Deviceless communications: cloud-based communications for heterogeneous networks

Abstract

Mobile networks today see increasingly large numbers of connected userequipments (UE), allowing users to go beyond voice calling and tap into rich on-lineservices. Parallel to this evolution, other devices, such as TV’s, home automation or evenInternet of Things controllers, have become integrated with connectivity capabilities,allowing them to not only be locally connected, but also be reachable from the Internet. Inthis paper we propose a deviceless communication approach, where data and media flowsreaching a user can be individually shifted into nearby devices. To support this, we presenta framework that explores and enhances Software Defined Network and Network FunctionVirtualisation concepts, allowing the opportunistic utilization of nearby devices as the usermoves, while still being perceived as a single end-point towards external entities. Anexperimental validation scenario is presented, showcasing a video stream being deliveredto a nearby large TV screen, allowing the user to watch the video while a voice call isrouted to a nearby phone. Results showcase the feasibility of the proposed framework andhow virtualisation of both the UE and the points of attachment contribute to reduce theimpact of flow management in the physical devices.