Joint Access-Backhaul Perspective on Mobility Management in 5G Networks

TL;DR

This paper discusses the evolution of 5G backhaul and access networks, emphasizing the importance of joint optimization and analyzing how future backhaul scenarios influence mobility management solutions in 5G.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive discussion on the evolution of backhaul in 5G and studies the impact of future backhaul scenarios on mobility management design.

Findings

Highlighting the need for joint access-backhaul optimization in 5G.

Analyzing the influence of backhaul heterogeneity on mobility management.

Emphasizing the importance of reliable backhaul for effective mobility solutions.

Abstract

The ongoing efforts in the research development and standardization of 5G, by both industry and academia, have resulted in the identification of enablers (Software Defined Networks, Network Function Virtualization, Distributed Mobility Management, etc.) and critical areas (Mobility management, Interference management, Joint access-backhaul mechanisms, etc.) that will help achieve the 5G objectives. During these efforts, it has also been identified that the 5G networks due to their high degree of heterogeneity, high QoS demand and the inevitable density (both in terms of access points and users), will need to have efficient joint backhaul and access mechanisms as well as enhanced mobility management mechanisms in order to be effective, efficient and ubiquitous. Therefore, in this paper we first provide a discussion on the evolution of the backhaul scenario, and the necessity for joint access and backhaul optimization. Subsequently, and since mobility management mechanisms can entail the availability, reliability and heterogeneity of the future backhaul/fronthaul networks as parameters in determining the most optimal solution for a given context, a study with regards to the effect of future backhaul/fronthaul scenarios on the design and implementation of mobility management solutions in 5G networks has been performed.