Challenges for 5G transport networks

TLDR

5G mobile communications is envisioned as the enabler of ubiquitous connectivity for the networked society, yet most research focuses on radio technologies while transport‑network challenges remain underexplored. This paper offers a first analysis of the key challenges to 5G transport in terms of capacity, flexibility, and costs. The authors discuss various use cases, technology options, and control‑plane concepts to address these challenges.

Abstract

5G mobile communications is seen as the enabler for the networked society where connectivity will be available anywhere and anytime to anyone and anything. The details of 5G are the subject to ongoing research and debate, mostly focused on understanding radio technologies that can enable the 5G vision. So far, less work has been dedicated to the challenges that 5G will pose to the transport network. This paper provides a first analysis of the key challenges to 5G transport in terms of capacity, flexibility and costs, for example. Different use cases are discussed as well as technology options and control plane concepts.