Caching using software-defined networking in LTE networks

Abstract

Data consumption is increasing rapidly in mobile networks. The cost of the network infrastructure is increasing, which leads to an "end of profit" within next few years. Thus, mobile operators require a new technology that allows increasing the network capacity within low network costs. Therefore, using caching is the most evident solution to be used in their backhaul networks. However, the current architecture of LTE network does not provide sufficient flexibility to place the caches in the most optimal locations. The current work on Software-Defined Networking in Evolved Packet Core virtualization has enabled us to integrate dynamically the caching functionality in a LTE network and improve the caching system performances. In this paper, we will present the solution we designed for this aim based on Software Defined Networking technology. Moreover, we developed a testbed for the proof-of-concept and we will present the results and analyze the performances of this solution.