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Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) is a standard for delivering video in segments and adapting each segment's bitrate (quality), to adjust to changing and limited network bandwidth. We study segment prefetching, informed by machine learning predictions of bitrates of client segment requests, implemented at the network edge. We formulate this client segment request prediction problem as a supervised learning problem of predicting the bitrate of a client's next segment request, in order to prefetch it at the mobile edge, with the objective of jointly improving the video streaming experience for the users and network bandwidth utilization for the service provider. The results of extensive evaluations showed a segment request prediction accuracy of close to 90% and reduced video segment access delay with a cache hit ratio of 58%, and reduced transport network load by lowering the backhaul link utilization by 60.91%., QC 20230920

In this booklet the most important learnings and key results of 5G-SMART in the area of smart manufacturing are summarized., Comment: A booklet with key results and learnings of the project 5G For Smart Manufacturing (5G-SMART)

Recent advancements in mobile communication technology have led to the fifth generation of mobile cellular networks (5G), driven by the proliferation in data traffic demand, stringent latency requirements, and the desire for a fully connected world. This transformation calls for novel technology solutions such as Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to satisfy service requirements while providing dynamic and instant service deployment. MEC and NFV are two principal and complementary enablers for 5G networks whose co-existence can lead to numerous benefits. Despite the numerous advantages MEC offers, physical resources at the edge are extremely scarce and require efficient utilization. In this doctoral dissertation, we first attempt to optimize resource utilization at the network edge for the scenario of live video streaming. We specifically utilize the real-time Radio Access Network (RAN) information available at the MEC servers to develop a machine learning-based prediction solution and anticipate user requests. Consequently, Integer Linear Programming (ILP) models are used to prefetch/cache video contents from a centralized video server. Regarding the advantages of NFV technology for the deployment of NFs, the second problem that this dissertation address is the proper association of the users to the gNBs along with efficient placement of SFCs on the substrate network. Our primary purpose is to find a proper embedding of the SFC in a hierarchical 5G network. The problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model, having the objective to minimize service provisioning cost, link utilization, and the effect of VNF migration on users' perceived quality of experience. After rigorously analyzing the proposed SFC placement and considering mobile networks' dynamicity, our next goal is to develop an ILP-based model that minimizes the resource provisioning cost by dynamically embed and scale SFCs so that provision

Recent advancements in mobile communication technology have led to the fifth generation of mobile cellular networks (5G), driven by the proliferation in data traffic demand, stringent latency requirements, and the desire for a fully connected world. This transformation calls for novel technology solutions such as Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to satisfy service requirements while providing dynamic and instant service deployment. MEC and NFV are two principal and complementary enablers for 5G networks whose co-existence can lead to numerous benefits. Despite the numerous advantages MEC offers, physical resources at the edge are extremely scarce and require efficient utilization. In this doctoral dissertation, we first attempt to optimize resource utilization at the network edge for the scenario of live video streaming. We specifically utilize the real-time Radio Access Network (RAN) information available at the MEC servers to develop a machine learning-based prediction solution and anticipate user requests. Consequently, Integer Linear Programming (ILP) models are used to prefetch/cache video contents from a centralized video server. Regarding the advantages of NFV technology for the deployment of NFs, the second problem that this dissertation address is the proper association of the users to the gNBs along with efficient placement of SFCs on the substrate network. Our primary purpose is to find a proper embedding of the SFC in a hierarchical 5G network. The problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model, having the objective to minimize service provisioning cost, link utilization, and the effect of VNF migration on users' perceived quality of experience. After rigorously analyzing the proposed SFC placement and considering mobile networks' dynamicity, our next goal is to develop an ILP-based model that minimizes the resource provisioning cost by dynamically embed and scale SFCs so that provision

