An approach to define Very High Capacity Networks with improved quality at an affordable cost

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new approach to designing Very High Capacity Networks by focusing on application-layer throughput and latency, emphasizing edge computing to meet future demanding services efficiently.

Contribution

It introduces a KPI-based framework prioritizing application-layer throughput and latency, highlighting the importance of edge cloud computing for VHCNs.

Findings

Application-layer throughput is crucial for user experience.

Reducing latency via edge computing is essential for future services.

Physical data-rate alone is insufficient for high-quality VHCNs.

Abstract

This paper aims to propose one possible approach in the setting of VHCNs (Very High Capacity Networks) performance targets that should be capable of promoting efficient investments for operators and, at the same time, improving the benefits for end-users. To this aim, we suggest relying on some specific KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), especially throughput - i.e., the bandwidth as perceived by the customer - valid at the application layer, instead of the physical layer data-rate. In this regard, the paper underlines that the bandwidth perceived is strictly linked to the latency. The most important implication is that some of the most demanding services envisaged for the future (e.g., mobile virtual and augmented reality, tactile internet) cannot be met by merely increasing the low-level protocol data-rate. Therefore, for the VHCNs reducing latency through Edge Cloud Computing (ECC) is a mandatory pre-requisite.