tops when the instruction set associ- ated with a matching flow entry does not specify a next table; at this point the packet is usually modified and forwarded [49]. We now change our focus to 3GPP CUPS and discuss the efforts within 3GPP to enable SDN control of networks. 3GPP completed Rel-14 specification of control- and user-plane separation work item in June 2014, which is a key core network feature for many operators. Control- and user-plane separation of EPC nodes provides architecture enhancements for the separation of functionalities in the EPC's SGW, PGW, and traffic detection function (TDF). 22 This enables flexible network deployment and operation, distributed or centralized architecture, as well as independent scaling between control-plane and user-plane functions without affecting the functionality of the existing nodes as a result of the split. The user data traffic in operators' networks have been doubling on an annual basis in recent years due to increasing use of smart devices, proliferation of video streaming, and other broad- band applications. At the same time, there is a strong consumer demand for improved user experience, higher throughput, and lower latency. The CUPS scheme allows for reducing the latency of application/service by selecting user-plane nodes which are closer to the RAN or more appropriate for the intended usage type without increasing the number of control-plane nodes. It further supports increase of data traffic by enabling addition of user- plane nodes without changing the number of control-plane nodes (SGW-C, PGW-C, and TDF-C) in the network. The CUPS scheme further allows locating and scaling control-plane and user-plane resources of the EPC nodes independently as well as enabling independent evolution of the control-plane and user-plane functions. The CUPS paradigm is a precursor Traffic detection function has become an important element in the mobile networks due to the increasing complexities in managing data services, demand for personalization, and service differen