first time, a bidirectional real-time VLC prototype achieving data rates of up to 500 Mb/s is presented. This system paves the way for future real world applications. Finally, we discuss the remaining technical challenges as well as the research outlook in the field of high-speed VLC systems.
TL;DR: The widespread introduction of white LEDs for illumination provides a unique opportunity to create an indoor positioning system that is flexible, accurate, and ubiquitous, and their implications for the design of a new standard are discussed.
Abstract: The widespread introduction of white LEDs for illumination provides a unique opportunity to create an indoor positioning system that is flexible, accurate, and ubiquitous. Signals transmitted by the LEDs are used to determine the position of a person or object within a room. To take full advantage of this new opportunity, it is essential that comprehensive and robust international standards are developed before a plethora of incompatible proprietary systems flood the market. In this article, we discuss the very diverse range of potential applications of these future systems and their implications for the design of a new standard. Another consideration is that the transmission of positioning signals must not compromise the primary function of the LEDs, which is energy-efficient illumination, so visible flicker must be avoided. Position information can be derived from a range of properties of the received signal, such as the power of the received signal or the angle at which the signal reaches the receiver. The suitability of different techniques for an indoor positioning system is considered. Finally, we discuss the implications each of these aspects has for the design of an effective standard.
TL;DR: A cognitive management framework for IoT is proposed, in which dynamically changing real-world objects are represented in a virtualized environment, and where cognition and proximity are used to select the most relevant objects for the purpose of an application in an intelligent and autonomic way.
Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to substantially support sustainable development of future smart cities. This article identifies the main issues that may prevent IoT from playing this crucial role, such as the heterogeneity among connected objects and the unreliable nature of associated services. To solve these issues, a cognitive management framework for IoT is proposed, in which dynamically changing real-world objects are represented in a virtualized environment, and where cognition and proximity are used to select the most relevant objects for the purpose of an application in an intelligent and autonomic way. Part of the framework is instantiated in terms of building blocks and demonstrated through a smart city scenario that horizontally spans several application domains. This preliminary proof of concept reveals the high potential that self-reconfigurable IoT can achieve in the context of smart cities.
TL;DR: The simulation results show that the proposed FD-MIMO system with 32 antenna ports achieves 2-3.6 times cell average throughput gain and 1-5 times cell edge throughput gain compared to the 4G LTE system of two antenna ports at the BS.
Abstract: This article considers a practical implementation of massive MIMO systems [1]. Although the best performance can be achieved when a large number of active antennas are placed only in the horizontal domain, BS form factor limitation often makes horizontal array placement infeasible. To cope with this limitation, this article introduces full-dimension MIMO (FD-MIMO) cellular wireless communication system, where active antennas are placed in a 2D grid at BSs. For analysis of the FD-MIMO systems, a 3D spatial channel model is introduced, on which system-level simulations are conducted. The simulation results show that the proposed FD-MIMO system with 32 antenna ports achieves 2-3.6 times cell average throughput gain and 1.5-5 times cell edge throughput gain compared to the 4G LTE system of two antenna ports at the BS.
TL;DR: A blueprint for implementing current as well as future network architectures based on a software-defined networking approach that enables operators to capitalize on a flow-based forwarding model and fosters a rich environment for innovation inside the mobile network is introduced.
Abstract: Mobile carrier networks follow an architecture where network elements and their interfaces are defined in detail through standardization, but provide limited ways to develop new network features once deployed. In recent years we have witnessed rapid growth in over-the-top mobile applications and a 10-fold increase in subscriber traffic while ground-breaking network innovation took a back seat. We argue that carrier networks can benefit from advances in computer science and pertinent technology trends by incorporating a new way of thinking in their current toolbox. This article introduces a blueprint for implementing current as well as future network architectures based on a software-defined networking approach. Our architecture enables operators to capitalize on a flow-based forwarding model and fosters a rich environment for innovation inside the mobile network. In this article, we validate this concept in our wireless network research laboratory, demonstrate the programmability and flexibility of the architecture, and provide implementation and experimentation details.
