Cloud based EPC: A Design Approach

In this paper, we present a design of a cloud based Evolved Packet Core (EPC) utilizing Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) techniques. The ability of SDN to separate the control plane from the user plane such that it can then be moved onto a cloud based service is discussed as well as its relevance. The EPC is a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defined mobile aggregation network for the deployment of 4G and broadband services while also allowing for the interoperability of legacy technologies such as 3G. The decline in profitability of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) is the driving force behind this research area and this design attempts to lower the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) involved in creating and managing such a Core infrastructure. The system is also designed to be highly flexible and scalable to cope with the increasing amounts of data that users are requesting from their MNOs.