5G Vision Research Articles

Decoding 5G security: toward a hybrid threat ontology

The rapid deployment of 5G technology ushers in a new era of connectivity with unparalleled potential, but it also presents unprecedented security challenges. A meticulous review of ENISA's Taxonomy is undertaken, specifically in its application to 5G networks and their cybersecurity assets. This work also evaluates the relevance of cybersecurity structures in other EU papers and ENISA reports, providing critical insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. In the context of hybrid threats, the study categorizes these multifaceted challenges using the established taxonomy. It establishes connections between ontological categories, thereby deriving an ontology that illuminates the intricate nature of hybrid threats within 5G. The integration of the 5G vision with the TEN-T initiative for trans-European transport corridors constitutes a significant part of the research. This phase incorporates a comprehensive review of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) work plan, encompassing vital elements like Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), FOG/EDGE/CLOUD computing. The study also delves into the intricacies of 5G cybersecurity, examining ENISA's contributions to 5G network security and risk while navigating the landscape of applicable EU and national laws, along with EU guidance. This exploration extends to cybersecurity implications within the context of the CEF funding program. Significantly, the integration of RDF coding plays a pivotal role in aligning the developed ontology with the JRC Cybersecurity Taxonomy. This exposition represents a milestone in the field of 5G cybersecurity, as it effectively aligns a comprehensive ontology, designed to comprehend and mitigate hybrid threats in 5G networks, with the JRC Cybersecurity Taxonomy. The alignment is achieved by leveraging RDF coding techniques, which have greatly enhanced the ontology's machine-readability and interoperability.

AgentVisor: Agent-Based Network Hypervisor for Autonomic Network Virtualization

A network hypervisor is a novel solution for network virtualization that allows the dynamic creation of virtual networks to facilitate independent business solutions to numerous tenants over a shared network infrastructure. This article proposes an agent-based network hypervisor (AgentVisor) architecture that virtualizes controller agents, separated from tenants' controllers to support high levels of adaptation, automation and autonomy of virtual software-defined networking networks (vSDNs). The controller agents enable closed control loop automation of systematic data collection, data-driven decision-making and autonomic control actions for monitoring, configuration and fault handling of vSDNs without intervention of tenants' controllers in a cloud/edge environment. The controller agent also offers an extended northbound interface with tenants' controllers to support policy and intelligence management based on artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. Through controller agent virtualization, the proposed AgentVisor architecture enables a multiagent system of autonomic vSDNs that facilitate independent business solutions for different markets over a shared infrastructure for fifth generation (5G) vision and beyond.

Review on Radio over Fiber Systems for Capacity Enhancement

Radio-over-fiber (RoF) system is one of the latest plans for future wideband wireless communication systems like mobile communications, suburban and residential areas. These are good nominees to build the backbone of the next generation of wireless networks. Besides, the fundamental requirement for next-generation radio optical fiber and mobile communication is the need for more capacity and speed which has a huge scope, that is further required for a better system to attain demands such as Fiber to The Home (FTTH) and 5G. The combination of RoF with spectrally-efficient modulation techniques can accomplish increasing demand for high data rates for mobile users. Currently, analog fronthaul is promoted as an energy-efficient and bandwidth solution that can reach the necessity of the 5G vision for high data rates, low latency, and energy efficiency. Mainly, this paper presents a review that focuses on various techniques which several approaches have been listed to perceive the large-capacity data transmission and describe them including Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), Subcarrier Multiplexing (SCM), Mode Division Multiplexing (MDM), Polarization Division Multiplexing (PDM), Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM), Parallel  Intensity Modulation (PIM)/Phase Modulation (PM) transmitter, and Millimeter-wave (Mm wave) generation techniques. Also, a comparison between them has been done

Survey on design and analysis of MIMO antenna array for 5G application

This paper is a Survey on Design and Analysis of MIMO Antenna Array for 5G Application. 5G is evolving as a technology that will employ both low and high frequencies. The Indian government has taken steps to make the 5G vision a reality. The impact of 5G in India on exponential data usage increase was examined. It goes over the 5G specifications that must be met in order to create a 5G system. Mobile network capabilities are rapidly expanding, driven by new requirements such as latency, traffic volumes, data speeds, and the need for consistent connectivity. Advanced antenna systems (AAS) provide cutting-edge beam shaping and MIMO techniques, which are useful for enhancing end-user experience, capacity, and coverage.