TL;DR: An overview of the key technology areas/components that are currently considered by 3GPP for Rel-12, including support for further enhanced local area access by tight interaction between the wide area and local area layers, signaling solutions for wireless local area network integration, multi-antenna enhancements, improved support for massive MTC, and direct device-to-device communications are provided.
Abstract: As the specification of Release 11 of the LTE standards is approaching its completion, 3GPP is gradually moving its focus toward the next major step in the evolution of LTE. The drivers of the LTE evolution include the increasing demand for mobile broadband services and traffic volumes as well as emerging usage scenarios involving short-range and machine-type communications. In this article we provide an overview of the key technology areas/components that are currently considered by 3GPP for Rel-12, including support for further enhanced local area access by tight interaction between the wide area and local area layers, signaling solutions for wireless local area network integration, multi-antenna enhancements, improved support for massive MTC, and direct device-to-device communications.
TL;DR: The IEEE 802.11af standard is presented, which defines international specifications for spectrum sharing among unlicensed white space devices (WSDs) and licensed services in the TV white space band, and opens a new approach to treat spectrum as a single entity shared seamlessly by heterogeneous services.
Abstract: Spectrum today is allocated in frequency blocks that serve either licensed or unlicensed services. This static spectrum allocation has limited resources to support the exponential increase in wireless devices. In this article, we present the IEEE 802.11af standard, which defines international specifications for spectrum sharing among unlicensed white space devices (WSDs) and licensed services in the TV white space band. Spectrum sharing is conducted through the regulation of unlicensed WSDs by a geolocation database (GDB), the implementation of which differs among regulatory domains. The main difference between regulatory domains is the timescale in which WSDs are controlled by the GDB, resulting in different TVWS availability and WSD operating parameters. The IEEE 802.11af standard provides a common operating architecture and mechanisms for WSDs to satisfy multiple regulatory domains. This standard opens a new approach to treat spectrum as a single entity shared seamlessly by heterogeneous services.
TL;DR: A crowdsensing platform with three main original technical aspects: an innovative geo-social model to profile users along different variables, such as time, location, social interaction, service usage, and human activities; a matching algorithm to autonomously choose people to involve in participActions and to quantify the performance of their sensing.
Abstract: This article investigates how and to what extent the power of collective although imprecise intelligence can be employed in smart cities. The main visionary goal is to automate the organization of spontaneous and impromptu collaborations of large groups of people participating in collective actions (i.e., participAct), such as in the notable case of urban crowdsensing. In a crowdsensing environment, people or their mobile devices act as both sensors that collect urban data and actuators that take actions in the city, possibly upon request. Managing the crowdsensing process is a challenging task spanning several socio-technical issues: from the characterization of the regions under control to the quantification of the sensing density needed to obtain a certain accuracy; from the evaluation of a good balance between sensing accuracy and resource usage (number of people involved, network bandwidth, battery usage, etc.) to the selection of good incentives for people to participAct (monetary, social, etc.). To tackle these problems, this article proposes a crowdsensing platform with three main original technical aspects: an innovative geo-social model to profile users along different variables, such as time, location, social interaction, service usage, and human activities; a matching algorithm to autonomously choose people to involve in participActions and to quantify the performance of their sensing; and a new Android-based platform to collect sensing data from smart phones, automatically or with user help, and to deliver sensing/actuation tasks to users.
TL;DR: A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art research related to user behavior in OSNs from several perspectives, which discusses social connectivity and interaction among users, and investigates traffic activity from a network perspective.
Abstract: Currently, online social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Foursquare have become extremely popular all over the world and play a significant role in people?s daily lives. People access OSNs using both traditional desktop PCs and new emerging mobile devices. With more than one billion users worldwide, OSNs are a new venue of innovation with many challenging research problems. In this survey, we aim to give a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art research related to user behavior in OSNs from several perspectives. First, we discuss social connectivity and interaction among users. Also, we investigate traffic activity from a network perspective. Moreover, as mobile devices become a commodity, we pay attention to the characteristics of social behaviors in mobile environments. Last but not least, we review malicious behaviors of OSN users, and discuss several solutions to detect misbehaving users. Our survey serves the important roles of both providing a systematic exploration of existing research highlights and triggering various potentially significant research in these topics.
