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Cited by 29Software-Defined Networks and 5GNetwork Security and Intrusion DetectionCybersecurity and Information Systems

Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid Framework

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Allaw, Zeina, Zein, Ola, Ahmad, Abdel-Mehsen·2025·Sensors
DOI 10.3390/s25113335PMC PMC12157302
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Abstract

Within the dynamic landscape of fifth-generation (5G) and emerging sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks, the adoption of network slicing has revolutionized telecommunications by enabling flexible and efficient resource allocation. However, this advancement introduces new security challenges, as traditional protection mechanisms struggle to address the dynamic and complex nature of sliced network environments. This study proposes a Hybrid Security Framework Using Cross-Layer Integration, combining Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and AI-driven anomaly detection to strengthen network defenses. By integrating security mechanisms across multiple layers, the framework effectively mitigates threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of network slices. An implementation was developed, focusing on the AI-based detection process using a representative 5G security dataset. The results demonstrate promising detection accuracy and real-time response capabilities. While full SDN/NFV integration remains under development, these findings lay the groundwork for scalable, intelligent security architectures tailored to the evolving needs of next-generation networks.

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Allaw, Z., Zein, O., & Ahmad, A.-M.
Affiliations
Lebanese International University (LB)
Corresponding author
  • Allaw, Zeina
  • Zein, Ola
ORCID
Venue
Sensors
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2025-05-26
Volume
25
Issue
11
Pages
3335
ISSN
1424-8220 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/s25113335
PMC
PMC12157302
OpenAlex
W4410766892
Cited by
29
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 24 · 2025: 5
FWCI
12.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Sensors (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Lebanese International University
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Networks and Communications › Software-Defined Networks and 5G
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Networks and Communications › Network Security and Intrusion Detection
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Networks and Communications › Cybersecurity and Information Systems
Keywords
cross-layer security, network slicing, 5G, 6G, software-defined networking, network function virtualization, AI-driven anomaly detection, network security, hybrid security framework, real-time threat detection

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