Channel Modelling and Error Performance Investigation for Reading Lights Based In-Flight LiFi

The new generation of communication technologies are constantly being pushed to meet a diverse range of user requirements such as high data rate, low power consumption, very low latency, very high reliability and broad availability. To address all these demands, fifth generation (5G) radio access technologies have been extended into a wide range of new services. However, there are still only a limited number of applications for radio frequency (RF) based wireless communications inside aircraft cabins that comply with the 5G vision. Potential interference and safety issues in on-board wireless communications pose significant deployment challenges. By transforming each reading light into an optical wireless access point (AP), light-fidelity (LiFi), could provide seamless on-board connectivity in dense cabin environments without RF interference. Furthermore, the utilization of available reading lights allows for a relatively simple, cost-effective deployment with the high energy and spectral efficiency. To successfully implement the aeronautical cabin LiFi applications, comprehensive optical channel characterization is required. In this paper, we propose a novel Monte Carlo ray-tracing (MCRT) channel modelling technique to capture the details of in-flight LiFi links. Accordingly, a realistic channel simulator, which takes the cabin models, interior elements and measurement based optical source, receiver, surface material characteristics into account is developed. The effect of the operation wavelength, cabin model accuracy and user terminal mobility on the optical channel conditions is also investigated. As a final step, the on-board direct-current biased optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) performance is evaluated by using obtained in-flight LiFi channels. Numerical results show that the location of a mobile terminal and accurate aircraft cabin modelling yield as much as 12 and 2 dB performance difference, respectively.

5G Evolution: What's Next?

5G networks and devices are being rolled out at an unprecedented speed in all corners of the globe. These rollouts are all based on 3GPP's Release 15 standard that includes the first version of 5G NR specifications and was released in June/2019. 3GPP has since been actively working to expand the functionalities of 5G, and this paper presents the 5G evolution path brought by 3GPP release 16, 17, and beyond toward the full 5G vision.

5G Vision and 5G Standardization

Wireless networks offer lots of purposes. In many cases, they are made use of as cord replacements, while in various other instances they are actually used to deliver accessibility to business information coming from distant areas. The wireless structure could be constructed for quite a little price contrasted to standard wired options. Yet building wireless networks is simply partly about saving funds. Through supplying folks in your neighbourhood community along with less costly as well as simpler accessibility to relevant information, they are going to straight profit from what the Net needs to use. The time, as well as attempt conserved through possessing accessibility to the global network of details, translates into wide range on a nearby range, as more work could be done in a lot less opportunity as well as with much less effort.

Convergence of ICN and MEC for 5G: Opportunities and Challenges

Information-centric networking (ICN) builds on a content-centric network architecture to overcome the shortcomings of host-centric routing/operation and realize efficient pervasive and ubiquitous networking. Similarly, multi-access edge computing (MEC) is another key technology to fulfill the stringent requirements of 5G to offer anytime-anywhere connected services for massive numbers of devices with ultra-low delay and very large bandwidths. The amalgamation of the ICN paradigm with MEC opens up new opportunities as well some challenges to realize 5G vision and advance beyond 5G systems. The key motivation of this article is to discuss and elaborate the convergence of ICN and MEC for better future networks, and to identify the current standardization efforts. Moreover, the article renders the key use cases and identifies potential research directions with the coexistence of ICN and MEC.

Toward Scalable User-Deployed Ultra-Dense Networks: Blockchain-Enabled Small Cells as a Service

Neutral host SCPs represent a key element of the 5G vision of ultra-dense mobile networks. However, current business models mostly focus on multi-year agreements for large venues, such as stadiums and hotel chains. These business agreements are regulated through binding SLAs, which tend to be too cumbersome and costly for smaller-scale SCPs. As a result, the neutral host model does not scale up to its full potential. In this article, we propose a framework to enable the participation of small- to medium-sized players in the cellular market as providers offering network resources to MNOs. To this purpose, we review the current and emerging spectrum and technology opportunities that SCPs can use for neutral host deployments. We also propose the use of blockchain-enabled smart contracts as a simple and cost-efficient alternative to traditional SLAs for small-scale SCPs. To demonstrate this, we describe a proof of concept implementation of an Ethereum-based smart contract platform for best effort service between an SCP and an MNO. Our simulations on potential smart contract-based deployments in city center Dublin show that the received signal strength in the considered area will increase by an average of 10 percent.

