End-to-End Simulation of 5G mmWave Networks

Due to its potential for multi-gigabit and low latency wireless links, millimeter wave (mmWave) technology is expected to play a central role in 5th generation cellular systems. While there has been considerable progress in understanding the mmWave physical layer, innovations will be required at all layers of the protocol stack, in both the access and the core network. Discrete-event network simulation is essential for end-to-end, cross-layer research and development. This paper provides a tutorial on a recently developed full-stack mmWave module integrated into the widely used open-source ns--3 simulator. The module includes a number of detailed statistical channel models as well as the ability to incorporate real measurements or ray-tracing data. The Physical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers are modular and highly customizable, making it easy to integrate algorithms or compare Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) numerologies, for example. The module is interfaced with the core network of the ns--3 Long Term Evolution (LTE) module for full-stack simulations of end-to-end connectivity, and advanced architectural features, such as dual-connectivity, are also available. To facilitate the understanding of the module, and verify its correct functioning, we provide several examples that show the performance of the custom mmWave stack as well as custom congestion control algorithms designed specifically for efficient utilization of the mmWave channel.Comment: 25 pages, 16 figures, submitted to IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials (revised Jan. 2018

User level performance analysis of multi-hop in-band backhaul for 5G

In recent years, mobile access networks operating at millimeter wavelengths have received a great deal of attention, as they promise previously unattainably high mobile data rates. At these frequencies, mobile access links are expected to use highly directional beamforming antennas, which are also well suited to backhaul links. Therefore, access points can efficiently act as self-backhauled relays by using the same spectrum, circuits and antennas for mobile access and backhaul links, thus forming a multi-hop in-band backhaul network. The contributions of our paper are extensive simulations to investigate user level performance in such multi-hop networks. We specifically take into account the momentary data traffic of every link in order to calculate the interference. Results quantify the detrimental effect of interference on user level performance. Furthermore, the potential benefit of using the combination of in-band and dedicated backhaul links is evaluated. Additionally, this paper investigates the user level effects of the sudden loss of a link in the backhaul mesh network, and underlines the importance of effective rerouting algorithms. The feasibility of the in-band concept is demonstrated, and we can confirm that the user level experience will surpass the performance provided by previous generation mobile networks.Peer reviewe