5G Network Coverage Planning and Analysis of the Deployment Challenges

Application of the full consistency method (FUCOM) - Cosine similarity framework in 5G infrastructure investment planning: An approach for telecommunication quality improvements

In the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, the shift towards advanced communication technologies marks a critical milestone. This transition promises to revolutionize connectivity by enabling seamless data downloads, high-quality video streaming, and instant access to applications. However, adapting to these advanced technologies poses significant challenges for infrastructure expansion, requiring innovative investment and deployment strategies. These strategies aim not only to enhance service quality but also to ensure extensive network coverage. To address the need for systematic planning in infrastructure investment, this paper presents a novel methodology that combines the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) with cosine similarity analysis. This integrated approach effectively prioritizes service areas for the deployment of 5G technology, emphasizing the importance of detailed planning in mobile strategy development. By leveraging FUCOM to determine the weights of various criteria and employing cosine similarity analysis to rank service areas, the methodology facilitates efficient resource allocation and service quality enhancements. Empirical validation using real data from a Turkish telecommunications company confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results indicate that this integrated approach can significantly advance the telecommunications industry by providing essential insights for companies seeking to improve service quality amidst the transition to 5G and beyond. The successful implementation of the proposed algorithm demonstrates its effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by telecommunications companies and underscores the importance of a data-driven approach in strategic decision-making and resource allocation. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the integrated FUCOM and cosine similarity analysis approach can offer a valuable tool for telecommunications companies worldwide, offering a systematic method for prioritizing infrastructure investments and enhancing network performance.

Analytical Model of the Connection Handoff in 5G Mobile Networks with Call Admission Control Mechanisms

Handoff mechanisms are very important in fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks because of the cellular architecture employed to maximize spectrum utilization. Together with call admission control (CAC) mechanisms, they enable better optimization of bandwidth use. The primary objective of the research presented in this article is to analyze traffic levels, aiming to optimize traffic management and handling. This article considers the two most popular CAC mechanisms: the resource reservation mechanism and the threshold mechanism. It presents an analytical approach to occupancy distribution and blocking probability calculation in 5G mobile networks, incorporating connection handoff and CAC mechanisms for managing multiple traffic streams generated by multi-service sources. Due to the fact that the developed analytical model is an approximate model, its accuracy was also examined. For this purpose, the results of analytical calculations of the blocking probability in a group of 5G cells are compared with the simulation data. This paper is an extended version of our paper published in 17th ConTEL 2023.

An adaptive optimized handover decision model for heterogeneous networks

A heterogeneous network (HetNet), combining different technologies, is considered a promising solution adopted by several upcoming generations of mobile networks to keep up with the rapid development of mobile users' requirements while improving network performance. In this scenario, a vertical handover (VHO) algorithm is responsible for ensuring the continuity of the ongoing user connection while moving within the coverage of the HetNet. Although various VHO algorithms were proposed, achieving efficient performance from both network and user perspectives remains challenging. This paper proposes an adaptive optimized vertical handover algorithm based on a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) algorithm integrated with particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm (PSOGSA) as a framework to implement the handover process. The algorithm includes three main ideas. Firstly, a network selection framework is proposed considering the most important criteria, including signal strength and other networks' attributes, along with users' characteristics regarding their mobility and service preferences. Secondly, two new parameters are introduced as control handover parameters named load factor (LF) and score priority (SP) to reduce unnecessary handovers and the overall HetNet power consumption while achieving balanced load distribution. Lastly, the desired aims are formulated as an objective function, then the PSOGSA algorithm is used to reach the optimal values of both LF and SP, which will be considered when executing the handover algorithm. The presented algorithm is simulated in a heterogeneous wireless network where the fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology coexists with other radio access networks to improve the evaluation field of the proposed algorithm. Also, the proposed algorithm's performance is evaluated in the case of using various MADM algorithms. The simulation results show that the proposed adaptive optimized approach attains efficient performance by decreasing unnecessary handovers by more than 40% and achieving much better load distribution by around 20% to 40%, outperforming traditional handover approaches.

