Abstract: cache management and load balancing for 5G cloud radio access networks

Cloud Radio Access Networks (CRAN) has been proposed for 5G networks for better flexibility, scalability, and performance. CRAN aims to apply cloud-like architecture on RAN. This paper focuses on cache management and load balance in the software architecture of CRAN, intends to provide fault mitigation and carrier-grade real-time services. First, a new cache management algorithm based on event frequency and QoS level of User Equipment (UE) is proposed, utilizing Exponential Decay scoring function and Analytic Hierarchy Process. Next, load balance (LB) function is added, and five LB algorithms are evaluated. The performance evaluation is based on real-life UE event characteristics and RAN system values provided by Nokia Research. Results show the cache hit rate, delay and network traffic; as well as the queue-length analysis of LB algorithms.