Efficient Slice Allocation Method using Cluster Technology in Fifth-Generation Core Networks

Abstract

The explosive growth of data traffic and services has created cost challenges for networks. Studies have attempted to effectively apply network slicing in fifth generation networks to provide high speed, low latency, and various compatible services. However, in network slicing using mixed-integer linear programming, the operation count increases exponentially with the number of physical servers and virtual network functions (VNFs) to be allocated. Therefore, we propose an efficient slice allocation method based on cluster technology, comprising the following three steps: i) clustering physical servers; ii) selecting an appropriate cluster to allocate a VNF; iii) selecting an appropriate physical server for VNF allocation. Solver runtimes of the existing and proposed methods are compared, under similar settings, with respect to intra-slice isolation. The results show that solver runtime decreases, by approximately 30% on average, with an increase in the number of physical servers within the cluster in the presence of intra-slice isolation.