Beam-Switching Antennas for 5G Millimeter-Wave Wireless Terminals

Beam-switching is one of the paramount focuses of 28 GHz millimeter-wave 5G devices. In this paper, a one-dimensional (1D) pattern reconfigurable leaky-wave antenna (LWA) was investigated and developed for wireless terminals. In order to provide a cost-effective solution, a uniform half-width LWA was used. The 1D beam-switching LWA was designed using three feed points at three different positions; by selecting the feeds, the direction of the beam can be switched. The antenna can switch the beam in three different directions along the antenna axis, such as backward, broadside, and forward. The 1D beam-switching antenna was fabricated, and because of the wide beamwidth, the measured radiation patterns can fill 128∘ of space (3 dB coverage), from θ = -64∘ to +64∘ at ϕ = 0∘. Following this, two of these antennas were placed at right angles to each other to achieve two-directional (2D) beam switching. The 2D beam-switching antenna pair was also prototyped and tested after integrating them into the ground plane of a wireless device. The antenna is able to point the beam in five different directions; moreover, its beam covers 167∘ (θ = -89∘ to +78∘) at ϕ = 0∘, and 154∘ (θ = -72∘ to +82∘) at ϕ = 90∘.

A Survey on 5G Coverage Improvement Techniques: Issues and Future Challenges

Fifth generation (5G) is a recent wireless communication technology in mobile networks. The key parameters of 5G are enhanced coverage, ultra reliable low latency, high data rates, massive connectivity and better support to mobility. Enhanced coverage is one of the major issues in the 5G and beyond 5G networks, which will be affecting the overall system performance and end user experience. The increasing number of base stations may increase the coverage but it leads to interference between the cell edge users, which in turn impacts the coverage. Therefore, enhanced coverage is one of the future challenging issues in cellular networks. In this survey, coverage enhancement techniques are explored to improve the overall system performance, throughput, coverage capacity, spectral efficiency, outage probability, data rates, and latency. The main aim of this article is to highlight the recent developments and deployments made towards the enhanced network coverage and to discuss its future research challenges.

Evaluating 60 GHz FWA Deployments for Urban and Rural Environments in Belgium

Fixed wireless access (FWA) provides a solution to compete with fiber deployment while offering reduced costs by using the mmWave bands, including the unlicensed 60 GHz one. This paper evaluates the deployment of FWA networks in the 60 GHz band in realistic urban and rural environment in Belgium. We developed a network planning tool that includes novel backhaul based on the IEEE 802.11ay standard with multi-objective capabilities to maximise the user coverage, providing at least 1 Gbps of bit rate while minimising the required network infrastructure. We evaluate diverse serving node locations, called edge nodes (EN), and the impact of environmental factors such as rain and vegetation on the network design. Extensive simulation results show that defining a proper EN's location is essential to achieve viable user coverage higher than 95%, particularly in urban scenarios where street canyons affect propagation. Rural scenarios require nearly 75 ENs per km2 while urban scenarios require four times (300 ENs per km2) this infrastructure. Finally, vegetation can reduce the coverage by 3% or increment infrastructure up to 7%, while heavy rain can reduce coverage by 5% or increment infrastructure by 15%, depending on the node deployment strategy implemented.

5G System Overview for Ongoing Smart Applications: Structure, Requirements, and Specifications

Fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks are state-of-the-art wireless technologies revolutionizing all wireless systems. The fundamental goals of 5G are to increase network capacity, improve data rates, and reduce end-to-end latency. Therefore, 5G can support many devices connected to the Internet and realize the Internet of Things (IoT) vision. Though 5 G provides significant features for mobile wireless networks, some challenges still need to be addressed. Although 5 G offers valuable capabilities for mobile wireless networks, specific issues still need to be resolved. This article thoroughly introduces 5G technology, detailing its needs, infrastructure, features, and difficulties. In addition, it summarizes all the requirements and specifications of the 5G network based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Releases 15–17. Finally, this study discusses the key specifications challenges of 5G wireless networks.

Gastroenterology in the Metaverse: The dawn of a new era?

2021 is known as the first Year of the Metaverse, and around the world, internet giants are eager to devote themselves to it. In this review, we will introduce the concept, current development, and application of the Metaverse and the use of the current basic technologies in the medical field, such as virtual reality and telemedicine. We also probe into the new model of gastroenterology in the future era of the Metaverse.

5G in Healthcare: from COVID-19 to Future Challenges

Worldwide up to May 2022 there have been 515 million cases of COVID-19 infection and over 6 million deaths. The World Health Organization estimated that 115,000 healthcare workers died from COVID-19 from January 2020 to May 2021. This toll on human lives prompted this review on 5G based networking primarily on major components of healthcare delivery: diagnosis, patient monitoring, contact tracing, diagnostic imaging tests, vaccines distribution, emergency medical services, telesurgery and robot-assisted tele-ultrasound. The positive impact of 5G as core technology for COVID-19 applications enabled exchange of huge data sets in fangcang (cabin) hospitals and real-time contact tracing, while the low latency enhanced robot-assisted tele-ultrasound, and telementoring during ophthalmic surgery. In other instances, 5G provided a supportive technology for applications related to COVID-19, e.g., patient monitoring. The feasibility of 5G telesurgery was proven, albeit by a few studies on real patients, in very low samples size in most instances. The important future applications of 5G in healthcare include surveillance of elderly people, the immunosuppressed, and nano- oncology for Internet of Nano Things (IoNT). Issues remain and these require resolution before routine clinical adoption. These include infrastructure and coverage; health risks; security and privacy protection of patients' data; 5G implementation with artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT; validation, patient acceptance and training of end-users on these technologies.

