Performance Evaluation of Control Plane Signaling in 5G: A Novel Adaptive Software-Edge Architecture

Vivi Monita; Naufal Hanan Lutfianto; Budi Prasetya; Andrea Stevens Karnyoto

doi:10.21512/commit.v20i2.14532

Authors

Vivi Monita Telkom University
Naufal Hanan Lutfianto Telkom University
Budi Prasetya Telkom University
Andrea Stevens Karnyoto Bina Nusantara University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21512/commit.v20i2.14532

Keywords:

5G Core Network, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Edge Computing, Control-Plane Signaling, Adaptive SDN-Edge (ASE-5G)

Abstract

The 5G core network faces increasing challenges in handling dynamic traffic growth, stringent latency requirements, and control-plane scalability due to its largely centralized processing model. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) improves network programmability, while edge computing reduces latency by decentralizing control and processing closer to users. However, existing SDN-based approaches for 5G cores still face limitations in dynamic signaling management, mobility handling, and resilience under varying traffic loads. The research proposes an Adaptive SDN-Edge 5G Architecture (ASE-5G) that integrates SDN programmability with edge-assisted control-plane coordination while preserving compatibility with thethe 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) service-based architecture. ASE-5G introduces rule-based and threshold-driven mechanisms to dynamically manage control-plane signaling, flow redirection, and controller failover without relying on GPRS Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) tunneling. The proposed architecture is evaluated using Objective Modular Network Testbed in C++ (OMNeT++) simulations and validated through analytical queueing models, focusing on control-plane signaling performance metrics, including latency, throughput, controller utilization, and failover behavior under different traffic conditions. Simulation results show that ASE-5G achieves low and stable signaling latency under moderate load, bounded throughput saturation under realistic protocol overheads, controlled resource utilization, and resilient controller failover behavior. A qualitative comparison with representative prior work indicates that ASE-5G extends existing SDN-based and edge-assisted 5G core designs by providing quantitatively validated performance insights while maintaining alignment with standardized 3GPP control procedures. These findings suggest that ASE-5G is a suitable and practical architecture for edge-centric and private 5G deployments requiring adaptive and resilient control-plane operation.

Dimensions

Author Biographies

Vivi Monita, Telkom University

Smart City Information Systems Study Program, School of Applied Science

Naufal Hanan Lutfianto, Telkom University

Telecommunication Engineering Study Program, School of Electrical Engineering

Budi Prasetya, Telkom University

Telecommunication Engineering Study Program, School of Electrical Engineering

Andrea Stevens Karnyoto, Bina Nusantara University

Computer Science Department, BINUS Graduate Program – Master of Computer Science Program

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