Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid Framework
Within the dynamic landscape of fifth-generation (5G) and emerging sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks, the adoption of network slicing has revolutionized telecommunications by enabling flexible and efficient resource allocation. However, this advancement introduces new security challenges, as t...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Sensors |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/3335 |
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| author | Zeina Allaw Ola Zein Abdel-Mehsen Ahmad |
| author_facet | Zeina Allaw Ola Zein Abdel-Mehsen Ahmad |
| author_sort | Zeina Allaw |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Within the dynamic landscape of fifth-generation (5G) and emerging sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks, the adoption of network slicing has revolutionized telecommunications by enabling flexible and efficient resource allocation. However, this advancement introduces new security challenges, as traditional protection mechanisms struggle to address the dynamic and complex nature of sliced network environments. This study proposes a Hybrid Security Framework Using Cross-Layer Integration, combining Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and AI-driven anomaly detection to strengthen network defenses. By integrating security mechanisms across multiple layers, the framework effectively mitigates threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of network slices. An implementation was developed, focusing on the AI-based detection process using a representative 5G security dataset. The results demonstrate promising detection accuracy and real-time response capabilities. While full SDN/NFV integration remains under development, these findings lay the groundwork for scalable, intelligent security architectures tailored to the evolving needs of next-generation networks. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4615c4b13f2043869f25e03e5426a95b |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1424-8220 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sensors |
| spelling | doaj-art-4615c4b13f2043869f25e03e5426a95b2025-08-20T03:11:24ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-05-012511333510.3390/s25113335Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid FrameworkZeina Allaw0Ola Zein1Abdel-Mehsen Ahmad2School of Engineering, Lebanese International University, Al Khiyara, West Bekaa 1803, LebanonSchool of Engineering, Lebanese International University, Al Khiyara, West Bekaa 1803, LebanonSchool of Engineering, Lebanese International University, Al Khiyara, West Bekaa 1803, LebanonWithin the dynamic landscape of fifth-generation (5G) and emerging sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks, the adoption of network slicing has revolutionized telecommunications by enabling flexible and efficient resource allocation. However, this advancement introduces new security challenges, as traditional protection mechanisms struggle to address the dynamic and complex nature of sliced network environments. This study proposes a Hybrid Security Framework Using Cross-Layer Integration, combining Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and AI-driven anomaly detection to strengthen network defenses. By integrating security mechanisms across multiple layers, the framework effectively mitigates threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of network slices. An implementation was developed, focusing on the AI-based detection process using a representative 5G security dataset. The results demonstrate promising detection accuracy and real-time response capabilities. While full SDN/NFV integration remains under development, these findings lay the groundwork for scalable, intelligent security architectures tailored to the evolving needs of next-generation networks.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/33355G/6G networksnetwork slicingsoftware-defined networking (SDN)network function virtualization (NFV)AI/MLcross-layer security |
| spellingShingle | Zeina Allaw Ola Zein Abdel-Mehsen Ahmad Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid Framework Sensors 5G/6G networks network slicing software-defined networking (SDN) network function virtualization (NFV) AI/ML cross-layer security |
| title | Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid Framework |
| title_full | Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid Framework |
| title_fullStr | Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid Framework |
| title_full_unstemmed | Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid Framework |
| title_short | Cross-Layer Security for 5G/6G Network Slices: An SDN, NFV, and AI-Based Hybrid Framework |
| title_sort | cross layer security for 5g 6g network slices an sdn nfv and ai based hybrid framework |
| topic | 5G/6G networks network slicing software-defined networking (SDN) network function virtualization (NFV) AI/ML cross-layer security |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/3335 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT zeinaallaw crosslayersecurityfor5g6gnetworkslicesansdnnfvandaibasedhybridframework AT olazein crosslayersecurityfor5g6gnetworkslicesansdnnfvandaibasedhybridframework AT abdelmehsenahmad crosslayersecurityfor5g6gnetworkslicesansdnnfvandaibasedhybridframework |