SESAME-based Session
Small cEllS CoordinAtion for Multi-tenancy and Edge services
Grant Agreement (GA) No.671596

sesame

The SESAME EU-funded project targets innovations around three central elements in the wider 5G context:

(i) The placement of network intelligence and applications in the network edge through Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Edge Cloud Computing;

(ii) the substantial evolution of the Small Cell (SC) concept, already mainstream in 4G but expected to deliver its full potential in the challenging high dense 5G scenarios, and;

(iii) the consolidation of multi-tenancy in communications infrastructures, allowing several operators/service providers to engage in new sharing models of both access capacity and edge computing capabilities.

The SESAME Project is an innovative effort to realize multi-tenant cloud enabled Radio Access Network(s) RAN(s), through a substantial change on the architecture of commercial Small Cells (SCs), by evolving them towards the so-called “Cloud Enabled Small Cell” (“CESC”).

This change paves the way towards “placing” network intelligence and applications in the network edge, with the help of virtualization techniques and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Through the advanced coordination and orchestration realised within the wider SESAME concept, a new architecture is proposed aiming to attend several operators / service providers and engage them in a modern multitenant ecosystem, to fully serve the broader vision of the 5G.

In particular, SESAME proposes the CESC concept, a new multi-operator enabled Small Cell that integrates a virtualised execution platform (i.e., the Light Data Centre (Light DC) for deploying Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), supporting powerful “Self-x” management and executing novel applications and services inside the access network infrastructure. The Light DC will feature low-power processors and hardware accelerators for time critical operations and will build a high manageable clustered edge computing infrastructure.

This approach will allow new stakeholders to dynamically enter the value chain by acting as “neutral host providers” in high traffic areas where densification of multiple networks is not practical. The optimal management of a CESC deployment is a “key challenge” of the SESAME context, for which new orchestration, NFV management, virtualisation of management views per tenant, “Self-x” features and radio access management techniques will be developed.

Moreover, the SESAME effort -with the expected solution(s)- extend the “Small Cell as a Service” (“SCaaS”) model, which facilitates a third-party provisioning of shared radio access capacity to mobile network operators in various localised areas, together with the provision of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) services.

Efficient management of resources, rapid introduction of new network function(s) and/or service(s), ease of upgrades and maintenance, CAPEX/OPEX reduction and encouraging openness within the ecosystem, are only a few -but quite substantial- examples of the various benefits that the proposed solution can develop and provide for the benefit of the European industry and citizens.

After designing, specifying and developing the architecture and all the involved CESC modules, SESAME will culminate with a prototype with all functionalities for proving the concept in relevant use cases. Besides, CESC will be formulated consistently and synergistically with other 5G-PPP components through coordination with the corresponding projects. The project is funded by the European Commission within the 5G-PPP/Horizon 2020 framework and has a duration of 30 calendar months. SESAME included 20 partners coming from seven European countries (Greece, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Luxembourg and Switzerland).

More information about SESAME where OTE participates as the project coordinator, can be found at: http://www.sesame-h2020-5g-ppp.eu/

SESAME (GA No.671596) – Contact info

Dr. Ioannis P. CHOCHLIOUROS
Project Coordinator
Head of Research Programs Section, Fixed
Research and Development Department, Fixed & Mobile
Technology Strategy & Core Network Division, Fixed & Mobile
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (OTE)
1, Pelika & Spartis Street
15122 Maroussi, Athens
GREECE
Tel.: +30-210-6114651
Fax: +30-210-6114650
E-Mail: ichochliouros@oteresearch.gr; ic152369@ote.gr

Dr. Anastasios KOURTIS
Technical Manager
Director of Research, Head of Media Networks Laboratory
Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications
National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”
Patr. Grigoriou & Neapoleos Str.
Aghia Paraskevi 15310
GREECE
Tel.: +30-210-650 3166
Fax: +30-210-653 2175
E-Mail: kourtis@iit.demokritos.gr