Network slicing emerged in 5G networks as a key component to enable the use of multiple services with different performance requirements on top of a shared physical network infrastructure. A major challenge lies on ensuring wireless coverage and enough communications resources to meet the target Quality of Service (QoS) levels demanded by these services, including throughput and delay guarantees. The challenge is exacerbated in temporary events, such as disaster management scenarios and outdoor festivities, where the existing wireless infrastructures may collapse, fail to provide sufficient wireless coverage, or lack the required communications resources. Flying networks, composed of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), emerged as a solution to provide on-demand wireless coverage and communications resources anywhere, anytime. However, existing solutions mostly rely on best-effort networks. The main contribution of this paper is SLICER, an algorithm enabling the placement and allocation of communications resources in slicing-aware flying networks. The evaluation carried out by means of ns-3 simulations shows SLICER can meet the targeted QoS levels, while using the minimum amount of communications resources.
翻译:在5G网络中出现的网络断裂是使多种服务得以使用的一个关键组成部分,在共用的有形网络基础设施之外还有不同的性能要求,一个重大挑战是如何确保无线覆盖和足够的通信资源,以达到这些服务所要求的服务质量目标水平,包括吞吐量和延迟保证。在诸如灾害管理情景和室外节日等临时事件中,挑战更加严峻,因为现有的无线基础设施可能崩溃,无法提供足够的无线覆盖,或缺乏所需的通信资源。由无人驾驶航空飞行器(无人驾驶飞行器)组成的飞行网络,成为随时随地提供点播无线覆盖和通信资源的解决方案。然而,现有解决方案主要依靠最佳努力网络。本文的主要贡献是SLICER,这是一种使通信资源被放置和分配到电离子飞行网络的一种算法。通过Ns-3模拟进行的评估表明,SLICER在使用最低限度的通信资源的同时,能够达到目标的QOS水平。