Network Slicing via Function Decomposition and Flexible Network Design

Abstract

We argue for flexible network design as an architec- ture prototype for next generation networks. Such flexible design is developed by capitalizing on the concept of network function decomposition in conjunction with with its relation to network slicing. A detailed view of the proposed functional architecture is put forward, where the role of specific network function blocks for forming network slices with given requirements is underlined. We further highlight the impact of common architecture over multiple tenants and elaborate on the emerging business models associated with multi-tenancy together with the resulting implications on security.