MME-FaaS Cloud-Native Control for Mobile Networks

Abstract

The control plane for mobile wireless (eg. cellular) networks faces challenges with respect to scaling, robustness, and handling of bursty traffic. In this paper, we take a cloud-native approach to building a mobile control plane, employing a design that maps transitions of device state to serverless functions. Using a prototype of the LTE/EPC Mobility Management Entity (MME), we demonstrate how to architect a mobile control plane using serverless computing primitives. We demonstrate the practicality of this approach, which differs significantly from designs based on traditional telecom infrastructure.