Service Orchestration in NFV-Based Traditional and Emerging Cloud Environments: State of the Art and Research Challenges

Neutral host SCPs represent a key element of the 5G vision of ultra-dense mobile networks. However, current business models mostly focus on multi-year agreements for large venues, such as stadiums and hotel chains. These business agreements are regulated through binding SLAs, which tend to be too cumbersome and costly for smaller-scale SCPs. As a result, the neutral host model does not scale up to its full potential. In this article, we propose a framework to enable the participation of small- to medium-sized players in the cellular market as providers offering network resources to MNOs. To this purpose, we review the current and emerging spectrum and technology opportunities that SCPs can use for neutral host deployments. We also propose the use of blockchain-enabled smart contracts as a simple and cost-efficient alternative to traditional SLAs for small-scale SCPs. To demonstrate this, we describe a proof of concept implementation of an Ethereum-based smart contract platform for best effort service between an SCP and an MNO. Our simulations on potential smart contract-based deployments in city center Dublin show that the received signal strength in the considered area will increase by an average of 10 percent.

Optimization strategies for the selection of mobile edges in hybrid crowdsensing architectures

Communication infrastructures are rapidly evolving to support 5G enabling lower latency, high reliability, and scalability of the network and of the service provisioning. An important element of the 5G vision is Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), that leverages the availability of powerful and low-cost middle boxes, i.e., MEC nodes, statically deployed at suitable edges of the network to extend the centralized cloud backbone. At the same time, after almost a decade of research, Mobile CrowdSensing (MCS) has established the technology able to collect sensing data on the environment by using personal devices, usually smartphones, as powerful sensing-and-communication platforms. Even though, mutual benefits due to the integration of MEC and Mobile CrowdSensing (MCS) are still largely unexplored. In this paper, we address and analyze the potential of the synergic use of MCS and MEC by thoroughly assessing various strategies for the selection of both traditional Fixed MEC (FMEC) edges as well as human-enabled Mobile MEC (M2EC) edges to support the collection of mobile CrowdSensing data. Collected results quantitatively show the effectiveness of the proposed optimization strategies in elastically scaling the load at edge nodes according to runtime provisioning needs.

On practical cooperative multi point transmission for 5G networks

5G networks are expected to drastically enhance the existing broadband wireless connectivity in many ways including higher bandwidth, lower delay, and wider coverage. To provide the required spectral efficiency, a key technology that could support the 5G vision is a transmission scheme based on Cooperative Multi Point Transmission (CoMP) combined with Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM). This, however, requires an optimum resource allocation in a CoMP-OFDM system, which is shown to be a highly complex problem. Our proposal, referred to as scalable CoMP (SCoMP), tackles this complexity by dividing the optimal resource allocation problem into four subproblems such that CoMP becomes scalable and applicable in a practical 5G network without a huge overhead in terms of protocol signaling and backhaul requirements. Namely, these four subproblems are as follows: base station (BS) group formation (clustering), assignment of mobile stations (MS) to BS groups, MS group formation and OFDM frame construction, which are solved independently and therefore at lower complexity. Our approach improves its scalability even further by applying a static but overlapping BS grouping scheme which is MS-unaware. We decrease the potential performance loss due to MS-unawareness that is needed for improved scalability by two mechanisms. First, we propose to use overlapping BS clusters supporting variable cluster sizes which mitigates inter-cluster interference. Second, we apply dynamic grouping of MSs to make sure, only spatially-compatible MSs are being served simultaneously in the same group. Finally, our approach is able to deal with bursty network traffic. The realisation of SCoMP is enabled through the deployment of the software defined networking approaches in the backhaul network.

