Integrated Access and Backhaul for 5G and Beyond (6G)
Licentiatavhandling, 2022

Enabling network densification to support coverage-limited millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies is one of the main requirements for 5G and beyond. It is challenging to connect a high number of base stations (BSs) to the core network via a transport network. Although fiber provides high-rate reliable backhaul links, it requires a noteworthy investment for trenching and installation, and could also take a considerable deployment time. Wireless backhaul, on the other hand, enables fast installation and flexibility, at the cost of data rate and sensitivity to environmental effects. For these reasons, fiber and wireless backhaul have been the dominant backhaul technologies for decades. Integrated access and backhaul (IAB), where along with celluar access services a part of the spectrum available is used to backhaul, is a promising wireless solution for backhauling in 5G and beyond. To this end, in this thesis we evaluate, analyze and optimize IAB networks from various perspectives.

Specifically, we analyze IAB networks and develop effective algorithms to improve service coverage probability. In contrast to fiber-connected setups, an IAB network may be affected by, e.g., blockage, tree foliage, and rain loss. Thus, a variety of aspects such as the effects of tree foliage, rain loss, and blocking are evaluated and the network performance when part of the network being non-IAB backhauled is analysed. Furthermore, we evaluate the effect of deployment optimization on the performance of IAB networks.

First, in Paper A, we introduce and analyze IAB as an enabler for network densification. Then, we study the IAB network from different aspects of mmWave-based communications: We study the network performance for both urban and rural areas considering the impacts of blockage, tree foliage, and rain. Furthermore, performance comparisons are made between IAB and networks of which all or part of small BSs are fiber-connected. Following the analysis, it is observed that IAB may be a good backhauling solution with high flexibility and low time-to-market.

The second part of the thesis focuses on improving the service coverage probability by carrying out topology optimization in IAB networks focusing on mmWave communication for different parameters, such as blockage, tree foliage, and antenna gain. In Paper B, we study topology optimization and routing in IAB networks in different perspectives. Thereby, we design efficient Genetic algorithm (GA)-based methods for IAB node distribution and non-IAB backhaul link placement. Furthermore, we study the effect of routing in the cases with temporal blockages. Finally, we briefly study the recent standardization developments, i.e., 3GPP Rel-16 as well as the Rel-17 discussions on routing. As the results show, with a proper planning on network deployment, IAB is an attractive solution to densify the networks for 5G and beyond.

Finally, we focus on improving the performance of IAB networks with constrained deployment optimization. In Paper C, we consider various IAB network models while presenting different algorithms for constrained deployment optimization. Here, the constraints are coming from either inter-IAB distance limitations or geographical restrictions. As we show, proper network planning can considerably improve service coverage probability of IAB networks with deployment constraints.

Stochastic geometry

Node selection

Beyond 5G

Backhaul

6G

Blockage

Coverage probability

Poisson point process (PPP)

Integrated access and backhaul (IAB)

Relay

Constrained deployment

5G new radio (NR)

Tree foliage

Millimeter wave (mmWave) communications

Densification

3GPP

Wireless backhaul

Routing

Genetic algorithm (GA)

Topology optimization

SB3-L112, lecture room, Samhällsbyggnad III, Campus Johanneberg
Opponent: Prof. Stefano Buzzi, University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale, Italy

Författare

Charitha Madapatha Madapathage Don

Chalmers, Elektroteknik, Kommunikation, Antenner och Optiska Nätverk

On Integrated Access and Backhaul Networks: Current Status and Potentials

IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society,;Vol. 1(2020)p. 1374-1389

Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift

On Topology Optimization and Routing in Integrated Access and Backhaul Networks: A Genetic Algorithm-Based Approach

IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society,;Vol. 2(2021)p. 2273-2291

Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift

C. Madapatha, B. Makki, H. Guo, and T. Svensson, “Constrained Deployment Optimization in Integrated Access and Backhaul Networks”. Accepted for publication in IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference(WCNC)’ 2023, Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Joint scheduling and throughput maximization in self-backhauled millimeter wave cellular networks

Proceedings of the International Symposium on Wireless Communication Systems,;Vol. 2021-September(2021)

Paper i proceeding

Uplink Power Control in Integrated Access and Backhaul Networks

2021 IEEE International Symposium on Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks, DySPAN 2021,;(2021)

Paper i proceeding

ChaseOn Multiantenna wireless architectures for next-generation wireless systems (Mantua)

VINNOVA, 2017-01-01 -- 2021-12-31.

A flagship for B5G/6G vision and intelligent fabric of technology enablers connecting human, physical, and digital worlds (Hexa-X )

Europeiska kommissionen (EU) (EC/HE/101120332), 2023-10-01 -- 2027-09-30.

Europeiska kommissionen (EU) (EC/2020/101015956), 2021-01-01 -- 2023-06-30.

Ämneskategorier

Datorteknik

Telekommunikation

Kommunikationssystem

Styrkeområden

Informations- och kommunikationsteknik

Drivkrafter

Hållbar utveckling

Innovation och entreprenörskap

Infrastruktur

C3SE (Chalmers Centre for Computational Science and Engineering)

Utgivare

Chalmers

SB3-L112, lecture room, Samhällsbyggnad III, Campus Johanneberg

Opponent: Prof. Stefano Buzzi, University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale, Italy

Mer information

Senast uppdaterat

2023-10-27