Journal article
Wireless network virtualization (WNV) has drawn attention from the researchers ranging
from academia to industry as one of the signi cant technologies in the cellular network communication.
It is considered as a pioneer to achieve effective resource utilization with decreased operating expenses and
capital expenses by decoupling the networks functionalities of coexisting virtual networks. It facilitates fast
deployment of new services and novel technologies.WNVparadigm is in the early stages, and there is a large
room for the research community to develop new architectures, systems, and applications. The availability
of software-de ned networking (SDN) and cloud/centralized radio access network (C-RAN) steers up the
hope for the WNV realization. This paper surveys WNV along with the recent developments in SDN and
C-RAN technologies. Based on these technologies and WNV concepts, we identify the requirements and
opportunities of future cellular networks. We then propose a general architectural framework for the WNV
based on SDN. In-depth discussion of challenges and research issues as well as promising approaches
for future networks communication improvements are also proposed. Finally, we give several promising
candidates of future network services for residential customers and business customers.