ONETS: Online Network Slice Broker From Theory to Practice

TL;DR

This paper introduces ONETS, an online network slicing broker based on a multi-armed bandit model, which is analytically validated, integrated into 3GPP architecture, and demonstrated through a hardware proof-of-concept.

Contribution

It presents a novel online network slicing solution using a bandit model, with analytical bounds, practical integration, and a hardware proof-of-concept.

Findings

Analytical bounds for the bandit-based slicing solution.

Successful integration into 3GPP architecture.

Feasibility demonstrated on commercial hardware.

Abstract

Network slicing allows mobile network operators to open their physical network infrastructure platform to the concurrent deployment of multiple logical self-contained networks, i.e., network slices. In this paper we propose and analyze ONETS: an Online NETwork Slicing solution that (i) builds on the budgeted lock-up multi-armed bandit mathematical model and properties, (ii) derives its analytical bounds in our proposed extension for network slicing, (iii) seamlessly integrates into the 3GPP architecture, (iv) proves its feasibility through a proof-of-concept implementation on commercial hardware considering three network slices and (v) allows for the design of a low-complexity online network slice brokering solution that maximizes multiplexing gains.