Intelligent Resource Allocation in 5G Multi-Radio Heterogeneous Networks

The fast-moving evolution of wireless networks, which started less than three decades ago, has resulted in worldwide connectivity and influenced the development of a global market in all related areas. However, in recent years, the growing user traffic demands have led to the saturation of licensed and unlicensed frequency bands regarding capacity and load-over-time. On the physical layer the used spectrum efficiency is already close to Shannon’s limit; however the traffic demand continues to grow, forcing mobile network operators and equipment manufacturers to evaluate more effective strategies of the wireless medium access.One of these strategies, called cell densification, implies there are a growing number of serving entities, with the appropriate reduction of the per-cell coverage area. However, if implemented blindly, this approach will lead to a significant growth in the average interference level and overhead control signaling, which are both required to allow sufficient user mobility. Furthermore, the interference is also affected by the increasing variety of radio access technologies (RATs) and applications, often deployed without the necessary level of cooperation with technologies that are already in place.To overcome these problems today’s telecommunication standardization groups are trying to collaborate. That is why the recent agenda of the fifth generation wireless networks (5G) includes not only the development schedules for the particular technologies but also implies there should be an expansion of the appropriate interconnection techniques. In this thesis, we describe and evaluate the concept of heterogeneous networks (HetNets), which involve the cooperation between several RATs.In the introductory part, we discuss the set of the problems, related to HetNets, and review the HetNet development process. Moreover, we show the evolution of existing and potential segments of the multi-RAT 5G network, together with the most promising applications, which could be used in future HetNets.Further, in the thesis, we describe the set of key representative scenarios, including three-tier WiFi-LTE multi-RAT deployment, MTC-enabled LTE, and the mmWave-based network. For each of these scenarios, we define a set of unsolved issues and appropriate solutions. For the WiFi-LTE multi-RAT scenario, we develop the framework, enabling intelligent and flexible resource allocation between the involved RATs. For MTC-enabled LTE, we study the effect of massive MTC deployments on the performance of LTE random access procedure and propose some basic methods to improve its efficiency. Finally, for the mmWave scenario, we study the effects of connectivity strategies, human body blockage and antenna array configuration on the overall network performance. Next, we develop a set of validated analytical and simulation-based techniques which allow us to evaluate the performance of proposed solutions. At the end of the introductory part a set of HetNet-related demo activities is demonstrated

Analytical Performance Evaluation of Cooperative and Multi-Radio Concepts in Emerging Wireless Networks

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Networking Solutions for Integrated Heterogeneous Wireless Ecosystem

This work targets at applying computer networking techniques to address challenges in modern wireless networks and in various environments built around these networks. The main focus of the work is on designing and implementing prototypes and demonstrators to support research in domains of heterogeneous networks (HetNets). These research domains include centralized radio resource management in emerging cellular network architectures, network assistance role in device-to-device (D2D) communications, and studying prospective services in these networks. Within the research group the author was tasked with designing network architectures and demonstrating certain connectivity and functionality interesting for the research. The author was responsible for modifying commercial off-the-shelf equipment to become suitable for target research scenarios, selecting network technologies to achieve connectivity requirements, deploying network architecture entities within the research group's cloud platform. For HetNet track, the primary goal was to design a platform that would mimic a device connected through a heterogeneous network, allowing researchers to experiment with traffic flow optimization in an environment close to the envisioned next-generation network architecture. Prototype solution and testbed were designed building on software defined network principles of automation, abstraction and software based flow switching, and were implemented using overlay networks and virtual network functions. Within D2D communications research, the task was to design architecture demonstrating feasibility of traffic offloading from infrastructure network to direct links. Prototype was implemented with automated routing control in overlay network. To demonstrate novel services enabled by advanced security frameworks, D2D platform was augmented and a new network application has been implemented, also suitable for wearable electronics

