Multi-tier multi-tenant network slicing: A multi-domain games approach

The 5G slice networks will play a critical role in meeting the stringent quality-of-service requirements of different use cases, reducing the Capital Expenditure (CapEX) and Operational Expenditure (OpEX) of mobile network operators. Owing to the flexibility and ability of 5G slice networks to meet the needs of different verticals, it attracts new network players and entities to the mobile network ecosystem, and therefore it creates new business models and structures. Motivated by this development, this paper addresses the dynamic resource allocation in a multi-slice multi-tier multi-domain network with different network players. The dynamic resource allocation problem is formulated as a maximum utility optimisation problem from a multiplayer multi-domain perspective. Furthermore, a 3-level hierarchical business model comprising Infrastructure Providers (InPs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), Service Providers (SPs), and slice users are investigated. We propose two schemes: a multi-tier multi-domain slice user matching game scheme and a distributed backtracking multiplayer multi-domain game scheme in solving the transformed maximum utility optimisation problem. We compare the multi-tier multi-tenant multi-domain game scheme with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) Intelligent Latency-Aware Resource (GI-LARE) allocation scheme, and a static slicing resource allocation scheme via Monte Carlo simulation. Our findings reveal that the proposed scheme significantly outperforms these other schemes.

Enhancing Cellular Coverage Quality by Virtual Access Point and Wireless Power Transfer

The ultradensification deploying for cellular networks is a direct and effective method for the improvement of network capacity. However, the benefit is achieved at the cost of network infrastructure investment and operating overheads, especially when there is big gap between peak-hour Internet traffic and average one. Therefore, we put forward the concept of virtual cellular coverage area, where wireless terminals with high-end configuration are motivated to enhance cellular coverage quality by both providing RF energy compensation and rewarding free traffic access to Internet. This problem is formulated as the Stackelberg game based on three-party circular decision, where a Macro BS (MBS) acts as the leader to offer a charging power to Energy Transferring Relays (ETRs), and the ETRs and their associating Virtual Access Points (VAPs) act as the followers to make their decisions, respectively. According to the feedback from the followers, the leader may readjust its strategy. The circular decision is repeated until the powers converge. Also, the better response algorithm for each game player is proposed to iteratively achieve the Stackelberg-Nash Equilibrium (SNE). Theoretical analysis proves the convergence of the proposed game scheme, and simulation results demonstrate its effectiveness.

Strong Isomorphism in Eisert-Wilkens-Lewenstein Type Quantum Games

The aim of this paper is to bring together the notions of quantum game and game isomorphism. The work is intended as an attempt to introduce a new criterion for quantum game schemes. The generally accepted requirement forces a quantum scheme to generate the classical game in a particular case. Now, given a quantum game scheme and two isomorphic classical games, we additionally require the resulting quantum games to be isomorphic as well. We are concerned with the Eisert-Wilkens-Lewenstein quantum game scheme and the strong isomorphism between games in strategic form.