# The Challenges and Compatibility of Mobility Management Solutions for Future Networks
## 5 Recent MM Techniques and 5G Architecture
### Research Contribution (Non-3 GPP): MM Strategies in 5G Network
#### 5.2.1 Network Contribution at Core Level  
These (core network) solutions can further be classified as:  
(i) Distributed MM (DMM) or edge cloud-based [33; 35; 70; 76; 97; 98; 99]  
(ii) Software-defined network (SDN) based solutions [74; 75].  
In light of the discussion in Table 2 of Section 3, we identify the advantages, drawbacks, and considered aspects of state-of-the-art (non-3 GPP) MM mechanisms in the 5G network. These are as follows:  
**Advantages of DMM-based mechanisms**  
- This solution is helpful at the time of mobility for the corresponding node (CN) to select the efficient data path [10; 75; 89; 100].  
- MM anchors can be decentralized by using this mechanism [75; 76; 89; 101].  
**Drawbacks of DMM-based mechanisms**  
- The coordination and integration with existing devices is a challenging task [10].  
- The entire (complete) decentralized mechanism creates a lot of message exchange. Hence, the network is burdened [75].  
**Advantages of SDN-based mechanism**  
- It provides the overall vision of the network [9].  
- Decentralization is possible due to hierarchal solutions [72].  
- It allows the facility to design the MM mechanisms according to the context.  
**Drawbacks of SDN-based mechanism**  
- Wide-range of signals are exchanged at CN [72].  
- There are chances of SPOF in DP.  
(A) Considerations for DMM-based Solutions  
In dependability aspects, DMM-based solutions fulfill parameters DL2 due to its decentralized nature and DL4 owing to its seamless handoff characteristics. The DMM-based solutions fulfill only parameter AL5 (it offers the granularity of service by preventing any mobility anchor) in the adaptability aspect. Similarly, concerning the extensibility point of view, the DMM-based solutions work like SDN-based solutions by fulfilling the parameters EL1, EL2, EL3, and EL5 for the same intention. Lastly, the DMM-based solutions fulfill parameters PL1 (by putting the base station into a sleep state when there is no traffic) and PL4 (by adding other micros, which will aid in offloading the traffic from the current base station) with respect to the power saving aspect.  
(B) Considerations for Edge Cloud-based MM Solution  
In the edge cloud-based MM solutions, parameters DL4 (permitting smooth mobility carried on by fast access to process the capabilities upon movement to the targeted access point) and DL2 (enabling decentralization of MM-based services) fulfill the dependability condition. Next, for the adaptability condition, parameters AL5 (owing to the capability that offers the services based on application profiles and mobility), AL2 (by permitting MM mechanisms at the edge network level in addition to the access and core network-based solutions), AL1 (by providing processing capabilities for user association /AP selection services) and AL3 (by permitting context awareness in data caching concerning user movement) are satisfied. Furthermore, for the extensibility condition, the edge cloud solutions fulfill parameters EL1, EL2, EL3, and EL5. The motivation is that they permitdecentralization, allowing the improved capability to cope with control messages and connections due to the growing number of devices. Finally, the PL2 parameter can fulfill the criteria of the power-saving condition owing to the permission of both deeper and longer periods of sleep when there is minimal or no continuity in data transmissions, which has a substantial effect on the whole network from an energy consumption point of view.