Distributed network infrastructure for community services in the framework of next generation mobile networks

Abstract

The concept of next generation networks as is currently consolidating within research and standards defining organizations foresees beside provision of higher flexibility and adaptability to different services’ requirements also increased resource efficiency to enable affordable access in a sustainable way. To this end, a truly universal access has to be provided integrating multiple wireline, wireless, and cellular technologies to support residential and mobile entities of different size/shape/capability sets as is reflected by the variety of typical 5G use cases. Multiple logically separate networks (slices) shall be operated across the same infrastructure offering a performance and user experience meeting the diverse demand as exact as possible. This could include, beside traditional commercial operator services, a type of best effort connectivity to access e.g. urban community information and support daily life within a future smart city environment. This paper addresses a framework concept to integrate such a usage scenario within a future converged 5G system. Main focus of the reported exemplary results is on the issues of flexible service support (including varying mobility requirements) and efficient use of resources which seem to be most relevant for 5G success from a commercial point of view.