Device-to-device communications for 5G Radio Access Networks

Nowadays it is very popular to share video clips and images to one’s social network in the proximity. Direct device-to-device (D2D) communication is one of the means to respond to this requirement. D2D offers users improved end-to-end latency times, and additionally can provide higher data rates. At the same time the overall cellular network congestion decreases. D2D is also known as Proximity Services (ProSe). LTE is missing direct D2D communication. Currently D2D for 5G is standardised in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Releases 12, and in parallel Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for the Twenty-twenty Information Society (METIS) project has D2D as one of its research topics. Multiple articles have been published about D2D communication. This thesis is a literature based thesis following D2D communication in 5G literature. The scope is to describe similarities and differences found in Technical Reports and Technical Specifications of the 3GPP Release 12, in deliverables written in METIS project and in some selected D2D related publications about D2D communications. 3GPP Release 12 concentrates on ProSe at least for public safety. ProSe communication out-of-coverage is only for public safety purposes. METIS provides multiple solutions for diverse D2D topics, for example, device discovery, radio resource management, mobility management and relaying. METIS provides solutions for D2D communication not yet mature enough for development and implementation but which might be realized in the future.Nykyisin on suosittua lähettää lyhyitä videoita tai kuvia läheisyydessä oleville ystäville. Laitteiden välinen suora kommunikointi eli D2D-viestintä tuo ratkaisun tähän vaatimukseen. D2D-viestinnän ansiosta viive lyhenee ja lisäksi siirtonopeudet kasvavat. Samaan aikaan koko verkon kuormitus vähenee. Suora kahden laitteen välinen kommunikointi puuttuu LTE:stä. Tällä hetkellä 3GPP Release 12 standardisoi suoraa kahden laitteen välistä kommunikointia. Samanaikaisesti Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for the Twenty-twenty Information Society (METIS) –projektin yhtenä tutkimuskohteenaan on kahden laitteen välinen suora kommunikointi, Lisäksi on lukuisia julkaisuja liittyen D2D-viestintään. Tämä diplomityö perustuu kirjallisuuteen. Sen tavoitteena on selvittää, miten kahden laitteen välistä suoraa kommunikointia on kuvattu 3GPP Release 12:ta teknisissä spesifikaatioissa, METIS-projektin julkaisuissa sekä muutamassa valitussa tieteellisessä julkaisussa. Tavoitteena on selvittää D2D-viestinnän yhtäläisyyksiä sekä poikkeamia. 3PGG Release 12 standardointi keskittyy D2D-viestinnän käyttöön ainakin julkisessa pelastustyössä. D2D-viestinnän tulee ainakin julkisessa pelastustyössä toimia myös siellä missä matkapuhelinverkko ei toimi tai sitä ei ole olemassa. METIS tarjoaa useita ratkaisuja D2D-viestinnän eri osa-alueille, esimerkiksi laitteiden tunnistamiseen, resurssien hallintaan, liikkuvuuden hallintaa ja viestien edelleen lähettämiseen. METIS-projekti on tuottanut D2D-viestinnän ratkaisuja, joiden toteuttaminen on järkevää ja mahdollista vasta tulevaisuudessa

D6.6 Final report on the METIS 5G system concept and technology roadmap

This deliverable presents the METIS 5G system concept which was developed to fulfil the requirements of the beyond-2020 connected information society and to extend today’s wireless communication systems to include new usage scenarios. The METIS 5G system concept consists of three generic 5G services and four main enablers. The three generic 5G services are Extreme Mobile BroadBand (xMBB), Massive Machine- Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-reliable Machine-Type Communication (uMTC). The four main enablers are Lean System Control Plane (LSCP), Dynamic RAN, Localized Contents and Traffic Flows, and Spectrum Toolbox. An overview of the METIS 5G architecture is given, as well as spectrum requirements and considerations. System-level evaluation of the METIS 5G system concept has been conducted, and we conclude that the METIS technical objectives are met. A technology roadmap outlining further 5G development, including a timeline and recommended future work is given.Popovski, P.; Mange, G.; Gozalvez -Serrano, D.; Rosowski, T.; Zimmermann, G.; Agyapong, P.; Fallgren, M.... (2014). D6.6 Final report on the METIS 5G system concept and technology roadmap. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/7676

