On-Demand Networking for Ubiquitous Connectivity and Network Resilience: A Network-in-a-Box Solution

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of a portable network-in-a-box (NIB) solution to support the development of 6G networks, emphasizing its role in achieving ubiquitous and resilient connectivity.

Contribution

It analyzes how NIB features align with 6G use cases and discusses enabling technologies to enhance NIB performance for future networks.

Findings

NIB can support 6G's ubiquitous connectivity needs.

Enabling technologies can reinforce NIB performance.

NIB offers a portable solution for resilient network connectivity.

Abstract

Recently, the wireless community has initiated research on the sixth generation (6G) cellular network for the next decade. The 6G visions are still under development but are converging toward ubiquitous, sustainable, and automated digital society. A network-in-a-box (NIB) is a portable and fully-fledged networking solution that has many potentials to stimulate 6G visions, especially for ubiquitous and resilient network connectivity. In this article, we highlight how NIB features suit 6G use cases and requirements and how it can be used for 6G communications. In addition, we discuss the challenges of the potential enabling technologies of 6G that can reinforce the NIB performance.