- Software Defined networking
- network function virtualisation
- 5G networks
- data plane programmability
- Lower latency
- Edge computing
- Backhaul network
- Complex tasks can be performed at the network switch level (data link layer)
- A truly distributed architecture
- p4 is going to reduce the congestion caused at the network layer by moving some of the operations and tasks to the link layer
- Network customisation as a result of software defined radio. As a result we get flexibility; ideal for 5G networks
- Most of the applications are lying in the security aspects of the 5G network
- Work is done to improve the reliability as well as the latency of the the backhaul networks
- Edge computing
- Beamforming requires training of the network that determines the best beams within a channel. There are various algorithms such as binary search beam training over a beamforming codebook.
- Typically this pre configuration is done at the MAC sublayer (part of the link layer) (layer 2 - OSI model). MAC protocols provide control to the physical devices such as antennas etc.
- Currently the focus is on making the whole point to point communication effective rather than looking at elemental level such as the link or network layer.
- What P4 can do is provide a novel way in which data traffic can be directed at the network layer rather than the MAC or physical layer.
- This can help develop a unique edge-cloud or fog network architecture
- Provision of network services through which a user can avail personalised services