D6.3 Intermediate system evaluation results

The overall purpose of METIS is to develop a 5G system concept that fulfil s the requirements of the beyond-2020 connected information society and to extend today’s wireless communication systems for new usage cases. First, in this deliverable an updated view on the overall METIS 5G system concept is presented. Thereafter, simulation results for the most promising technology components supporting the METIS 5G system concept are reported. Finally, s imulation results are presented for one relevant aspect of each Horizontal Topic: Direct Device - to - Device Communication, Massive Machine Communication, Moving Networks, Ultra - Dense Networks, and Ultra - Reliable Communication.Popovski, P.; Mange, G.; Fertl, P.; Gozálvez - Serrano, D.; Droste, H.; Bayer, N.; Roos, A.... (2014). D6.3 Intermediate system evaluation results. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/7676

Improved planning and resource management in next generation green mobile communication networks

In upcoming years, mobile communication networks will experience a disruptive reinventing process through the deployment of post 5th Generation (5G) mobile networks. Profound impacts are expected on network planning processes, maintenance and operations, on mobile services, subscribers with major changes in their data consumption and generation behaviours, as well as on devices itself, with a myriad of different equipment communicating over such networks. Post 5G will be characterized by a profound transformation of several aspects: processes, technology, economic, social, but also environmental aspects, with energy efficiency and carbon neutrality playing an important role. It will represent a network of networks: where different types of access networks will coexist, an increasing diversity of devices of different nature, massive cloud computing utilization and subscribers with unprecedented data-consuming behaviours. All at greater throughput and quality of service, as unseen in previous generations. The present research work uses 5G new radio (NR) latest release as baseline for developing the research activities, with future networks post 5G NR in focus. Two approaches were followed: i) method re-engineering, to propose new mechanisms and overcome existing or predictably existing limitations and ii) concept design and innovation, to propose and present innovative methods or mechanisms to enhance and improve the design, planning, operation, maintenance and optimization of 5G networks. Four main research areas were addressed, focusing on optimization and enhancement of 5G NR future networks, the usage of edge virtualized functions, subscriber’s behavior towards the generation of data and a carbon sequestering model aiming to achieve carbon neutrality. Several contributions have been made and demonstrated, either through models of methodologies that will, on each of the research areas, provide significant improvements and enhancements from the planning phase to the operational phase, always focusing on optimizing resource management. All the contributions are retro compatible with 5G NR and can also be applied to what starts being foreseen as future mobile networks. From the subscriber’s perspective and the ultimate goal of providing the best quality of experience possible, still considering the mobile network operator’s (MNO) perspective, the different proposed or developed approaches resulted in optimization methods for the numerous problems identified throughout the work. Overall, all of such contributed individually but aggregately as a whole to improve and enhance globally future mobile networks. Therefore, an answer to the main question was provided: how to further optimize a next-generation network - developed with optimization in mind - making it even more efficient while, simultaneously, becoming neutral concerning carbon emissions. The developed model for MNOs which aimed to achieve carbon neutrality through CO2 sequestration together with the subscriber’s behaviour model - topics still not deeply focused nowadays – are two of the main contributions of this thesis and of utmost importance for post-5G networks.Nos próximos anos espera-se que as redes de comunicações móveis se reinventem para lá da 5ª Geração (5G), com impactos profundos ao nível da forma como são planeadas, mantidas e operacionalizadas, ao nível do comportamento dos subscritores de serviços móveis, e através de uma miríade de dispositivos a comunicar através das mesmas. Estas redes serão profundamente transformadoras em termos tecnológicos, económicos, sociais, mas também ambientais, sendo a eficiência energética e a neutralidade carbónica aspetos que sofrem uma profunda melhoria. Paradoxalmente, numa rede em que coexistirão diferentes tipos de redes de acesso, mais dispositivos, utilização massiva de sistema de computação em nuvem, e subscritores com comportamentos de consumo de serviços inéditos nas gerações anteriores. O trabalho desenvolvido utiliza como base a release mais recente das redes 5G NR (New Radio), sendo o principal focus as redes pós-5G. Foi adotada uma abordagem de "reengenharia de métodos” (com o objetivo de propor mecanismos para resolver limitações existentes ou previsíveis) e de “inovação e design de conceitos”, em que são apresentadas técnicas e metodologias inovadoras, com o principal objetivo de contribuir para um desenho e operação otimizadas desta geração de redes celulares. Quatro grandes áreas de investigação foram endereçadas, contribuindo individualmente para um todo: melhorias e otimização generalizada de redes pós-5G, a utilização de virtualização de funções de rede, a análise comportamental dos subscritores no respeitante à geração e consumo de tráfego e finalmente, um modelo de sequestro de carbono com o objetivo de compensar as emissões produzidas por esse tipo de redes que se prevê ser massiva, almejando atingir a neutralidade carbónica. Como resultado deste trabalho, foram feitas e demonstradas várias contribuições, através de modelos ou metodologias, representando em cada área de investigação melhorias e otimizações, que, todas contribuindo para o mesmo objetivo, tiveram em consideração a retro compatibilidade e aplicabilidade ao que se prevê que sejam as futuras redes pós 5G. Focando sempre na perspetiva do subscritor da melhor experiência possível, mas também no lado do operador de serviço móvel – que pretende otimizar as suas redes, reduzir custos e maximizar o nível de qualidade de serviço prestado - as diferentes abordagens que foram desenvolvidas ou propostas, tiveram como resultado a resolução ou otimização dos diferentes problemas identificados, contribuindo de forma agregada para a melhoria do sistema no seu todo, respondendo à questão principal de como otimizar ainda mais uma rede desenvolvida para ser extremamente eficiente, tornando-a, simultaneamente, neutra em termos de emissões de carbono. Das principais contribuições deste trabalho relevam-se precisamente o modelo de compensação das emissões de CO2, com vista à neutralidade carbónica e um modelo de análise comportamental dos subscritores, dois temas ainda pouco explorados e extremamente importantes em contexto de redes futuras pós-5G

