Abstract & Overview
In the realm of telecommunications, the emergence of Fifth Generation (5G) technology and the prospective arrival of Sixth Generation (6G) networks represent a paradigm shift of considerable magnitude. These technological advancements have precipitated a profound transformation within the industry, fundamentally altering operational methodologies and technological architectures. A crucial technology in this evolution is Software-Defined Networking (SDN), which enhances programmability, scalability, and flexibility. However, integrating SDN with 5G and 6G networks presents both benefits and challenges, especially when combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of SDN in the context of 5G and 6G networks, highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating ML and AI. The review also discusses future research directions and potential solutions to the identified challenges. It examines the significant hurdles to SDN deployment in these advanced network environments and the unprecedented opportunities it presents. The paper offers an in-depth analysis of SDN's impact on the future of mobile networks, identifying key issues and potential innovations. With the capability to support faster cellular communications and a vast number of connected devices, 6G will revolutionize the software industry. 6G will enable a seamless edge-to-cloud architecture, which current cloud solutions cannot sustain due to the immense volume of data processing and transfer required. Existing software architectures, development methodologies, and orchestration and offloading systems are not yet equipped to manage such demands.