A Cost-Efficient 5G Non-Public Network Architectural Approach: Key Concepts and Enablers, Building Blocks and Potential Use Cases

Abstract

The provision of high data rate services to mobile users combined with improved quality of experience (i.e., zero latency multimedia content) drives technological evolution towards the design and implementation of fifth generation (5G) broadband wireless networks. To this end, a dynamic network design approach is adopted whereby network topology is configured according to service demands. In parallel, many private companies are interested in developing their own 5G networks, also referred to as non-public networks (NPNs), since this deployment is expected to leverage holistic production monitoring and support critical applications. In this context, this paper introduces a 5G NPN architectural approach, supporting among others various key enabling technologies, such as cell densification, disaggregated RAN with open interfaces, edge computing, and AI/ML-based network optimization. In the same framework, potential applications of our proposed approach in real world scenarios (e.g., support of mission critical services and computer vision analytics for emergencies) are described. Finally, scalability issues are also highlighted since a deployment framework of our architectural design in an additional real-world scenario related to Industry 4.0 (smart manufacturing) is also analyzed.

A Sustainable Business Model for a Neutral Host Supporting 5G and beyond (5GB) Ultra-Dense Networks: Challenges, Directions, and Architecture

“…In addition, the design of a 5GB neutral host can benefit from utilizing ML algorithms and techniques to facilitate network automation and handle the monitoring, control, and management network functions more efficiently, which consequently improves the dynamic resource allocation, especially for complex deployment scenarios and novel 5GB network use cases with high environmental uncertainty [ 19 , 20 ]. The work in [ 8 ] provides details on how AI/ML functionality is exploited alongside NFV to support neutral host RAN sharing and achieve a holistic network resource optimization.…”

“…Despite a growing interest from academia and industry, the research on neutral host design is still in its infancy. In [ 8 ], the authors propose an artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) based architectural approach for the design of 5G non-public networks with reduced deployment and operational costs and support for neutral hosting. While different potential use cases were explained, no quantitative analysis or data were provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed architecture in terms of cost efficiency and satisfying 5GB performance requirements.…”

Progressive schema of 5G for Industry 4.0: features, enablers, and services

“…5G-activated sensors guarantee they do not interfere with their operations and that the complete wireless shut-off is successful in emergency cases. The 5G is essential for factories, enhancing operational efficiency and safety (Dohler et al , 2017; Trakadas et al , 2021).…”

Proposal and Investigation of a Convolutional and LSTM Neural Network for the Cost-Aware Resource Prediction in Softwarized Networks

“…Ref. [9] Among these technologies, NFV is one of the most important and consists in decoupling the software running the service functions from the hardware platform.…”