Researchers José-Ramón Vidal, Luis Guijarro, and Vicent Pla from the Universitat Politècnica de València in Spain have explored a novel business model for mobile radio access networks that leverages network slicing, a technology that could significantly impact the energy sector’s communication needs.
Network slicing is a technology that allows cellular networks to be divided into multiple virtual networks, each tailored to specific needs. In this context, the researchers proposed a business model where infrastructure providers (InPs) own the network resources, such as radio access points, and lease them to different Network Slice Tenants (NSTs). These NSTs then provide services to mobile users. The model includes resource allocation and user subscription mechanisms, with a focus on competitive settings.
The researchers relied on the widely adopted logit model to characterize user subscriptions. However, they noted that user mobility and radio propagation can challenge some of the logit model’s assumptions. To address this, they conducted a thorough evaluation of the logit model’s validity in a mobile radio scenario. They compared the logit model’s results against those obtained through computer simulations that included realistic characterizations of user mobility and radio propagation.
The results showed that, in most cases, the logit model provides valid results even in a mobile radio scenario. This finding is significant because it suggests that the proposed business model could be effectively implemented in real-world settings, benefiting the energy sector by providing more flexible and efficient communication networks. For instance, energy companies could lease dedicated network slices for their specific needs, such as remote monitoring of energy infrastructure or managing distributed energy resources.
The research was published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, a reputable source for advancements in mobile computing and networking technologies. The findings could pave the way for more innovative and efficient communication solutions in the energy sector, ultimately contributing to better energy management and distribution.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.