Caching on the move: Towards D2D-based information centric networking for mobile content distribution

With the advent of device-to-device (D2D) communications, user equipment (UE) such as smart phones will become an integral part of the (mobile) network for content distribution operations. In this context, we introduce a novel Information centric networking (ICN) framework for mobile content caching and distribution based on direct D2D communications in cellular network environments. Specifically, small pieces of mobile content can be cached at incentivised mobile UEs known as helpers, and the ICN-aware cellular network edge (e.g. base stations) are able to resolve content requests from local mobile clients to the helpers in their D2D proximity. With simple POI (point of interests) based selection of helpers as well as content caching/eviction control at the base station side, a significant proportion of mobile content requests can be locally resolved to helpers in proximity of clients, thus achieving very effective content traffic offloading away from the cellular network infrastructure.