NFV applicability and use cases in satellite networks

Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) is currently driving a paradigm shift towards the virtualisation/ softwarisation of network infrastructures, allowing the flexible deployment and management of network functionalities. In this paper, we investigate the applicability of the NFV technologies to satellite communications platforms and identify -via three indicative use cases- the added-value, as well as the associated challenges and considerations. We also present a proof-of-concept implementation of an NFV-enabled satellite network on an emulated testbed. We conclude that NFV adoption seems quite beneficial for the satcom sector in order to maintain its competitiveness, promote its inherent benefits and also to achieve the smooth integration of the satellite components and their indispensable satellite-specific capabilities into the future federated heterogeneous networks, within the 5G context.