Cloud computing meets 5G networks: efficient cache management in cloud radio access networks

Abstract

Advances in cellular network technology continue to develop to address increasing demands from the growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IoT has brought forth countless new equipment competing for service on cellular networks. The latest in cellular technology is 5th Generation Cloud Radio Access Networks, or 5G C-RAN, which consists of applying cloud computing technology to the RAN architecture for better resource utilization and increased flexibility and scalability. A cache is included in each VM for speedy cellular network services, there is thus a necessity for efficient cache management schemes, which ultimately will provide better user experiences. This paper designs new cache management schemes and evaluates their performance. The new algorithms include a probability-based scoring scheme, a hierarchical, or tiered, approach, and enhancements to previously existing approaches. Performance evaluation shows that some of the new schemes, while simple in design, offer high cache hit ratios, low latency of request services, preferential treatment based on users' service levels, and a reduction in network traffic as compared with other existing and classic caching mechanisms. We believe that this work is important in advancing 5G technology for supporting IoT services, and is also useful to other cache management systems.