The Rendezvous Between Extreme Value Theory and Next-generation Networks

TL;DR

This paper surveys how extreme value theory (EVT) can be applied to analyze and design next-generation communication systems that require reliable performance in extreme scenarios, highlighting recent advances and future challenges.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of EVT applications in NG networks, connecting theoretical foundations with practical communication problems.

Findings

EVT offers a robust framework for modeling extreme events in NG systems.

Recent research has advanced EVT-based analysis for various NG communication challenges.

Open challenges include integrating EVT with emerging technologies and real-world scenarios.

Abstract

Promising technologies such as massive multiple-input and multiple-output, reconfigurable intelligent reflecting surfaces, non-terrestrial networks, millimetre wave communication, ultra-reliable lowlatency communication are envisioned as the enablers for next-generation (NG) networks. In contrast to conventional communication systems meeting specific average performance requirements, NG systems are expected to meet quality-of-service requirements in extreme scenarios as well. In this regard, extreme value theory (EVT) provides a powerful framework for the design of communication systems. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of advances in communication that utilize EVT to characterize the extreme order statistics of interest. We first give an overview of the history of EVT and then elaborate on the fundamental theorems. Subsequently, we discuss different problems of interest in NG communication systems and how EVT can be utilized for their analysis. We finally point out the open challenges and future directions of EVT in NG communication systems.