Using ICN slicing framework to build an IoT edge network

We demonstrate 5G network slicing as a unique deployment opportunity for information centric networking (ICN), by using a generic service orchestration framework that operates on commodity compute, storage, and bandwidth resource pools to realize ICN service slices. In this demo, we specifically propose a service slice for the IoT Edge network. ICN has often been considered pertinent for IoT use due to its benefits like simpler stacks on resource constrained devices, in-network caching, and in-built data provenance. We use a lightweight ICN stack on IoT devices connected with sensors and actuators to build a network, where clients can set realistic policies using their legacy hand-held devices. We employ name based authentication protocols between the service end-points and IoT devices to allow secure onboarding. The IoT slice co-exists with other service slices that cater to different classes of applications (e.g., bandwidth intensive applications, such as video conferencing) allowing resource management flexibility. Our design creates orchestrated service Edge functions to which the clients connect, and these can in turn utilize in-network stateless functions to perform tasks, such as decision making and analytics using the available compute resources efficiently.