We present the design and implementation of the Software-Defined IoT Management (SDIM) framework based on a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) enabled architecture that is purpose-built for edge computing multi-domain Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). This framework can dynamically provision IoT devices to enable machine-to-machine communication as well as continuous operational fault detection for WSNs. Unlike the existing approaches in the literature, SDIM is mainly deployed at Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) nodes and is integrated with the cloud by aggregating multi-domain topology information. Backed by experimental results over the University of Bristol 5G test network, we demonstrate in practice that our framework outperforms the implementations of the LWM2M and NETCONF Light IoT device management protocols when deployed autonomously at the network edge and/or the cloud. Specifically, SDIM edge deployments can lower average device provisioning time as high as 46% compared to LWM2M and 60.3% compared to NETCONF light. Moreover, it can decrease the average operational fault detection time by approximately 33% compared to LWM2M and roughly 40% compared to NETCONF light. Also, SDIM reduces control operations time up to 27%, posing a powerful feature for use cases with time-critical control requirements. Last, SDIM manages to both reduce CPU consumption and to have important energy consumption gains at the network edge, which can reach as high as 20% during device provisioning and 4.5-4.9% during fault detection compared to the benchmark framework deployments.

The study of Service Function Chains (SFCs) placement problem is crucial to support services flexibly and use resources efficiently. Solutions should satisfy various Quality of Service requirements, avoid edge resource congestion, and improve service acceptance ratio (SAR). This work presents a novel approach to address these challenges by solving a multi-objective SFCs placement problem based on the Pointer Network in multi-layer edge and cloud networks. We design a Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithm, called Chebyshev-assisted Actor-Critic SFCs Placement Algorithm , to overcome the limitations of traditional heuristic and evolutionary algorithms. Then, we run this algorithm iteratively with a set of weights to obtain non-dominated fronts, which have much higher hypervolume values than those obtained from other state-of-the-art algorithms. Moreover, running our algorithm individually with selected weights from non-dominated fronts can avoid edge resource congestion and achieve 98% SARs of low-latency services during high-workload periods. Finally, based on both simulation and real testbed experimental results, it is validated that the proposed algorithm fits for pragmatic service deployment while achieving 100% of SARs in the use cases deployed on the testbed.

The adoption of private 5G networks or Non-Public Networks (NPN) by industry verticals is igniting a digital transformation across various sectors and also leading to industry 4.0. This impetus comes from the integration of private wireless networks with 5G capabilities. Currently, a range of innovative applications and use cases are emerging and resulting in improved enterprise performance and solutions. The potential to boost revenue, stimulate cost reduction, and accelerate Return Of Investment (ROI) makes 5G NPN adoption attractive to industry verticals, network operators and other third-party stakeholders. However, a significant infrastructure upgrade is required, which demands understanding of the complexities of 5G NPN deployment scenarios and their economic implications. This paper addresses these needs by conducting a detailed techno-economic analysis on 5G NPN deployment. The study formulates a techno-economic model that focuses on; (i) Cost savings in support of ROI achieved by enabling Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technology and Neutral Host (NH) concept; (ii) The trade-off study between enterprise goals (cost vs deployment technologies) with a multi-objective sensitive analysis; And (iii) the trends of 5G NPN adoption worldwide. Analytical results confirm savings of up to 53% in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reflecting a significant reduction in Capital and Operation Expenditures (Capex and Opex). Simulation analysis identifies a ranking order of deployment parameters, which prioritise the use of Cost saving strategies and Deployment type. And finally, it offers a prediction of a starting annual average worldwide adoption rate of 82.2% with an expected height by 2026.

5G relies on its pervasive and convergent cloud-based architecture to accomplish its futuristic challenge of being the next-generation communication platform. However, the new perspectives opened by 5G networks do not go unnoticed. Regardless of their motivation or objectives, cyberattackers find in the new 5G ecosystem, including its tenancy-driven control plane, an attractive greenfield to create new types of denial of services attacks. In this paper, we leverage on the virtualised environment of 5G to propose REPEL – an intelligent resource scaling strategy to mitigate DDoS signalling attacks preserving legitimate traffic. Our prevention-based approach uses games theory to build up a defence front line, able to keep services availability and discourage the attacker. To demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our approach, we feed a queuing model with parameters obtained from a testbed, where simulated subscribers connect to a virtualised evolved packet core prototype. The final results show a dramatic signalling losses reduction, which can ensure the appropriate control plane availability under a DDoS attack.

Along with the adoption of 5G, the development of neutral host solutions provides a unique opportunity for mobile networks operators to accommodate the needs of emerging use-cases and in the consolidation of new business models. By exploiting the concept of network slicing, as one key enabler in the transition to 5G, infrastructure and service providers can logically split a shared physical network into multiple isolated and customized networks to flexibly address the specific demands of those tenant slices. Motivated by this reality, the H2020 5GCity project proposed a novel 5G-enabled neutral host framework for three European cities: Barcelona (ESP), Bristol (UK), and Lucca (IT). This article revises the main achievements and contributions of the 5GCity project, focusing on the deployment and validation of the proposed framework. The developed neutral host framework encompasses two main parts: the infrastructure and the software platform. A detailed description of the framework implementation, in terms of functional capabilities and practical implications of city-wide deployments, is provided in this article. This work also presents the performance evaluation of the proposed solution during the implementation of real vertical use cases. Obtained results validate the feasibility of the neutral host model and the proposed framework to be deployed in city-wide 5G infrastructures.