A Dynamic Pricing and Leasing Module for 5G Networks

Abstract

In this paper, a novel framework for enabling dynamic Policy and Charging Rules in modern 5G multi-tenancy environments is designed and presented. More specifically, adaptive pricing schemes are utilized by MNOs for instantiating tailored slices, when the resources of a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) are insufficient to serve the connected users. A scheme where an MNO seeks and leases additional resources from an Infrastructure Provider (InP) is examined in this paper. Their negotiation is modeled as a Service Level Agreement (SLA) and the dynamic charging rules are implemented as an extension of the 5G Policy Charging Function (PCF). The analytical structure of the proposed architecture as well as all the methods and signals developed for MNO and InP collaboration, are described in the context of this work. Finally, extensive testbed experimentation proves proper functioning of the proposed framework, under both UDP and TCP additional traffic demands.