Network function virtualization in 5G
Abstract
5G wireless technology is paving the way to revolutionize future ubiquitous and pervasive networking, wireless applications, and user quality of experience. To realize its potential, 5G must provide considerably higher network capacity, enable massive device connectivity with reduced latency and cost, and achieve considerable energy savings compared to existing wireless technologies. The main objective of this article is to explore the potential of NFV in enhancing 5G radio access networks' functional, architectural, and commercial viability, including increased automation, operational agility, and reduced capital expenditure. The ETSI NFV Industry Specification Group has recently published drafts focused on standardization and implementation of NFV. Harnessing the potential of 5G and network functions virtualization, we discuss how NFV can address critical 5G design challenges through service abstraction and virtualized computing, storage, and network resources. We describe NFV implementation with network overlay and SDN technologies. In our discussion, we cover the first steps in understanding the role of NFV in implementing CoMP, D2D communication, and ultra densified networks.
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Reviewing state-of-art literature, blockchain has mainly cooperated with key 5G enabling technologies including cloud computing, edge computing, Software Defined Networks, Network Function Virtualization, Network Slicing, and D2D communication.
“Reviewing state-of-art literature works [1], [3], [4], we found that blockchain has mainly cooperated with the key 5G enabling technologies including cloud computing, edge computing, Software Defined Networks, Network Function Virtualization, Network Slicing, and D2D communication.”
From Blockchain for 5G and beyond networks: A state of the art survey (2020) · cites this paper as [1]
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Blockchain for 5G and beyond networks: A state of the art survey
Nguyen, D. C., Pathirana, P. N., Ding, M., & Seneviratne, A. (2020) · Journal of Network and Computer Applications · doi:10.1016/j.jnca.2020.102693 · Cited by 412 · see citing works
QoE Management of Multimedia Streaming Services in Future Networks: A Tutorial and Survey
Barakabitze, A. A., Barman, N., Ahmad, A., Zadtootaghaj, S., Sun, L., Martini, M. G., & Atzori, L. (2020) · IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials · doi:10.1109/comst.2019.2958784 · Cited by 239 · see citing works
- Authors
- Abdelwahab, S., Hamdaoui, B., Guizani, M., & Znati, T.
- Affiliations
- Oregon State University (US)
- University of Idaho (US)
- University of Pittsburgh (US)
- Venue
- IEEE Communications Magazine
- Published
- 2016-04
- Volume
- 54
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 84-91
- ISSN
- 0163-6804 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2337472511
- Cited by
- 232
- References
- 14
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 39 · 2019: 35 · 2018: 29 · 2017: 28 · 2016: 5
- FWCI
- 30.42
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- IEEE Communications Magazine (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Networks and Communications › Software-Defined Networks and 5G
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Media Technology › Telecommunications and Broadcasting Technologies
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Electrical and Electronic Engineering › Advanced Optical Network Technologies
- Keywords
- network function virtualization, 5G, radio access network, service abstraction, overlay networks, software-defined networking, COMP, device-to-device communication, ultra-dense networks, network automation, capital cost reduction
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