Implementation of Virtualised Network Functions (VNFs) for Broadband Satellite Networks

Abstract—We present the design and implementation aspects of a virtualized Performance Enhancing Proxy (vPEP), achiev- ing performance optimizations in a 5G compliant architecture involving the satellite as an alternate, additional backhaul link. The deployment of hybrid terrestrial-satellite configurations is realized through the vPEP agent, meant as a chain of Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) properly distributed at the network edges, enhancing protocol performance and/or bringing value- added services in the end-to-end path. To this end, we discuss an integration pattern of the satellite into the 5G service-based architecture, outlining key functional components. In addition, we present a preliminary evaluation study employing a vPEP embodying the QUIC protocol in a possible web-browsing, 5G optimized slice.