Cloud Radio Access Networks

The first book on Cloud Radio Access Networks (C-RANs), covering fundamental theory, current techniques, and potential applications.

C-RAN and virtualized Small Cell technology poses several major research challenges. These include dynamic resource allocation, self-configuration in the baseband pool, high latency in data transfer between radio unit and baseband unit, the cost of data delivery, high volume of data in the network, software networking aspects, potential energy savings, security concerns, privacy of user’s personal data at a remote place, limitations of virtualized environment, etc. This book provides deeper insights into the next generation RAN architecture and surveys the coexistence of SDN, C-RAN and Small Cells solutions proposed in the literature at different levels.

This Springerbreif introduces a threshold-based channel sparsification approach, and then, the sparsity is exploited for scalable channel training. Last but not least, this brief introduces two scalable cooperative signal detection algorithms in C-RANs. The authors wish to spur new research activities in the following important question: how to leverage the revolutionary architecture of C-RAN to attain unprecedented system capacity at an affordable cost and complexity. Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) is a novel mobile network architecture that has a lot of significance in future wireless networks like 5G. the high density of remote radio heads in C-RANs leads to severe scalability issues in terms of computational and implementation complexities. This Springerbrief undertakes a comprehensive study on scalable signal processing for C-RANs, where ‘scalable’ means that the computational and implementation complexities do not grow rapidly with the network size. This Springerbrief will be target researchers and professionals working in the Cloud Radio Access Network (C-Ran) field, as well as advanced-level students studying electrical engineering.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction of Fog Radio Access Networks (F-RANs), from both academic and industry perspectives. The authors first introduce the network architecture and the frameworks of network management and resource allocation for F-RANs. They then discuss the recent academic research achievements of F-RANs, such as the analytical results of theoretical performance limits and optimization theory-based resource allocation techniques. Meanwhile, they discuss the application and implementations of F-RANs, including the latest standardization procedure, and the prototype and test bed design. The book is concluded by summarizing the existing open issues and future trends of F-RANs. Includes the latest theoretical and technological research achievements of F-RANs, also discussing existing open issues and future trends of F-RANs toward 6G from an interdisciplinary perspective; Provides commonly-used tools for research and development of F-RANs such as open resource projects for implementing prototypes and test beds; Includes examples of prototype and test bed design and gives tools to evaluate the performance of F-RANs in simulations and experimental circumstances.

The mobile market has experienced unprecedented growth over the last few decades. Consumer trends have shifted towards mobile internet services supported by 3G and 4G networks worldwide. Inherent to existing networks are problems such as lack of spectrum, high energy consumption, and inter-cell interference. These limitations have led to the emergence of 5G technology. It is clear that any 5G system will integrate optical communications, which is already a mainstay of wide area networks. Using an optical core to route 5G data raises significant questions of how wireless and optical can coexist in synergy to provide smooth, end-to-end communication pathways. Optical and Wireless Convergence for 5G Networks explores new emerging technologies, concepts, and approaches for seamlessly integrating optical-wireless for 5G and beyond. Considering both fronthaul and backhaul perspectives, this timely book provides insights on managing an ecosystem of mixed and multiple access network communications focused on optical-wireless convergence. Topics include Fiber–Wireless (FiWi), Hybrid Fiber-Wireless (HFW), Visible Light Communication (VLC), 5G optical sensing technologies, approaches to real-time IoT applications, Tactile Internet, Fog Computing (FC), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and many others. This book aims to provide an inclusive survey of 5G optical-wireless requirements, architecture developments, and technological solutions.

This book explores the challenges and opportunities in exploiting cloud technologies for 5G, ranging from radio access network (RAN) to the evolved packet core (EPC). With a specific focus on cloud RAN and EPC, the text carefully explains the influence of recent network technologies such as software defined networking (SDN), visualization, and cloud technologies in the evolution of architecture for future mobile networks. The book discusses the causes, benefits and challenges of cloud RAN and its interplay with other evolving technologies for future mobile networks. Researchers and professionals involved in mobile technology or cloud computing will find this book a valuable resource. The text is also suitable for advanced-level students studying all types of networking.

This SpringerBrief introduces key techniques for 5G wireless networks. The authors cover the development of wireless networks that led to 5G, and how 5G mobile communication technology (5G) can no longer be defined by a single business model or a typical technical characteristic. The discussed networks functions and services include Network Foundation Virtualization (N-FV), Cloud Radio Access Networks (Cloud-RAN), and Mobile Cloud Networking (MCN). The benefits of cloud platforms are examined, as are definable networking and green wireless networking. Other related and representative projects on 5G are mobile and wireless communications enablers for the Twenty-Twenty Information Society, Multi-hop Cellular Networks, Network Function as-a-Service over Virtualized Infrastructures, iJOIN, and Nuage Virtualized Services Platform. Major applications of 5G range from RAN sharing and Multi-Operator Core Networks to mobile convergence. Enhancing the user experience by providing smart and customized services, 5G will support the explosive growth of big data, mobile internet, digital media, and system efficiency. This SpringerBrief is designed for professionals, researchers, and academics working in networks or system applications. Advanced-level students of computer science or computer engineering will also find the content valuable.