Potentials and Challenges of C-RAN Supporting Multi-RATs Toward 5G Mobile Networks

TLDR

C‑RAN is a key enabler for future mobile networks, addressing explosive traffic capacity demands while reducing capital and operating costs, and 5G systems must also support long‑term coexistence of multiple radio access technologies. This paper outlines C‑RAN and proposes preliminary directions for C‑RAN‑supporting multi‑RATs, including joint resource allocation, mobility management, traffic steering, and service mapping. The authors review 5G requirements and emerging network concepts, provide an overview of C‑RAN and related work, discuss ultra‑dense deployment with flexible backhauling, automated organization, and advanced mobility, and suggest strategies for C‑RAN‑supporting multi‑RATs.

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the cloud radio access network (C-RAN), which is a key enabler for future mobile networks in order to meet the explosive capacity demand of mobile traffic, and reduce the capital and operating expenditure burden faced by operators. We start by reviewing the requirements of future mobile networks, called 5G, followed by a discussion on emerging network concepts for 5G network architecture. Then, an overview of C-RAN and related works are presented. As a significant scenario of a 5G system, the ultra dense network deployment based on C-RAN is discussed with focuses on flexible backhauling, automated network organization, and advanced mobility management. Another import feature of a 5G system is the long-term coexistence of multiple radio access technologies (multi-RATs). Therefore, we present some directions and preliminary thoughts for future C-RAN-supporting Multi-RATs, including joint resource allocation, mobility management, as well as traffic steering and service mapping.