Provisioning and automated scaling of network slices for virtual Content Delivery Networks in 5G infrastructures

Abstract

The concept of network slicing in 5G infrastructures allows to deliver multiple virtual services over shared environments and fully customized based on vertical-driven requirements and target performance indicators. A key feature of 5G networks is the capability to dynamically re-optimize the allocation of computing and network resources, from the core up to the edge, to instantiate and manage different types of concurrent services over a shared infrastructure. In this demonstration, we present a network slicing and orchestration solution for vertical services in the media sector, where enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) network slices are instantiated interconnecting physical and virtual functions, provisioned and configured on-demand using the concept of NFV Network Services. The eMBB slices are automatically dimensioned to match the requirements of the virtual Content Delivery Network (vCDN) service, e.g. in terms of number of target users, video quality and geographical coverage area. Arbitration and resource allocation schemas optimize the sharing of mobile communication services and virtual resources among concurrent media service instances, in compliance with the Service Level Agreement between network operators and vertical service providers.