Recent developments in mobile networks towards the fifth generation (5G) communication technology have been mainly driven by an explosive increase in mobile traffic demand and emerging vertical applications with their diverse Quality–of–Service (QoS) requirements, which current mobile networks are likely to fall short of satisfying. New technological cost–efficient solutions are, therefore, required to boost the network capacity and advance its capabilities in order to support the QoS requirements of, for example, enhanced mobile broadband services and the ones requiring ultra–reliable low latency communication. Network densification is known to be as one of the promising approaches aiming to increase the network capacity. This is achieved thanks to aggressive frequency reuse at small cells. Nonetheless, this entails performance degradation especially for cell–edge users due to a high Inter–cell Interference (ICI) level. Cloud Radio Access Network (C–RAN) architecture has been proposed as an efficient way to address the aforementioned challenges, tackle some of the problems persistent in the present–day mobile networks (e.g., inefficient use of frequency bands, high power consumption) and, by employing virtualization techniques, facilitate the network management while paving a way for new business opportunities for mobile virtual network operators. The main idea behind C–RAN is to decouple the radio unit of a base station, referred as a Decentralized Unit (DU) from the baseband processing unit, referred as a Centralized Unit (CU) and virtualize the latter in a centralized location, referred as a CU pool. Then, by executing so–called "functional split" in the RAN protocol stack between the CU and the DU, identify the RAN functionalities that are to be performed at the DU and the CU pool. Depending on the selected functional split (i.e., the resource centralization level), the bandwidth and latency requirements vary in the fronthaul network, which is the one interconn

Recent developments in mobile networks towards the fifth generation (5G) communication technology have been mainly driven by an explosive increase in mobile traffic demand and emerging vertical applications with their diverse Quality–of–Service (QoS) requirements, which current mobile networks are likely to fall short of satisfying. New technological cost–efficient solutions are, therefore, required to boost the network capacity and advance its capabilities in order to support the QoS requirements of, for example, enhanced mobile broadband services and the ones requiring ultra–reliable low latency communication. Network densification is known to be as one of the promising approaches aiming to increase the network capacity. This is achieved thanks to aggressive frequency reuse at small cells. Nonetheless, this entails performance degradation especially for cell–edge users due to a high Inter–cell Interference (ICI) level. Cloud Radio Access Network (C–RAN) architecture has been proposed as an efficient way to address the aforementioned challenges, tackle some of the problems persistent in the present–day mobile networks (e.g., inefficient use of frequency bands, high power consumption) and, by employing virtualization techniques, facilitate the network management while paving a way for new business opportunities for mobile virtual network operators. The main idea behind C–RAN is to decouple the radio unit of a base station, referred as a Decentralized Unit (DU) from the baseband processing unit, referred as a Centralized Unit (CU) and virtualize the latter in a centralized location, referred as a CU pool. Then, by executing so–called "functional split" in the RAN protocol stack between the CU and the DU, identify the RAN functionalities that are to be performed at the DU and the CU pool. Depending on the selected functional split (i.e., the resource centralization level), the bandwidth and latency requirements vary in the fronthaul network, which is the one interconn

The problem related to ADR functioning in Armenia has a crucial importance for further economic development. The institutional development in Armenia has formed a peculiar reality of “institutional consistency” in this field, an essential element of which is a fragile dividing line between formal and informal institutions. Business reality shows that in Armenia the usage of ADR in “business to business” relations is widespread. The matter is that mostly it takes a form of informal relations, and actually formal ADR institutions have become “unclaimed”. This fact creates serious obstacles for the Government which seeks to establish effectively functioning formal ADR institutions. Unless the reasons as to why informal ADR mechanism is in high demand are identified, it is obvious that it will not be possible to elaborate a feasibly justified policy in this field. The aim of the study is to have a general overview on the dispute resolution mechanisms in Armenia and to study opportunities for their efficient implementation. Particularly the study is focusing on the following questions 1. What is the theoretical background of contract enforcement 2. What are the theoretical costs of contract enforcement to businesses? 3. How disputes in B2B are being solved in Armenia? 4. What are the real costs the businesses face during dispute resolution 5. How the costs of dispute resolution stipulate selection between different resolution mechanisms

The problem related to ADR functioning in Armenia has a crucial importance for further economic development. The institutional development in Armenia has formed a peculiar reality of “institutional consistency” in this field, an essential element of which is a fragile dividing line between formal and informal institutions. Business reality shows that in Armenia the usage of ADR in “business to business” relations is widespread. The matter is that mostly it takes a form of informal relations, and actually formal ADR institutions have become “unclaimed”. This fact creates serious obstacles for the Government which seeks to establish effectively functioning formal ADR institutions. Unless the reasons as to why informal ADR mechanism is in high demand are identified, it is obvious that it will not be possible to elaborate a feasibly justified policy in this field. The aim of the study is to have a general overview on the dispute resolution mechanisms in Armenia and to study opportunities for their efficient implementation. Particularly the study is focusing on the following questions 1. What is the theoretical background of contract enforcement 2. What are the theoretical costs of contract enforcement to businesses? 3. How disputes in B2B are being solved in Armenia? 4. What are the real costs the businesses face during dispute resolution 5. How the costs of dispute resolution stipulate selection between different resolution mechanisms