SDN-based Flexible Resource Management and Service-Oriented Virtualization for 5G Mobile Networks and Beyond

This thesis examines how Software Defined Network (SDN) and Network Virtualization (NV) technologies can make 5G and beyond mobile networks more flexible, scalable and programmable to support the performance demands of the emerging heterogeneous applications. In this direction, concepts like mobile network slicing, multi-tenancy, and multi-connectivity have been investigated and their performance is analyzed. The SDN paradigm is used to enable flexible resource allocation to the end users, improve network resource utilization and avoid or rapidly solve the network congestion problems. The proposed network architectures are 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards compliant and integrate Open Network Foundation (ONF) SDN specifications to ensure seamless interoperability between different standards and backward/forward compatibility. Novel mechanisms and algorithms to efficiently manage the resources of evolving 5G Time-Division Duplex (TDD) networks in a flexible manner are introduced. These mechanisms enable formation of virtual cells on-demand which allows diverse resource utilization from multiple eNBs to the users. Within the scope of this thesis, SDN-based frameworks to enhance the QoE of end user applications considering Time Division-Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) small cells have also been developed and network resource sharing scenarios with Frequency-Division Duplex (FDD)/TDD coexistence has been studied. In addition, this thesis also proposes and investigates a novel service-oriented network slicing concept for evolving 5G TDD networks which involve traffic prediction mechanisms and includes user mobility. An analytical model is also introduced that formulates the network slice resource allocation as a weighted optimization problem. The evaluations of the proposed solutions are performed using 3GPP standard compliant simulation settings. The proposed solutions have been compared with the state-of-the art schemes and the performance gains offered by the proposed solutions have been demonstrated. Performance is evaluated considering metrics such as throughput, delay, network resource utilization etc. The Mean Opinion Score (MOS) metric is used for evaluating the Quality of Experience (QoE) for end-user applications. With the help of SDN-based network management algorithms investigated in this work, it is shown how 5G+ networks can be managed efficiently, while at the same time provide enhanced flexibility and programmability to improve the performance of diverse applications and services delivered over the network to the end users

