665 research outputs found
An Efficient Uplink Multi-Connectivity Scheme for 5G mmWave Control Plane Applications
The millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies offer the potential of orders of
magnitude increases in capacity for next-generation cellular systems. However,
links in mmWave networks are susceptible to blockage and may suffer from rapid
variations in quality. Connectivity to multiple cells - at mmWave and/or
traditional frequencies - is considered essential for robust communication. One
of the challenges in supporting multi-connectivity in mmWaves is the
requirement for the network to track the direction of each link in addition to
its power and timing. To address this challenge, we implement a novel uplink
measurement system that, with the joint help of a local coordinator operating
in the legacy band, guarantees continuous monitoring of the channel propagation
conditions and allows for the design of efficient control plane applications,
including handover, beam tracking and initial access. We show that an
uplink-based multi-connectivity approach enables less consuming, better
performing, faster and more stable cell selection and scheduling decisions with
respect to a traditional downlink-based standalone scheme. Moreover, we argue
that the presented framework guarantees (i) efficient tracking of the user in
the presence of the channel dynamics expected at mmWaves, and (ii) fast
reaction to situations in which the primary propagation path is blocked or not
available.Comment: Submitted for publication in IEEE Transactions on Wireless
Communications (TWC
ns-3 Implementation of the 3GPP MIMO Channel Model for Frequency Spectrum above 6 GHz
Communications at mmWave frequencies will be a key enabler of the next
generation of cellular networks, due to the multi-Gbps rate that can be
achieved. However, there are still several problems that must be solved before
this technology can be widely adopted, primarily associated with the interplay
between the variability of mmWave links and the complexity of mobile networks.
An end-to-end network simulator represents a great tool to assess the
performance of any proposed solution to meet the stringent 5G requirements.
Given the criticality of channel propagation characteristics at higher
frequencies, we present our implementation of the 3GPP channel model for the
6-100 GHz band for the ns-3 end-to-end 5G mmWave module, and detail its
associated MIMO beamforming architecture
Millimeter Wave Cellular Networks: A MAC Layer Perspective
The millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band is seen as a key enabler of
multi-gigabit wireless access in future cellular networks. In order to overcome
the propagation challenges, mmWave systems use a large number of antenna
elements both at the base station and at the user equipment, which lead to high
directivity gains, fully-directional communications, and possible noise-limited
operations. The fundamental differences between mmWave networks and traditional
ones challenge the classical design constraints, objectives, and available
degrees of freedom. This paper addresses the implications that highly
directional communication has on the design of an efficient medium access
control (MAC) layer. The paper discusses key MAC layer issues, such as
synchronization, random access, handover, channelization, interference
management, scheduling, and association. The paper provides an integrated view
on MAC layer issues for cellular networks, identifies new challenges and
tradeoffs, and provides novel insights and solution approaches.Comment: 21 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables, to appear in IEEE Transactions on
Communication
Cellular Wireless Networks in the Upper Mid-Band
The upper mid-band -- roughly from 7 to 24 GHz -- has attracted considerable
recent interest for new cellular services. This frequency range has vastly more
spectrum than the highly congested bands below 7 GHz while offering more
favorable propagation and coverage than the millimeter wave (mmWave)
frequencies. Realizing the full potential of these bands, however, will require
fundamental changes to the design of cellular systems. Most importantly,
spectrum will likely need to be shared with incumbents including communication
satellites, military RADAR, and radio astronomy. Also, due to the wide
bandwidth, directional nature of transmission, and intermittent occupancy of
incumbents, cellular systems will need to be agile to sense and intelligently
use large spatial and bandwidth degrees of freedom. This paper attempts to
provide an initial assessment of the feasibility and potential gains of
wideband cellular systems operating in the upper mid-band. The study includes:
(1) a system study to assess potential gains of multi-band systems in a
representative dense urban environment; (2) propagation calculations to assess
potential cross interference between satellites and terrestrial cellular
services; and (3) design and evaluation of a compact multi-band antenna array
structure. Leveraging these preliminary results, we identify potential future
research directions to realize next-generation systems in these frequencies.Comment: 11 page
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