Dimensioning spectrum to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the spectrum requirements for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) in future networks, highlighting the need for gigahertz bandwidths and exploring network densification and sharing strategies.

Contribution

It provides a quantitative analysis of spectrum needs for URLLC and evaluates alternative deployment strategies like multi-connectivity and network sharing.

Findings

Bandwidth for URLLC may reach gigahertz levels.

Network densification reduces spectrum demand but requires more sites.

Multi-connectivity and sharing can lower bandwidth needs without new base stations.

Abstract

Industry-led initiatives such as the Next G Alliance (NGA) are currently considering how to dimension the spectrum required to support new classes of services envisioned beyond 5G. In particular, support for URLLC brings the challenge of how to dimension stochastic wireless networks to meet stringent reliability and latency requirements. Our analysis indicates that the bandwidth needed to meet URLLC goals can be in the order of gigahertz, beyond what is available in today's mobile networks. Network densification can ease those bandwidth needs but requires new deployment strategies involving substantially larger numbers of sites. As an alternative, we consider multi-connectivity and multi-operator network sharing as efficient ways to reduce the demand for bandwidth without outright deployment of additional base stations.