Preliminary analysis of 4G-LTE mobile network sharing for improving resiliency and operator differentiation

Abstract

An aim of our ongoing research is to take pragmatic approach to the "last mile" issue and provide a solution to improve resiliency and look at traffic prioritization primarily for 4G-LTE mobile networks. Hence, this paper proposes a solution to the same considering two schemes. The first solution is based on exploring OpenFlow as an architecture for e-Node B virtualization where resource sharing takes place in the access network part and the second solution is based on infrastructure sharing considering sharing the backhaul network infrastructure to improve resiliency among the operators. The paper discusses about the resiliency mechanisms that are adapted in the backhaul network of the operators and henceforth concludes that despite the resiliency mechanisms, there are occasions when the network resources are not available for the end users which necessitates the need for sharing another operator's backhaul, thus decreasing the overall unavailability time. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.