R + D

5G STEP FWD

5G STEP FWD proposes a new architecture that uses UDWDM PONs as the backhaul of mmWave networks.

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5G cellular networks are coming and should be able to provide access to information whenever the huge number of end mobile users needs it, where they need it, in whatever format they need it, while at the same time reducing the ever increasing CO2 emission footprint of mobile communications. To this end, mmWave HetNets are a cost efficient solution to increase the density of the infrastructure nodes, by widely deploying small cells with mmWave capabilities as small, inexpensive, low-power base stations. Although the deployment of mmWave HetNets, provides and effective solution for the capacity and coverage problems for the radio access network, it creates a new one for backhaul, which should provide connectivity at sufficient capacity and quality of service. To achieve high capacity and low latency backhauling 5G STEP FWD proposes a new architecture that uses UDWDM PONs as the backhaul of mmWave networks. The proposed architecture takes full advantage of the ultra-narrow wavelength spacing of the UDWDM technology, in order to provide connectivity to a dense small-cell population. At the physical layer domain, 5G STEP FWD aims at providing a comprehensive framework based on a disruptive device- or user-centric cellular concept, which will allow smart overlaid peer-to-peer communications, while it will also optimally allocate small cells where the fiber goes. At the network layer domain, we envision the modelling and optimization of the 5G STEP FWD network resource usage through the incorporation of a Software-Defined-Network (SDN) framework, which integrates multiple wireless and backhaul resources into a single pool, and could play a key role in supporting multi-tenancy and enabling the network operation management and optimization. Moreover, the mission of 5G STEP FWD is to create a vibrant EU-based training and research environment for young European and international researchers, aiming at designing architectures, systems and algorithms for building the 5G cellular network of tomorrow.

IQUADRAT’s main contribution to the 5G STEP-FWD project will be the development of the SDN architecture for the optical-wireless network, where the locations of the SDN controllers and user resources will be optimally located. Furthermore, a novel MAC protocol for the seamless communication in the converged network will be developed, which will incorporate flexible handoff techniques that will operate under various system states.

Partners: IQUADRAT Informática S.L. (Spain), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (France), Centre Tecnològic Telecomunicacions Catalunya (Spain), Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (Sweden), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (Netherlands), OTEacademy (Greece), III-Vlab (France), Siae Microelettronica (Italy).

FUNDED BY

H2020 European Commission (GA: 722429)

PROJECT TYPE

H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016

PROJECT START

June, 2017

PROJECT END

may, 2021