TL;DR: A survey of cellular network sharing is presented, which is a key building block for virtualizing future mobile carrier networks in order to address the explosive capacity demand of mobile traffic, and reduce the CAPEX and OPEX burden faced by operators to handle this demand.
Abstract: This article presents a survey of cellular network sharing, which is a key building block for virtualizing future mobile carrier networks in order to address the explosive capacity demand of mobile traffic, and reduce the CAPEX and OPEX burden faced by operators to handle this demand. We start by reviewing the 3GPP network sharing standardized functionality followed by a discussion on emerging business models calling for additional features. Then an overview of the RAN sharing enhancements currently being considered by the 3GPP RSE Study Item is presented. Based on the developing network sharing needs, a summary of the state of the art of mobile carrier network virtualization is provided, encompassing RAN sharing as well as a higher level of base station programmability and customization for the sharing entities. As an example of RAN virtualization techniques feasibility, a solution based on spectrum sharing is presented: the network virtualization substrate (NVS), which can be natively implemented in base stations. NVS performance is evaluated in an LTE network by means of simulation, showing that it can meet the needs of future virtualized mobile carrier networks in terms of isolation, utilization, and customization.
TL;DR: This tutorial provides an overview of MEMS technology and describes the essential features of the mechanical systems underlying the most common sensors accelerometers and gyroscopes, and reviews multisensor silicon MEMS/CMOS monolithic integration, which is driving the cost and form factor reduction behind the current proliferation of these devices.
Abstract: Inertial sensors based on MEMS technology are fast becoming ubiquitous with their adoption into many types of consumer electronics products, including smart phones, tablets, gaming systems, TV remotes, toys, and even (more recently) power tools and wearable sensors. Now a standard feature of most smart phones, MEMS-based motion tracking enhances the user interface by allowing response to user motions, complements the GPS receiver by providing dead-reckoning indoor navigation and supporting location-based services, and holds the promise of enabling handset optical image stabilization in next-generation handsets by virtue of its lower cost and small form factor. This tutorial provides an overview of MEMS technology and describes the essential features of the mechanical systems underlying the most common sensors accelerometers and gyroscopes. It also highlights some fundamental trade-offs related to mechanical system dynamics, force and charge transduction methods, and their implications for the mixed-signal systems that process the sensor outputs. The presentation of an energy-based metric allows a comparison of the performance of competing sensor solutions. For each type of sensor, descriptions of the underlying mechanical theory, canonical sensor architectures, and key design challenges are also presented. Finally, the tutorial reviews multisensor silicon MEMS/CMOS monolithic integration, which is driving the cost and form factor reduction behind the current proliferation of these devices.
TL;DR: It is shown that an optical interposer is the most efficient way to cope with the various problems that a purely electronic system may encounter and will solve those interconnection problems.
Abstract: New semiconductor technologies such as many-core processors and 3D memories are being researched in order to overcome the limitations of electronics in the near future. Here, we first discuss some drawbacks of current technologies, and then show that silicon photonics will solve those interconnection problems. Next, we describe our studies toward realizing a system integration platform based on photonics and electronics convergence, and show that an optical interposer is the most efficient way to cope with the various problems that a purely electronic system may encounter. Our recent advances in silicon photonic devices are also described, and their integration into the hybrid interposer is reported through an early prototyping result. Finally, a surface mounted components approach for silicon photonics technology is discussed, which may prove useful in the computer and communication markets.
TL;DR: This article discusses the novel proposed paradigm of cross-system learning by means of which SCBSs self-organize and autonomously steer their traffic flows across different RATs, and provides preliminary performance evaluation in a Long-Term Evolution simulator overlaid with WiFi hotspots.
