Multi-Tier Cellular Handover with Multi-Access Edge Computing and Deep Learning

Abstract

This paper proposes a potential enhancement of handover for the next-generation multi-tier cellular network, utilizing two fifth-generation (5G) enabling technologies: multi-access edge computing (MEC) and machine learning (ML). MEC and ML techniques are the primary enablers for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC). The subset of ML chosen for this research is deep learning (DL), as it is adept at learning long-term dependencies. A variant of artificial neural networks called a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used in conjunction with a look-up table (LUT) as part of the proposed solution. Subsequently, edge computing virtualization methods are utilized to reduce handover latency and increase the overall throughput of the network. A realistic simulation of the proposed solution in a multi-tier 5G radio access network (RAN) showed a 40–60% improvement in overall throughput. Although the proposed scheme may increase the number of handovers, it is effective in reducing the handover failure (HOF) and ping-pong rates by 30% and 86%, respectively, compared to the current 3GPP scheme.