A Centralized Win‐Win Cooperative Framework for Wi‐Fi and 5G Radio Access Networks

Abstract

Cooperation to access wireless networks is a key approach towards optimizing the use of finite radio spectrum resources in overcrowded unlicensed bands and to help satisfy the expectations of wireless users in terms of high data rates and low latency. Although solutions that advocate this approach have been widely proposed in the literature, they still do not consider a number of aspects that can improve the performance of the users’ connections, such as the inclusion of (1) cooperation among network operators and (2) users’ quality requirements based on their applications. To fill this gap, in this paper we propose a centralized framework that is aimed at providing a “win-win” cooperation among Wi-Fi and cellular networks, which takes into account 5G technologies and users’ requirements in terms of Quality of Service (QoS). Moreover, the framework is supported by smart Radio Access Technology (RAT) selection mechanisms that orchestrate the connection of the clients to the networks. In particular, we discuss details on the design of the proposed framework, the motivation behind its implementation, the main novelties, its feasibility, and the main components. In order to demonstrate the benefits of our solution, we illustrate efficiency results achieved through the simulation of a smart RAT selection algorithm in a realistic scenario, which mimics the proposed “win-win” cooperation between Wi-Fi and cellular 5G networks, and we also discuss potential benefits for wireless and mobile network operators.

Towards Trusted and Accountable Win-Win SDWN Platform for Trading Wi-Fi Network Access

“…However, it is not clear how wireless network operators are going to cooperate to achieve the goal of these solutions considering the lack of trust and competitiveness between them. Raschellà et al [4] proposed a framework that addresses the radio access congestion problem in unlicensed bands, which simultaneously benefits the satisfaction of both Wi-Fi and 5G users through cooperation managed by centralised controllers. Moreover, their work demonstrated the benefits of the solution through the simulation of a smart Radio Access Technology (RAT) selection algorithm in a realistic scenario.…”

“…Specifically, the customers 'win' is the high performance, connectivity, and availability of their subscribed Wi-Fi network service while the NOs 'win' is their customers' satisfaction with the level of services they provide. In the current deeply competitive market, high customers' satisfaction rates would undoubtedly help NOs safeguard their profits (e.g., improving their churn rate, which is the rate of customers leaving their NOs due to poor service [4]). In addition, the 'win-win' concept extends the cooperation among NOs to create a free market for sharing and trading Wi-Fi network access.…”

A Trust-Based Cooperative System for Efficient Wi-Fi Radio Access Networks

“…In [17], we proposed a framework that addresses the radio access congestion problem in unlicensed bands through radio access node selection, which simultaneously benefits and satisfies both Wi-Fi and 5G users through cooperation managed by centralised controllers. Qin et al [18] proposed a novel architecture including a slicing orchestrator, which coordinates multiple network and service providers to define a slicing allocation through negotiation in a heterogeneous Radio Access Network (RAN).…”

“…Specifically, to achieve a global view of the network, APs from different stakeholders must exchange relevant information whereas in practice they might not want to trade this knowledge due to security, customers' privacy, and commercial reasons. However, most of the above-mentioned approaches [12]- [17] consider that the RAN infrastructure works under a single administrative control. Therefore, they do not provide realistic strategies to guarantee trust and transparency among the stakeholders that decide to cooperate.…”

“…The problem of AP association in Wi-Fi networks has been broadly addressed in the state of the art. Among the most recent published papers on this topic, we can find works in [17] and [19], which are mentioned in the previous section, and works in [23]- [31]. Specifically, Saldana et al [23] presented a system managed by a central controller that gathers the capabilities of heterogeneous APs and users' stations (STAs) for efficient load balancing and mobility management.…”