Abstract: The deployment of small cell base stations, SCBSs, overlaid on existing macrocellular systems is seen as a key solution for offloading traffic, optimizing coverage, and boosting the capacity of future cellular wireless systems. The next generation of SCBSs is envisioned to be multimode (i.e., capable of transmitting simultaneously on both licensed and unlicensed bands). This constitutes a cost-effective integration of both WiFi and cellular radio access technologies that can efficiently cope with peak wireless data traffic and heterogeneous quality of service requirements. To leverage the advantage of such multimode SCBSs, we discuss the novel proposed paradigm of cross-system learning by means of which SCBSs self-organize and autonomously steer their traffic flows across different RATs. Cross-system learning allows the SCBSs to leverage the advantage of both the WiFi and cellular worlds. For example, the SCBSs can offload delay-tolerant data traffic to WiFi, while simultaneously learning the probability distribution function of their transmission strategy over the licensed cellular band. This article first introduces the basic building blocks of cross-system learning and then provides preliminary performance evaluation in a Long-Term Evolution simulator overlaid with WiFi hotspots. Remarkably, it is shown that the proposed cross-system learning approach significantly outperforms a number of benchmark traffic steering policies.
TL;DR: This article identifies a number of privacy breaches that can appear within the context of smart cities and their services and defines the concept of citizens' privacy as a model with five dimensions: identity privacy, query privacy, location privacy, footprint privacy and owner privacy.
Abstract: Cities are growing steadily, and the process of urbanization is a common trend in the world. Although cities are getting bigger, they are not necessarily getting better. With the aim to provide citizens with a better place to live, a new concept of a city was born: the smart city. The real meaning of smart city is not strictly defined, but it has gained much attention, and many cities are taking action in order to be considered 'smart'. These smart cities, founded on the use of information and communication technologies, aim at tackling many local problems, from local economy and transportation to quality of life and e-governance. Although technology helps to solve many of these local problems, their ability to gather unprecedented amounts of information could endanger the privacy of citizens. In this article we identify a number of privacy breaches that can appear within the context of smart cities and their services. We leverage some concepts of previously defined privacy models and define the concept of citizens' privacy as a model with five dimensions: identity privacy, query privacy, location privacy, footprint privacy and owner privacy. By means of several examples of smart city services, we define each privacy dimension and show how existing privacy enhancing technologies could be used to preserve citizens' privacy.
TL;DR: The capability of LTE to meet the requirements of first responder emergency services, and possible future developments to LTE that could further enhance its ability to provide the necessary service are examined.
Abstract: It is increasingly being recognized that effective communications are key to a successful response to emergency and disaster situations. The ability of the first responder emergency services to communicate among themselves and to share multimedia information directly affects the ability to save lives. This is reflected in increasing public investment in broadband public safety communication systems. These systems have some specific requirements, which are outlined in this article. As LTE is expected to become the most widely deployed broadband communication technology, we examine the capability of LTE to meet these requirements, and identify possible future developments to LTE that could further enhance its ability to provide the necessary service.
TL;DR: An overview of the REM concept is presented in various dimensions ranging from its architecture and stored information to REM construction techniques as well as REM quality metrics.
Abstract: Latest regulations on TV white space communications and emerging trends of spectrum access through geolocation databases relax the regulatory constraints on Cognitive Radios (CRs). Geolocation databases are designed to store information related to incumbents, and CRs are envisioned to consult this database before spectrum access. Spectrum occupancy and related environment information can be constructed using these geolocation databases. In that regard, Radio Environment Map (REM) is a promising tool that provides a practical means for the realization of cognitive radio networks (CRNs). It constructs a comprehensive map of the CRN by utilizing multi-domain information from geolocation databases, characteristics of spectrum use, geographical terrain models, propagation environment, and regulations. REMs contribute to cognition engines by building long-term knowledge via processing spectrum measurements collected from sensors to estimate the state of locations where there is no measurement data. In addition, REM utilizes feedback from the CRs and can apply various learning tools. The vision is to design CRNs such that CRs, though being simple devices without advanced cognitive functionalities, can become cognitive via REMs and operate in an efficient manner. In this paper, an overview of the REM concept is presented in various dimensions ranging from its architecture and stored information to REM construction techniques as well as REM quality metrics.
