Network Store: Exploring Slicing in Future 5G Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we provide a revolutionary vision of 5G networks, in which SDN technologies are used for the programmability of the wireless network, and where a NFV-ready network store is provided to Mobile Network Operators (MNO), Enterprises, and Over-The-Top (OTT) third parties. The proposed network serves as a digital distribution platform of programmable Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) that enables 5G application use-cases. Currently existing application stores, such as Apple's App Store for iOS applications, Google's Play Store for Android, or Ubuntu's Software Center, deliver applications to user specific software platforms. Our vision is to provide a digital marketplace, gathering 5G enabling Network Applications and Network Functions, written to run on top of commodity cloud infrastructures, connected to remote radio heads (RRH). The 5G Network Store will be the same to the network provider as the application store is currently to a software platform.