Towards cloud-based multi-operator core networks (MOCN) for infrastructure sharing

Abstract

The cost associated with telecommunication infrastructure acquisition and deployment remains a primary inhibitor to market entry by new operators who lack the capital to deploy competitive infrastructure. This entry barrier has resulted in the monopolisation of the telecommunication industry by established network operators. To cope with the growing user demands, existing operators are looking for strategies to cost-effectively expand and improve their existing infrastructures. Network virtualisation and technologies for infrastructure sharing play paramount important roles in reducing the deployment and operational costs of future mobile networks and fostering healthy competition in the market. The prospects of reducing the cost of network deployment offers some flexibility in adjusting retail prices and extending broadband access to rural areas. This paper proposes a network sharing architecture called cloud-based multi-operator core networks (C-MOCN), derived from a well-known specification where the radio access network (RAN), and spectrum, are shared among multiple mobile network operators. The technical implementation details of the architecture and acceptance tests conducted to ensure strong traffic isolation are described. The test results show that it is possible for multiple operators to co-exist on the same RAN while ensuring strong traffic isolation and high quality of experience for end-users.