Joint access-backhaul mechanisms in 5G cell-less architectures

Older generations of wireless networks, such as 1G and 2G were deployed using leased line, copper or fibre line as backhaul. Later, in 3G and 4G, microwave wireless links have also worked as backhaul links while the backbone of the network was still wireline-based. However, due to multiple different use cases and deployment scenarios of 5G, solo wireline based backhaul network is not a cost-efficient option for the operators anymore. For cost-efficient and fast deployment, wireless backhaul options are very attractive. As drawbacks, wireless backhaul links have capacity and distance limitations. To take the advantages of both the solutions, i.e., wired and wireless, 5G transport networks are anticipated to be a heterogeneous, complex, and with stringent performance requirements. To address the aforementioned challenges, wireless backhaul options are providing more attractive solutions, and hence, technologies using the same resources (e.g., frequency channels) may be used by both access and backhaul networks. In this scenario, blurring the separation line between access and backhaul networks allows resource sharing and cooperation between both the networks and minimizes the network deployment and maintenance cost significantly. Therefore, in 5G, the access and backhaul networks cannot be seen as separate entities; rather, we seek to integrate them together to ensure the best use of resources. In this thesis, firstly, we investigate the challenges and potential technologies of 5G transport network. Later, to address these challenges, we identify and present different approaches to perform joint access-backhaul mechanism. An initial performance evaluation of access-aware backhaul optimization is presented, where backhaul network is dynamically assigned with the required resources to serve the dynamic requirements of a 5G access network. The evaluation results and discussions manifest the resource efficiency of joint access-backhaul mechanisms. Functional splits in different layers of the access network comes as an intelligent solution to reduce the enormous capacity requirements of the transport network in a centralized radio access network approach, which tends to centralize almost all the functionalities into a central unit, leaving only radio frequency functions at the access points. From the joint access-backhaul mechanism perspective, we propose a novel technique, which takes the benefit of functional splits at physical layer, to design a heterogeneous transport network in an economical budget-limited and capacity-limited scenario. Till today, the limited capacity of the wireless backhaul links remains a challenge, and hence, frequency spectrum becomes scarce, and requires efficient utilization. To address this challenge, a joint spectrum sharing technique to implement joint accessbackhaul mechanism is presented. Evaluation results show that our proposed joint spectrum sharing technique, where spectrum allocation in the backhaul network follows the access network's traffic load, is fair and efficient in terms of spectrum utilization. We also propose a machine learning technique, which analyses data from a real network and estimates access network's traffic pattern, and subsequently, assigns bandwidth in the access network according to the traffic estimations. Presented evaluation results show that a well-trained machine learning model can be very efficient to obtain an efficient utilization of frequency spectrum.Las primeras generaciones de redes móviles, se implementaron utilizando líneas de cobre o fibra para la conexión entre la red de acceso y el núcleo de la red (conexión backhaul). Más tarde, los enlaces inalámbricos también han funcionado como backhaul mientras que la columna vertebral de la red seguía basada en cable. Sin embargo, debido a los múltiples escenarios de implementación de 5G, una red de backhaul basada solamente en cable ya no es una opción rentable para los operadores. Para una implementación rentable y rápida, las opciones de backhaul inalámbrico son muy atractivas. Como inconvenientes, los enlaces backhaul inalámbricos tienen limitaciones de capacidad y distancia. Para aprovechar las ventajas de ambas soluciones, es decir, cableadas e inalámbricas, se prevé que las redes de transporte 5G sean heterogéneas, complejas y con estrictos requisitos de rendimiento. Para abordar los desafíos antes mencionados, las opciones de backhaul inalámbrico brindan soluciones más atractivas y, por lo tanto, las tecnologías que usan los mismos recursos (por ejemplo, canales de frecuencia) pueden usarse tanto en las redes de acceso como en las de backhaul. En este escenario, desdibujar la línea de separación entre las redes de acceso y backhaul permite el intercambio de recursos y la cooperación entre ambas redes, y minimiza significativamente los costes de implementación y mantenimiento de la red. Por lo tanto, en 5G las redes de acceso y backhaul no pueden verse como entidades separadas; más bien consideraremos su integración para asegurar el mejor uso de los recursos. En esta tesis, en primer lugar, investigamos los desafíos y las tecnologías potenciales para la implementación de la red de backhaul 5G. Más tarde, para abordar dichos desafíos, identificamos diferentes enfoques para un mecanismo conjunto de gestión de la red de acceso y backhaul. Se presenta una evaluación de rendimiento inicial para la optimización de backhaul que tiene en cuenta el estado de la red de acceso, donde la red de backhaul se equipa dinámicamente con los recursos necesarios para cumplir con los requisitos de la red de acceso 5G. Los resultados de la evaluación manifiestan la mayor eficiencia de los mecanismos de gestión de recursos que consideran redes de acceso y backhaul conjuntamente. Las divisiones funcionales en diferentes capas de la red de acceso (functional splits) se presentan como una solución inteligente para reducir los enormes requisitos de capacidad de la red de transporte en un enfoque de red de acceso, que tiende a centralizar casi todas las funcionalidades en una unidad central, dejando solo las funciones más relacionadas con la transmisión/recepción de señales en los puntos de acceso. Desde la perspectiva del mecanismo conjunto de red de acceso y backhaul, proponemos una técnica novedosa, que aprovecha las divisiones funcionales en la capa física para diseñar una red de transporte heterogénea con un presupuesto económico y un escenario de capacidad limitada. Hasta el día de hoy, la capacidad limitada de los enlaces inalámbricos sigue siendo un desafío, dado que el espectro de frecuencias es escaso y requiere una utilización eficiente. Para hacer frente a este desafío, se presenta una técnica de gestión de recursos espectrales compartidos entre red de acceso y backhaul. Los resultados de la evaluación muestran que nuestra propuesta, donde la asignación de espectro en la red de backhaul se hace de acuerdo a la carga de tráfico de la red de acceso, es justa y eficiente. También proponemos una técnica de aprendizaje automático, que analiza datos de una red real y estima el patrón de tráfico de la red de acceso para, posteriormente, asignar ancho de banda en la red de acceso de acuerdo con dichas estimaciones. Los resultados de la evaluación presentados muestran que un modelo de aprendizaje automático bien entrenado puede ser una herramienta muy útil a la hora de obtener una utilización eficiente del espectro de frecuencias.Postprint (published version

