Page 74 - 5G Basics - Core Network Aspects

1 Core network aspects

networks. At the same time, consumers are able to continue communication services, e.g., social networking
services (SNSs), even after a disaster.

An operator can reduce the construction cost of a system that deals with disaster scenarios. Due to the name-
based communication, there is no clear functional boundary between network elements and end devices in
DAN. In this way, an operator can adaptively use available DAN elements as storage or caching servers during
a disaster period, so that an operator can deal with a disaster scenario in an economical manner. Also, name-
based communication enables the data object to be prioritized, so that appropriate action can be taken on
individual data objects.
Moreover, DAN can regulate access to data objects, e.g., only to a specific user or a group of users, by securing
the data object. This security mechanism facilitates trusted communications among end users in a
fragmented network where public safety is disturbed and vandalism occurs frequently. These benefits have
been shown in [b-Yo, 2013]; see also Appendix I.

7.6 Advanced metering infrastructure in a smart grid

The service scenario involves smart meters, communications networks and data management systems that
provide two-way communications between utility companies and their customers. Customers are assisted
by in-home displays, power management systems, etc. In communication networks, DAN elements can be
installed in order to keep copies of data in the in-network caches so that the cached data can be reused in a
format appropriate to the demands of customers and utility companies. Based on data that represent the
pattern of use of a utility, customers can plan or limit the level of utility consumption and also utility
companies can achieve load balancing in the network.
Figure 7-11 depicts a sample scenario for the AMI in a smart grid.

Figure 7-11 – Advanced metering infrastructure in a smart grid

The operational procedures of the scenario are as follows:
1) A smart meter records the energy consumption of home appliances in the storage of the DAN
element, and regularly pushes the information, e.g., NDOs, to the utility company that provides
electricity. While the NDOs are pushed to the utility company, they can be cached on selected DAN
elements along the forwarding path, e.g., close to the end user.
2) User A, e.g., owner of a smart meter, requests information to check the states of appliances at home.
At this time, the request hits the cached NDO on the DAN element.
3) The request is directly served from the DAN element, not from the smart meter. Moreover, the DAN
element may process the NDO so that its format is suitable for the capability of user A’s mobile
device.

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