Optimizing high availability multi-controller placement in SDN/NFV 5G networks: a survey

Samer Mohammed Rasool (National University of Science and Technology)
Yassine Boujelben (University of Sfax)
Faouzi Zarai (University of Sfax)

Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Vol 34, No 3: June 2024

In meeting the diverse and occasionally conflicting quality of service (QoS) requirements associated with modern communication networks, 5G technology has emerged as a pivotal player. In its architecture, 5G has adopted network function virtualization (NFV) and cloud-based approaches, aiming to simplify network and service deployment, operational processes, and management. The convergence of software defined networking (SDN) and NFV offers an effective solution, enabling scalable and high-performance 5G networks. However, this integration poses critical challenges, with the placement of SDN controllers being a central concern due to its significant impact on network performance, covering aspects such as latency, costs, and energy efficiency. This challenge is known as the controller placement problem (CPP). The central theme of this paper revolves around the intricate relationship between 5G core networks, virtualization technology, and the pressing concern of SDN controller placement, underscoring its significance in the modern networking landscape. We provide a survey of recent methodologies aimed at solving the CPP within the realm of SDN, with a particular focus on resiliency and high availability.