User-Centric Multi-RATs Coordination for 5G Heterogeneous Ultra-Dense Networks

This column reviews the concept of user-centric access, which permits the network to tailor a “follow me” virtual cell for a user via multipoint coordination in a UDN environment. We further discuss the feasibility of extending such a virtual cell by considering tight integration of heterogeneous RATs exposed to the user, by taking the context information and instantaneous status of the user device into account. In particular, we conceive an edge/fog computing platform capable of acquiring and jointly processing information from multiple heterogeneous RATs and the users. Such a framework may have great potential to play key roles in 5G and beyond, in terms of realizing truly flexible radio access that can be customized for each individual user in the network.This work has been partially funded by the H2020 collaborative Europe/Taiwan research project 5G-CORAL (grant no. 761586)

Subcarrier Index Coordinate Expression (SICE): An Ultra-low-power OFDM-compatible Wireless Communications Scheme Tailored for Internet of Things

This paper describes a novel data modulation method for ultra-low-power wireless uplink communication between a client device of the internet of things (IoT) and a base station (or an access point). The proposed scheme is dubbed as subcarrier index coordinate expression (SICE), which utilizes the indices of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarriers and waveforms with different phase shifts to represent the information to be sent. SICE is targeted for IoT applications with low data rate requirements, and is especially useful for battery-powered IoT devices demanding low-power communications, due to its characteristics of low peak to average power ratio (PAPR) and high power efficiency in wireless transmission. Unlike ongoing efforts in IoT wireless communications at standardization organizations which focus on simplifying functionalities of the existing protocols to save power, the technique developed in this paper is a fundamentally new and yet OFDM-compatible physical-layer approach that can drastically reduce power consumption of data transmission.Engineering and Applied Science

Potential Applicability of Distributed Ledger to Wireless Networking Technologies

In recent years, the rise of cryptocurrency has received enormous attention around the world. Since a centralized entity (e.g., a bank) is no longer needed for transactions in this currency platform, its potential impact on the financial sector in the future has been examined closely. Apart from the transaction platform itself, the driving technology behind cryptocurrency, namely blockchain, has also kindled huge research interest across different disciplines.This work has been partially funded by the H2020 collaborative Europe/Taiwan research project 5G-CORAL (grant no. 761586)

Compressive Sensing Based Channel Feedback Protocols for Spatially-Correlated Massive Antenna Arrays

Incorporating wireless transceivers with numerous antennas (such as Massive-MIMO) is a prospective way to increase the link capacity or enhance the energy efficiency of future communication systems. However, the benefits of such approach can be realized only when proper channel information is available at the transmitter. Since the amount of the channel information required by the transmitter is large with so many antennas, the feedback is arduous in practice, especially for frequency division duplexing (FDD) systems. This paper proposes channel feedback reduction techniques based on the theory of compressive sensing, which permits the transmitter to obtain channel information with acceptable accuracy under substantially reduced feedback load. Furthermore, by leveraging properties of compressive sensing, we present two adaptive feedback protocols, in which the feedback content can be dynamically configured based on channel conditions to improve the efficiency.Engineering and Applied Science

Opportunities and Challenges of Joint Edge and Fog Orchestration

Pushing contents, applications, and network functions closer to end users is necessary to cope with the huge data volume and low latency required in future 5G networks. Edge and fog frameworks have emerged recently to address this challenge. Whilst the edge framework was more infrastructure focused and more mobile operator-oriented, the fog was more pervasive and included any node (stationary or mobile), including terminal devices. This article analyzes the opportunities and challenges to integrate, federate, and jointly orchestrate the edge and fog resources into a unified framework.This work has been partially funded by the H2020 collaborative Europe/Taiwan research project 5G-CORAL (grant num. 761586

An Integrated Edge and Fog System for Future Communication Networks

Put together, the edge and fog form a large diverse pool of computing and networking resources from different owners that can be leveraged towards low latency applications as well as for alleviating high traffic volume in future networks including 5G and beyond. This paper sets out a framework for the integration of edge and fog computing and networking leveraging on ongoing specifications by ETSI MEC ISG and the OpenFog Consortium. It also presents the technological gaps that need to be addressed before such an integrated solution can be developed. These noticeably include challenges relating to the volatility of resources, heterogeneity of underlying technologies, virtualization of devices, and security issues. The framework presented is a Launchpad for a complete solution under development by the 5G-CORAL consortium.This work has been partially funded by the H2020 collaborative Europe/Taiwan research project 5G-CORAL (grant num. 761586

An Integrated, Virtualized Joint Edge and Fog Computing System with Multi-RAT Convergence

Notably, developing an innovative architectural network paradigm is essential to address the technical challenging of 5G applications' requirements in a unified platform. Forthcoming applications will provide a wide range ofnetworking, computing and storage capabilities closer to the endusers.In this context, the 5G-PPP Phase two project named "5GCORAL:A 5G Convergent Virtualized Radio Access Network Living at the Edge" aims at identifying and experimentally validating which are the key technology innovations allowing for the development of a convergent 5G multi-RAT access based on a virtualized Edge and Fog architecture being scalable, flexible and interoperable with other domains including transport, core network and distant Clouds. In 5G-CORAL, an architecture is proposed based on ETSI MEC and ETSI NFV frameworks in a unified platform. Then, a set of exemplary use cases benefiting from Edge and Fog networks in near proximity of the end-user are proposed for demonstration on top of connected car, shopping mall and high-speed train platforms.This work has been partially funded by the H2020 collaborative Europe/Taiwan research project 5G-CORAL (grant num. 761586