An integrated approach for future mobile network architecture

In this position paper, we identify the potential of an integrated deployment solution for energy efficient cellular networks combining the strengths of two very active research themes: software defined radio access networks (SD-RAN) [1] and decoupled signaling and data transmissions, or beyond cellular green generation (BCG²) architecture, for enhanced energy efficiency [2]. While SD-RAN envisions a decoupled centralized control plane and data forwarding plane for flexible control, the BCG² architecture calls for decoupling coverage from capacity and coverage is provided through always-on low-power signaling node for a larger geographical area; capacity is catered by various on-demand data nodes for maximum energy efficiency. In this paper, we identify that a combined approach bringing in both specifications together can, not only achieve greater benefits, but also facilitates the faster realization of both technologies. We propose the idea and design of a signaling controller which acts as a signaling node to provide always-on coverage, consuming low power, and at the same time also hosts the control plane functions for the SD-RAN through a general purpose processing platform. Phantom cell concept is also a similar idea where a normal macro cell provides interference control to densely deployed small cells [3], although, our initial results show that the integrated architecture has much greater potential of energy savings in comparison to phantom cells.