Programmability of Multi-Connectivity in 5G

Abstract

Multi-connectivity is an important feature of fifth generation (5G) mobile networks as it addresses the requirements for high data rates and reliability. It enables user connectivity to several radio nodes simultaneously and tight integration between different radio access technologies. In this paper, we propose an approach to programmability of multi-connectivity functions using Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) technology. Programmability enables third party applications deployed at the network edge to control user connectivity based on up-to-date radio network information e.g. congestion level, user location and requested data speeds. A new MEC service is proposed which is described by resources and operations, and data structures to be used in resource representations. The approach practicability is illustrated by modeling the multi-connectivity state as seen by the network and by MEC application. Service performance parameters are discussed in terms of latency.

Keywords

• multi-access edge computing
• application programming interfaces
• representational state transfer
• state model
• formal model verification
• performance evaluation