SDN FOR 5G AND BEYOND: TRANSFORMING NETWORK ARCHITECTURES FOR NEXT-GENERATION CONNECTIVITY

Abstract

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has become a key enabler of next-generation network architectures, addressing the scalability, flexibility, and efficiency challenges inherent in 5G and beyond. By separating the control plane from the data plane, SDN facilitates programmability, centralised control, and dynamic resource management, transforming traditional networks into highly adaptable and intelligent systems. This article examines SDN’s transformative impact on 5G, focusing on its role in enabling network slicing, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC), and the functional decomposition of disaggregated Radio Access Networks (RAN). Comparative analyses trace the evolution of SDN across 3G, 4G, and 5G, highlighting its importance in promoting openness, interoperability, and cloud-native architectures. Furthermore, SDN’s integration with emerging paradigms such as Network as a Service (NaaS), fog and edge computing, and connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) underscores its versatility in addressing diverse application requirements. The article also explores SDN’s critical role in advancing cybersecurity through dynamic threat mitigation, centralised policy enforcement, and micro-segmentation. As networks transition towards 6G, SDN’s programmability and integration with AI, machine learning, and blockchain technologies will drive ultra-low latency, massive scalability, and innovative connectivity solutions. This analysis establishes SDN as a foundational technology for future ICT ecosystems, ensuring agility, efficiency, and security in an increasingly interconnected and intelligent world.