Modeling a Hybrid Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell–Battery System for Telecom Backup Applications

In this paper, a hybrid reformed methanol fuel cell–battery system for telecom backup applications was modeled in MATLAB Simulink. The modeling was performed to optimize the operating strategy of the hybrid system using an energy management system with a focus on a longer lifetime and higher fuel efficiency for the fuel cell, while also keeping the state-of-charge (SOC) of the battery within a reasonable range. A 5 kW reformed methanol fuel cell stack and a 6.5 kWh Li-ion battery were considered for the hybrid model. Moreover, to account for the effects of degradation, the model evaluated the performance of the fuel cell both in the beginning of life (BOL) and after 1000 h and 250 start–stop cycling tests (EOT). The energy management system (EMS) was characterized by 12 operating conditions that used the battery SOC, load requirements and the presence or absence of grid power as the inputs to optimize the operating strategy for the system. Additionally, the integration of a 400 W photovoltaic (PV) system was investigated and was able to supplement the battery SOC, thereby increasing the stability and reliability of the system. However, extensive power outages during the night could lead to low battery SOC and, therefore, critical operating conditions and the extended use of the fuel cell. The model also predicted the methanol consumption for different scenarios.

Hybrid Network–Spatial Clustering for Optimizing 5G Mobile Networks

5G is the new generation of 3GPP-based cellular communications that provides remarkable connectivity capabilities and extreme network performance to mobile network operators and cellular users worldwide. The rollout process of a new capacity layer (cell) on top of the existing previous cellular technologies is a complex process that requires time and manual effort from radio planning-engineering teams and parameter optimization teams. When it comes to optimum configuration of the 5G gNB cell parameters, the maximization of achieved coverage (RSRP) and quality (SINR) of the served mobile terminals are of high importance for achieving the very high data transmission rates expected in 5G. This process strongly relies on network measurements that can be even more insightful when mobile terminal localization information is present. This information can be generated by modern algorithmic techniques that act on the cellular network signaling measurements. Configuration algorithms can then use these measurements combined with location information to optimize various cell deployment parameters such as cell azimuth. Furthermore, data-driven approaches are shown in the literature to outperform traditional, model-based algorithms as they can automate the optimization of parameters while specializing in the characteristics of each individual geographical zone. In the context of the above, in this paper, we tested the automated network reconfiguration schemes based on unsupervised learning and applied statistics for cell azimuth steering. We compared network metric clustering and geospatial clustering to be used as our baseline algorithms that are based on K-means with the proposed scheme—hybrid network and spatial clustering based on hierarchical DBSCAN. Each of these algorithms used data generated by an initial scenario to produce cell re-configuration actions and their performance was then evaluated on a validated simulation platform to capture the impact of each set of gNB reconfiguration actions. Our performance evaluation methodology was based on statistical distribution analysis for RSRP and SINR metrics for the reference scenario as well as for each reconfiguration scheme. It is shown that while both baseline algorithms improved the overall performance of the network, the proposed hybrid network–spatial scheme greatly outperformed them in all statistical criteria that were evaluated, making it a better candidate for the optimization of 5G capacity layers in modern urban environments.

Radio Channel Capacity with Directivity Control of Antenna Beams in Multipath Propagation Environment

The basic technology that will determine the expansion of the technical capabilities of fifth generation cellular systems is a massive multiple-input-multiple-output. Therefore, assessing the influence of the antenna beam orientations on the radio channel capacity is very significant. In this case, the effects of mismatching the antenna beam directions are crucial. In this paper, the methodology for evaluating changes in the received signal power level due to beam misalignment for the transmitting and receiving antenna systems is presented. The quantitative assessment of this issue is presented based on simulation studies carried out for an exemplary propagation scenario. For non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions, it is shown that the optimal selection of the transmitting and receiving beam directions may ensure an increase in the level of the received signal by several decibels in relation to the coaxial position of the beams. The developed methodology makes it possible to analyze changes in the radio channel capacity versus the signal-to-noise ratio and distance between the transmitter and receiver at optimal and coaxial orientations of antenna beams for various propagation scenarios, considering NLOS conditions. In the paper, the influence of the directional antenna use and their direction choices on the channel capacity versus SNR and the distance between the transmitter and receiver is shown.