OpenFlow-based mechanisms for QoS in LTE backhaul networks

The growing data traffic demand is forcing network operators to deploy more base stations, culminating in dense heterogeneous networks that require a high-connectivity backhaul. This scenario imposes significant challenges for current and future cellular networks, and Software Defined Networking (SDN) has been pointed as an enabling technology to overcome existing limitations. This paper shows how the OpenFlow protocol can be integrated into existing Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks to provide the required Quality of Service (QoS) in the network infrastructure. Three OpenFlow-based mechanisms are proposed: a traffic routing, an admission control function, and a traffic coexistence mechanism. Together, they can effectively control the bandwidth usage in the backhaul infrastructure, improving the QoS and ensuring a better user experience. Simulations were performed to validate the proposed mechanisms and highlight the benefits that can be achieved with the flexibility offered by the SDN technology.