BENS-B5G: Blockchain-Enabled Network Slicing in 5G and Beyond-5G (B5G) Networks

Area of Science:

• Telecommunications Engineering
• Computer Science

Background:

• Fifth-generation (5G) and Beyond-5G (B5G) networks require advanced techniques to meet demanding service requirements like low latency and high data rates.
• Network slicing is a key technology for managing diverse service needs in these next-generation wireless networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a blockchain-based network slicing architecture for 5G and B5G networks.
• To enable dynamic resource contracting and fine-grained resource allocation for efficient service execution.
• To minimize operational and maintenance costs for 5G service providers while managing Primary User-Secondary User (PU-SU) interactions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a Blockchain Consensus Framework for dynamic resource management, particularly the radio access network (RAN) schedule.
• Implementation of a comprehensive service procurement methodology using a blockchain-based consensus mechanism for adaptive resource allocation.
• Integration of a learning-based algorithm, the Blockchain-Enabled Network Slicing Model (BENS), for sophisticated spectrum resource allocation.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework facilitates dynamic resource contracting and adaptive allocation, ensuring seamless end-to-end service execution.
• The blockchain-based approach effectively monitors and controls resource utilization and sharing within B5G networks.
• The Blockchain-Enabled Network Slicing Model (BENS) demonstrates sophisticated spectrum resource allocation capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Blockchain technology is crucial for enhancing 5G and B5G networks through secure and efficient resource management.
• The introduced Blockchain Consensus Framework and BENS model offer a robust solution for network slicing and resource allocation.
• The proposed methodology effectively balances diverse service requirements with cost reduction for service providers.