Heterogeneous network: An evolutionary path to 5G

Abstract

In this paper, we will first motivate the heterogeneous network as an evolutionary path to the fifth generation (5G) communications. We then present an agile software defined heterogeneous network architecture which virtualizes the various radio access networks such as cellular basestations and Wi-Fi access points and the various carrier frequencies from both licensed and unlicensed bands. The software defined heterogeneous network architecture can therefore support much more efficient resource utilization and meet the quality of service requirement. We will also share our work in context-aware Wi-Fi-cellular network traffic steering and mobility management as two use cases in the software defined heterogeneous network.