Data-centric/ Scheduled Networks
The current network ecosystem is passing through a very large paradigm shift from protocol enhancements towards network behaviour optimization. This was triggered by:
- getting closer to the end of the available spectrum – without having cost-effective spectrum where to deploy new networks, the current allocated spectrum will have to be scheduled in a subscriber and network aware manner to fit the usage requirements (see RAN-core convergence)
- the decoupling between the software and the hardware and the possibility to configure dynamically the network topology and the network functions brought a new level of flexibility in the optimization of the systems (see Organic Networks)
- the current protocol level optimizations are rather minimal, a shift towards easy programmability and reachability of more developers being considered more important.
- with the development of virtual networks and cloud deployments a more holistic approach towards networks was advocated where complete networks are configured and deployed based on centrally defined configurations (see Organic Networks)
To progress beyond this level, a network behaviour optimization is required where the scheduling of different network resources (infrastructure, functionality, etc.) according to the momentary system needs. This can be achieved only by having a holistic perspective of the system, knowing the impact of any scheduling on the rest of the system. Also, this type of optimization for the communication systems is highly specific. To be able to trigger such operations, first there is a need for a large amount of local data acquisition and its processing. This is achieved with the new advanced monitoring and data distribution technologies. Using this data, new algorithms must be defined which account for the specificity and on the same time build new handling processes.
