Cloud architectures for a scalable and elastic 3GPP IP multimedia subsystem (IMS)

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The 3GPP IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is a key component of 3G and beyond (3GB) telecommunication networks. It enables a robust delivery of multimedia services over different access technologies and across roaming boundaries. However, it still faces scalability and elasticity as major challenges. These challenges have somehow hampered its practical deployment in 3G networks. Tackling them is even more critical now that deployment in 4G networks has begun and eventual deployment in beyond 4G is being contemplated. Cloud computing is an emerging paradigm that brings inherent benefits such as scalability and elasticity. In this research project we propose to investigate cloud architectures for tackling the scalability and elasticity challenges faced by IMS. We will use the 3GPP user data convergence (UDC) specification as starting point. The specification stipulates the re-engineering of IMS functional entities into application front ends that rely on logical data repositories. Virtualization will be used as the pillar of these architectures. Ericsson Canada plays an important role in Ericsson IMS product portfolio. It now intends to strengthen its position in IMS by investigating the research avenues that will bring solutions to scalability and elasticity. This collaborative research project is part of that initiative. The students who will participate in this project will be exposed to industrial state of the art environment and will acquire specialized skills that are highly in need in the Canadian telecommunication industry and also in other related industries (e.g. Internet industry). This makes the project highly relevant to Canadian industry at large.