Optimizing 5G-Advanced Networks for Time-critical Applications: The Role of L4S

TL;DR

This paper explores the integration of L4S technology into 5G-Advanced networks to improve real-time communication for time-critical applications, demonstrating significant performance enhancements through experimental evaluation.

Contribution

It presents an analysis of L4S support in 5G-Advanced R18 and proposes an L4S-GCC algorithm that outperforms traditional methods in real-time communication scenarios.

Findings

L4S technology reduces stalling rate by up to 2.80%.

Bandwidth utilization increases by up to 31.4%.

L4S demonstrates potential for enhancing time-critical 5G applications.

Abstract

As 5G networks strive to support advanced time-critical applications, such as immersive Extended Reality (XR), cloud gaming, and autonomous driving, the demand for Real-time Broadband Communication (RTBC) grows. In this article, we present the main mechanisms of Low Latency, Low Loss, and Scalable Throughput (L4S). Subsequently, we investigate the support and challenges of L4S technology in the latest 3GPP 5G-Advanced Release 18 (R18) standard. Our case study, using a prototype system for a real-time communication (RTC) application, demonstrates the superiority of L4S technology. The experimental results show that, compared with the GCC algorithm, the proposed L4S-GCC algorithm can reduce the stalling rate by 1.51%-2.80% and increase the bandwidth utilization by 11.4%-31.4%. The results emphasize the immense potential of L4S technology in enhancing transmission performance in time-critical applications.