Software Defined Networks based 5G Backhaul Architecture

In this paper, we propose the usage of Software Defined Network as mobile backhaul for 5G networks. Mobile networks are facing major challenges to handle the increasing traffic demand. The mobile operators need to improve the effectiveness of their infrastructure. Moreover, they need to enable new business models with their existing network. In this paper we propose Software Defined Networks to be integrated as part of the mobile backhaul to address these two requirements. Firstly, we completely virtualize and move the core mobile network, as it is known today, directly to the cloud. Secondly we integrate Software Define network technology in the mobile backhaul. Adding SDN simplifies the access network formed by base stations i.e. eNodeBs, interconnected through a backhaul network composed by SDN forwarding planes managed from the cloud. Each access network will be managed from the SDN controller and rest of the network element in the cloud, thus reducing the Operative Expenses (OPEX). Finally, we present the benefits of using SDN in mobile networks to support multiple Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) in their network infrastructure.