Abstract:
As mobile data usage increases dramatically, new architectures and technologies for wireless communication are required. Next generation of mobile networks are expected t...Show MoreMetadata
Abstract:
As mobile data usage increases dramatically, new architectures and technologies for wireless communication are required. Next generation of mobile networks are expected to be augmented by a massive amount of small cells that will be densely deployed. In order to connect the small cells, new high capacity wireless backhauling technologies are required. A promising solution is to use frequencies in the mmWave band, which allows for much greater capacity due to the massive amount of free spectrum. However, the special characteristics of the mmWave bands such as high path loss and atmospheric absorption lead to unstable links. In this paper, we investigate using Software Defined Networking principles for the operation and control of wireless backhaul networks. We demonstrate how SDN resiliency mechanisms can be used to mitigate disruptive connectivity due to mmWave links frequently failing. For assisting the small cell backhauling, we propose to also use the LTE uplinks of the small cells as backup links, should the mmWave mesh forwarding link break. Our experiments using a network emulator show that using SDN-based local repair mechanisms can significantly reduce the packet loss rate inside the mmWave backhaul mesh, which can be further reduced with an LTE assisted Failover.
Date of Conference: 07-09 March 2017
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 17 April 2017
ISBN Information:
Electronic ISSN: 2472-8144