TL;DR: This article proposes a procedure to make smart cities happen based on big data exploitation through the API stores concept and describes the available ICT technologies and exemplifies all findings by means of a sustainable smart city application.
Abstract: We have a clear idea today about the necessity and usefulness of making cities smarter, the potential market size, and trials and tests. However, it seems that business around Smart Cities is having difficulties taking off and is thus running short of projected potentials. This article looks into why this is the case and proposes a procedure to make smart cities happen based on big data exploitation through the API stores concept. To this end, we first review involved stakeholders and the ecosystem at large. We then propose a viable approach to scale business within that ecosystem. We also describe the available ICT technologies and finally exemplify all findings by means of a sustainable smart city application. Over the course of the article, we draw two major observations, which are seen to facilitate sustainable smart city development. First, independent smart city departments (or the equivalent) need to emerge, much like today's well accepted IT departments, which clearly decouple the political element of the improved city servicing from the underlying technologies. Second, a coherent three-phase smart city rollout is vital, where in phase 1 utility and revenues are generated; in phase 2 only-utility service is also supported; and in phase 3, in addition, a fun/leisure dimension is permitted.
IBM1
TL;DR: This article describes the architecture and implementation of Meridian, an SDN controller platform that supports a service-level model for application networking in clouds, and discusses some of the key challenges in the design and implementation, including how to efficiently handle dynamic updates to virtual networks, orchestration of network tasks on a large set of devices, and how Meridian can be integrated with multiple cloud controllers.
Abstract: As the number and variety of applications and workloads moving to the cloud grows, networking capabilities have become increasingly important. Over a brief period, networking support offered by both cloud service providers and cloud controller platforms has developed rapidly. In most of these cloud networking service models, however, users must configure a variety of network-layer constructs such as switches, subnets, and ACLs, which can then be used by their cloud applications. In this article, we argue for a service-level network model that provides higher- level connectivity and policy abstractions that are integral parts of cloud applications. Moreover, the emergence of the software-defined networking (SDN) paradigm provides a new opportunity to closely integrate application provisioning in the cloud with the network through programmable interfaces and automation. We describe the architecture and implementation of Meridian, an SDN controller platform that supports a service-level model for application networking in clouds. We discuss some of the key challenges in the design and implementation, including how to efficiently handle dynamic updates to virtual networks, orchestration of network tasks on a large set of devices, and how Meridian can be integrated with multiple cloud controllers.
TL;DR: State-of-the-art research on self-configuring and self-optimizing HetNets are surveyed, and their corresponding SON architectures are introduced and the performance gain of SON algorithms is demonstrated.
Abstract: Self-organizing network, or SON, technology, which is able to minimize human intervention in networking processes, was proposed to reduce the operational costs for service providers in future wireless systems. As a cost-effective means to significantly enhance capacity, heterogeneous deployment has been defined in the 3GPP LTEAdvanced standard, where performance gains can be achieved through increasing node density with low-power nodes, such as pico, femto, and relay nodes. The SON has great potential for application in future LTE-Advanced heterogeneous networks, also called HetNets. In this article, state-of-the-art research on self-configuring and self-optimizing HetNets are surveyed, and their corresponding SON architectures are introduced. In particular, we discuss the issues of automatic physical cell identifier assignment and radio resource configuration in HetNets based on selfconfiguring SONs. As for self-optimizing SONs, we address the issues of optimization strategies and algorithms for mobility management and energy saving in HetNets. At the end of the article, we show a testbed designed for evaluating SON technology, with which the performance gain of SON algorithms is demonstrated.