This article
presents a survey of cellular network sharing, which is a key building block
for virtualizing future mobile carrier networks in order to address the
explosive capacity demand of mobile traffic, and reduce the CAPEX and OPEX
burden faced by operators to handle this demand.
A review of the 3GPP
network sharing standardized functionality followed by a discussion on emerging
business models calling for additional features is given. Then an overview of
the RAN sharing enhancements currently being considered by the 3GPP RSE Study
Item is presented. Based on the developing network sharing needs, a summary of
the state of the art of mobile carrier network virtualization is provided, encompassing
RAN sharing as well as a higher level of base station programmability and customization
for the sharing entities.
As an example of
RAN virtualization techniques feasibility, a solution based on spectrum sharing
is presented: the network virtualization substrate (NVS), which can be natively
implemented in base stations. NVS performance is evaluated in an LTE network by
means of simulation, showing that it can meet the needs of future virtualized mobile
carrier networks in terms of isolation, utilization, and customization.
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