The problem related to ADR functioning in Armenia has a crucial importance for further economic development. The institutional development in Armenia has formed a peculiar reality of “institutional consistency” in this field, an essential element of which is a fragile dividing line between formal and informal institutions. Business reality shows that in Armenia the usage of ADR in “business to business” relations is widespread. The matter is that mostly it takes a form of informal relations, and actually formal ADR institutions have become “unclaimed”. This fact creates serious obstacles for the Government which seeks to establish effectively functioning formal ADR institutions. Unless the reasons as to why informal ADR mechanism is in high demand are identified, it is obvious that it will not be possible to elaborate a feasibly justified policy in this field. The aim of the study is to have a general overview on the dispute resolution mechanisms in Armenia and to study opportunities for their efficient implementation. Particularly the study is focusing on the following questions 1. What is the theoretical background of contract enforcement 2. What are the theoretical costs of contract enforcement to businesses? 3. How disputes in B2B are being solved in Armenia? 4. What are the real costs the businesses face during dispute resolution 5. How the costs of dispute resolution stipulate selection between different resolution mechanisms

The problem related to ADR functioning in Armenia has a crucial importance for further economic development. The institutional development in Armenia has formed a peculiar reality of “institutional consistency” in this field, an essential element of which is a fragile dividing line between formal and informal institutions. Business reality shows that in Armenia the usage of ADR in “business to business” relations is widespread. The matter is that mostly it takes a form of informal relations, and actually formal ADR institutions have become “unclaimed”. This fact creates serious obstacles for the Government which seeks to establish effectively functioning formal ADR institutions. Unless the reasons as to why informal ADR mechanism is in high demand are identified, it is obvious that it will not be possible to elaborate a feasibly justified policy in this field. The aim of the study is to have a general overview on the dispute resolution mechanisms in Armenia and to study opportunities for their efficient implementation. Particularly the study is focusing on the following questions 1. What is the theoretical background of contract enforcement 2. What are the theoretical costs of contract enforcement to businesses? 3. How disputes in B2B are being solved in Armenia? 4. What are the real costs the businesses face during dispute resolution 5. How the costs of dispute resolution stipulate selection between different resolution mechanisms

The problem related to ADR functioning in Armenia has a crucial importance for further economic development. The institutional development in Armenia has formed a peculiar reality of “institutional consistency” in this field, an essential element of which is a fragile dividing line between formal and informal institutions. Business reality shows that in Armenia the usage of ADR in “business to business” relations is widespread. The matter is that mostly it takes a form of informal relations, and actually formal ADR institutions have become “unclaimed”. This fact creates serious obstacles for the Government which seeks to establish effectively functioning formal ADR institutions. Unless the reasons as to why informal ADR mechanism is in high demand are identified, it is obvious that it will not be possible to elaborate a feasibly justified policy in this field. The aim of the study is to have a general overview on the dispute resolution mechanisms in Armenia and to study opportunities for their efficient implementation. Particularly the study is focusing on the following questions 1. What is the theoretical background of contract enforcement 2. What are the theoretical costs of contract enforcement to businesses? 3. How disputes in B2B are being solved in Armenia? 4. What are the real costs the businesses face during dispute resolution 5. How the costs of dispute resolution stipulate selection between different resolution mechanisms

The problem related to ADR functioning in Armenia has a crucial importance for further economic development. The institutional development in Armenia has formed a peculiar reality of “institutional consistency” in this field, an essential element of which is a fragile dividing line between formal and informal institutions. Business reality shows that in Armenia the usage of ADR in “business to business” relations is widespread. The matter is that mostly it takes a form of informal relations, and actually formal ADR institutions have become “unclaimed”. This fact creates serious obstacles for the Government which seeks to establish effectively functioning formal ADR institutions. Unless the reasons as to why informal ADR mechanism is in high demand are identified, it is obvious that it will not be possible to elaborate a feasibly justified policy in this field. The aim of the study is to have a general overview on the dispute resolution mechanisms in Armenia and to study opportunities for their efficient implementation. Particularly the study is focusing on the following questions 1. What is the theoretical background of contract enforcement 2. What are the theoretical costs of contract enforcement to businesses? 3. How disputes in B2B are being solved in Armenia? 4. What are the real costs the businesses face during dispute resolution 5. How the costs of dispute resolution stipulate selection between different resolution mechanisms