Toward an Intelligent, Multipurpose 5G Network: Enhancing Mobile Wireless Networks

Fifth-generation (5G) networks are evolving from special purpose-built networks to software-defined, intelligent, multipurpose networks, enabling service innovation and autonomous network operation. In this article, we present an intelligent mobile edge network based on standardized 5G network function entities and New Radio (NR) radio access networks (RANs). We propose a multitier, self-organizing network (SON) with a middle-tier SON (mSON), centralized SON (cSON), and distributed SON (dSON) to support increasing network dynamicity for different verticals and to take advantage of the latest high-layer F1 interface. This is essential to support low-latency applications and ultrahigh-reliability services. It also enables more dynamically tight interworking of 5G NR and LTE with dual connectivity, expanding initial 5G NR coverage. We analyze a lower-layer RAN split to optimize fronthaul and so further improve radio efficiency by utilizing the multitier SON among various radio nodes as well as distributed units (DUs) and centralized units (CUs). This will facilitate massive multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems and accelerate centralized and virtualized RAN deployments.