Unified User Association and Contract-Theoretic Resource Orchestration in NOMA Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Lately, the deployment of heterogeneous wireless networks has emerged, as part of the 5G vision, to cope with the users' exaggerated service demands. In this context, the application of Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) technique constitutes a promising solution to facilitate a balance between spectral efficiency and system complexity. In this article, we consider the problem of joint user association and uplink power allocation, in heterogeneous 5G wireless networks, employing NOMA technology. The coupled problem is treated under an incomplete information scenario, where the Base Stations (BSs) have statistical only knowledge of the users' channel conditions. To deal with the incompleteness of Channel State Information (CSI), a Contract Theory (CT) based approach is introduced. A Reinforcement Learning (RL) based methodology, capitalizing on the provided feedback from the communication environment is initially adopted, in order to achieve the users to BS association in an iterative and distributed manner. The problem of uplink power allocation is subsequently formulated as a contract between each BS and its corresponding users. The optimal power is thus obtained as the solution of the optimization of each BS's utility function, while ensuring the optimality of the utility function of each associated user, given the unique communications characteristics and type of each user. Detailed numerical evaluation of the performance of the proposed unified user association and power allocation framework is provided, via modeling and simulation, illustrating its operation, features and benefits, under densely deployed heterogeneous environments.

5G New Radio Prototype Implementation Based on SDR

The fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) has been developed to provide significant improvements in scalability, flexibility, and efficiency in terms of power usage and spectrum as well. To meet the 5G vision, service and performance requirements, various candidate technologies have been proposed in 5G new radio; some are extensions of 4G and, some are developed explicitly for 5G. These candidate technologies include non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA), and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) channel coding. In addition, deploying software defined radio (SDR) instead of traditional hardware modules. In this paper we build an open source SDR-based platform to realize the transceiver of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) of 5G NR according to Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard. We provide a prototype for pairing between two 5G users using NOMA technique. In addition, a suitable design for LDPC channel coding is performed. The intermediate stage of segmentation, rate matching and interleaving are also carried out in order to realize a standard NR frame. Finally, experiments are carried out in both simulation and real time scenario on the designed 5G NR for the purpose of system performance evaluation, and to demonstrate its potential in meeting future 5G mobile network challenges.

An Overview of Post-Disaster Emergency Communication Systems in the Future Networks

The emerging 5G communication network is gaining tremendous attention from mobile network operators, regulators, and academia due to the provisions of network densification, ultra-low latency and improved spectral and energy efficiencies. However, post-disaster EMS, which nowadays predominantly depends on the wireless communication infrastructure, is significantly lagging behind in terms of innovation, standards, and investments. Since the 5G vision is the revolution of the telecommunication industry, provisions of efficiently handling EMS is expected to be distributed, autonomous, and resilient to the network vulnerabilities due to both manmade and natural disasters. In this article, the 4G LTE approaches for typical post-disaster communication and their shortcomings will be discussed. We elaborate three typical post-disaster network scenarios when the network is congested, partly functional or completely isolated. The possible solution framework, for instance, Device-to-Device communication, drone-assisted communication, mobile ad hoc networks and Internet-of-Things, for post-disaster scenarios will be discussed. Given that spectrum allocation is critical for EMS, we assess the possible schemes for radio resource allocation specific for EMS in addition to the social responsibility of users in such critical situations.

A 5G C-RAN Optical Fronthaul Architecture for Hotspot Areas Using OFDM-Based Analog IFoF Waveforms

Analog fronthauling is currently promoted as a bandwidth and energy-efficient solution that can meet the requirements of the Fifth Generation (5G) vision for low latency, high data rates and energy efficiency. In this paper, we propose an analog optical fronthaul 5G architecture, fully aligned with the emerging Centralized-Radio Access Network (C-RAN) concept. The proposed architecture exploits the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technique and multicarrier intermediate-frequency-over-fiber (IFoF) signal generation per wavelength in order to satisfy the demanding needs of hotspot areas. Particularly, the fronthaul link employs photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based WDM optical transmitters (Txs) at the baseband unit (BBU), while novel reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) cascaded in an optical bus are used at the remote radio head (RRH) site, to facilitate reconfigurable wavelength switching functionalities up to 4 wavelengths. An aggregate capacity of 96 Gb/s has been reported by exploiting two WDM links carrying multi-IF band orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals at a baud rate of 0.5 Gbd with sub-carrier (SC) modulation of 64-QAM. All signals exhibited error vector magnitude (EVM) values within the acceptable 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) limits of 8%. The longest reach to place the BBU away from the hotspot was also investigated, revealing acceptable EVM performance for fiber lengths up to 4.8 km.