Cooperative Uplink Inter-Cell Interference (ICI) Mitigation in 5G Networks

In order to support the new paradigm shift in fifth generation (5G) mobile communication, radically different network architectures, associated technologies and network operation algorithms, need to be developed compared to existing fourth generation (4G) cellular solutions. The evolution toward 5G mobile networks will be characterized by an increasing number of wireless devices, increasing device and service complexity, and the requirement to access mobile services ubiquitously. To realise the dramatic increase in data rates in particular, research is focused on improving the capacity of current, Long Term Evolution (LTE)-based, 4G network standards, before radical changes are exploited which could include acquiring additional spectrum. The LTE network has a reuse factor of one; hence neighbouring cells/sectors use the same spectrum, therefore making the cell-edge users vulnerable to heavy inter cell interference in addition to the other factors such as fading and path-loss. In this direction, this thesis focuses on improving the performance of cell-edge users in LTE and LTE-Advanced networks by initially implementing a new Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) technique to support future 5G networks using smart antennas to mitigate cell-edge user interference in uplink. Successively a novel cooperative uplink inter-cell interference mitigation algorithm based on joint reception at the base station using receiver adaptive beamforming is investigated. Subsequently interference mitigation in a heterogeneous environment for inter Device-to-Device (D2D) communication underlaying cellular network is investigated as the enabling technology for maximising resource block (RB) utilisation in emerging 5G networks. The proximity of users in a network, achieving higher data rates with maximum RB utilisation (as the technology reuses the cellular RB simultaneously), while taking some load off the evolved Node B (eNodeB) i.e. by direct communication between User Equipment (UE), has been explored. Simulation results show that the proximity and transmission power of D2D transmission yields high performance gains for D2D receivers, which was demonstrated to be better than that of cellular UEs with better channel conditions or in close proximity to the eNodeB in the network. It is finally demonstrated that the application, as an extension to the above, of a novel receiver beamforming technique to reduce interference from D2D users, can further enhance network performance. To be able to develop the aforementioned technologies and evaluate the performance of new algorithms in emerging network scenarios, a beyond the-state-of-the-art LTE system-level-simulator (SLS) was implemented. The new simulator includes Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna functionalities, comprehensive channel models (such as Wireless World initiative New Radio II i.e. WINNER II) and adaptive modulation and coding schemes to accurately emulate the LTE and LTE-A network standards