5G-PPDE: A Novel Adaptive Scaling Framework for Enhancing the Resilience of the 5G Cloud Core Network

As containerization technology progresses, the network functions within the 5G core are abstracted into Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), operating within a cloud-based ecosystem. To bolster network resilience, autoscaling strategies dynamically allocate resources in response to workloads, ensuring the Quality of Service (QoS) is maintained. However, the inherent openness of 5G networks exposes them to signaling storms and unexpected disturbances, leading to substantial workload fluctuations and bursts. Current reactive autoscaling strategies are slow to respond to these challenges, falling short of user expectations for low-latency, high-quality internet services. To address this challenge, we propose a novel auto-scaling framework specifically designed for the 5G cloud core network system, dubbed 5G-PPDE. Our framework harnesses the Crossformer model for accurate workload forecasting and employs a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) classification model to offer four distinct scaling strategies. The scaling-down decision algorithm implements a Gradual Decrease Strategy (GDS) for resource management, while the burst scaling strategy adapts to sudden workload changes by referencing the maximum service quantities observed during historical window periods. We have constructed a validation system leveraging the open-source Free5GC and Free5GMANO, using the wrk tool to simulate burst traffic scenarios. Prometheus is utilized for real-time data collection, thereby validating the efficacy of our proposed framework. The findings demonstrate that our method effectively mitigates the impact of burst traffic, outperforming current solutions.