Satellite Integration into 5G: Accent on First Over-The-Air Tests of an Edge Node Concept with Integrated Satellite Backhaul

The 5G vision embraces a broad range of applications including the connectivity in underserved and remote areas. In particular, for these applications, satellites are going to play a role in future 5G networks to provide capacity on trains, vessels, aircraft, and for base stations around the globe. In this paper, a 5G edge node concept, developed and evaluated with over-the-air tests using satellites in the geostationary orbit, is presented. The article covers a testbed demonstration study in Europe with a large-scale testbed including satellites and the latest standardization for the network architecture. The main goal of this testbed is to evaluate how satellite networks can be best integrated within the convergent 5G environment. The over-the-air tests for 5G satellite integration in this article are based on a 3GPP Release 15 core network architecture.

Machine Learning for 5G/B5G Mobile and Wireless Communications: Potential, Limitations, and Future Directions

Driven by the demand to accommodate today’s growing mobile traffic, 5G is designed to be a key enabler and a leading infrastructure provider in the information and communication technology industry by supporting a variety of forthcoming services with diverse requirements. Considering the ever-increasing complexity of the network, and the emergence of novel use cases such as autonomous cars, industrial automation, virtual reality, e-health, and several intelligent applications, machine learning (ML) is expected to be essential to assist in making the 5G vision conceivable. This paper focuses on the potential solutions for 5G from an ML-perspective. First, we establish the fundamental concepts of supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, taking a look at what has been done so far in the adoption of ML in the context of mobile and wireless communication, organizing the literature in terms of the types of learning. We then discuss the promising approaches for how ML can contribute to supporting each target 5G network requirement, emphasizing its specific use cases and evaluating the impact and limitations they have on the operation of the network. Lastly, this paper investigates the potential features of Beyond 5G (B5G), providing future research directions for how ML can contribute to realizing B5G. This article is intended to stimulate discussion on the role that ML can play to overcome the limitations for a wide deployment of autonomous 5G/B5G mobile and wireless communications.

Closing in on 5G Control Apps: Enabling Multiservice Programmability in a Disaggregated Radio Access Network

Network slicing is one of the key enablers in providing the required flexibility for realizing the service- oriented fifth-generation (5G) vision and achieving the desired levels of isolation and sharing spanning multiple subnets, i.e., the core network (CN), transport network, and radio access network (RAN). In this article, we highlight the design elements of a proposed RAN runtime slicing system to enable flexible slice customization on top of disaggregated RAN infrastructures.

Multi‐stage resource allocation in hybrid 25G‐EPON and LTE‐Advanced Pro FiWi networks for 5G systems

The 5G vision is not restricted solely to the wireless domain and its challenging requirements cannot be fulfilled without the efficient integration of cutting-edge technologies in all portions of the telecommunications infrastructure. The promoted architectures for next generation telecommunications systems involve high capacity network domains, which operate flexibly and seamlessly to offer full quality of experience to all types of subscribers. The proliferation of highly demanding multimedia services and the features of modern communication devices necessitate the development of end-to-end schemes which can efficiently distribute large amount of network resources anywhere and whenever needed. This study introduces a new resource allocation scheme for cutting-edge fibre-wireless networks is introduced that can be applied in the fronthaul portion of 5G-enabled architectures. The adopted technologies are the forthcoming 25G-Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) for the optical domain and the 5G-ready long-term evolution -Advanced Pro for the wireless domain. The proposed scheme performs allocation decisions based on the outcome of an adjustable multi-stage optimisation problem. The optimisation factors are directly related to the major considerations in bandwidth distribution, namely priority-based traffic differentiation, power awareness, and fairness provision. The conducted evaluations prove that this approach is able to ensure high efficiency in network operations.