Page 95 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2020

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION VIA 5G: DEPLOYMENT PLANS

1 1 1 1 2 1 1
A. Zakeri ; N. Gholipoor ; M. Tajallifar ; S. Ebrahimi ; M. R. Javan ; N. Mokari ; A. R. Sharafat
1 Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
2 Shahrood University of Technology, Iran

ABSTRACT Partnership Project (3GPP) works on network slicing (NS)
and has proposed the architecture for RAN and CN, as well
Digital transformation is indispensable for achieving as schemes for interoperability with existing networks [4].
sustainable development, and deployment of fifth-generation However, there is a need for cost-effective practical plans to
wireless networks (5G) is instrumental for making digital ensure connectivity for different types/generations of devices.
transformation a reality. There are a number of challenges The dominant use case in 5G is eMBB, but other use cases
and technical choices that influence 5G deployment with such as tele-surgery, tele-presence, mixed reality, highly
impacts on efficiency, interoperability, and associated costs. secure/safe autonomous vehicles, eHealth, eAgriculture, and
These are of significant importance as there is no roadmap Industry 4.0 have also emerged [5]. These use cases may not
that would be universally applicable to all network operators be efficiently supported by current 5G standards, and must
for deploying 5G and beyond. In this paper, we contextualize
various technical options for 5G deployment and discuss their be considered in the evolved 5G (E5G) standards. Figure 1
impacts. Specifically, we focus on the timely utilization of shows the timeline for 5G and E5G, identifies key enabling
various standards pertaining to radio access network (RAN), technologies, and highlights key contributions by different
transport network (TN), and core network (CN) with a view to standard-setting bodies. Note that 5G includes LTE Rel.
enhancing interoperability with existing networks/facilities. 15-17 of 3GPP, and E5G refers to LTE Rel. 18-20 around
We also discuss how 5G standards are evolving. 2021-2025. LTE Rel. 15 that encompasses basic 5G services
Keywords - 5G deployment, core network, future networks, is now ready for deployment, and LTE Rel. 16-17 fully meet
E5G deployments are expected
IMT-2020 requirements.
radio access network, standards, transport network
after 2022, when sixth generation wireless networks (6G)
standardization will start. As per [6], 5G deployment will be
1. INTRODUCTION in three phases, namely, 1) early 5G (2018-2020), 2) full-scale
Digital transformation is the use of digital technologies to 5G (2020-2023), and 3) all-5G/E5G (2023-2026).
solve problems, to offer services, and to address constraints This paper is organized as follows. An overview of 5G E2E
with a view to achieving sustainable development in many architecture is in Section 2. Deployment of 5G RAN, 5G
sectors of the economy. It has three main pillars, namely, CN, and 5G TN are in Sections 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
people, processes, and tools; and the fifth generation wireless Conclusion and lessons learned are in Section 6.
network (5G) is a vital tool for digital transformation.
End-to-end (E2E) service provisioning in different network 2. END-TO-END ARCHITECTURE
generations entails various hardware/software platforms in
radio access networks (RANs), transport networks (TNs), In this section, we present several options for 5G E2E
and core networks (CNs) to ensure interoperability and architecture. According to 3GPP in LTE Rel. 15 [7],
compatibility. The challenge is why, how, and where different there are several architecture options for 5G, each with its
types of equipment should be deployed to make the services own scalability, support services, key performance indicators
attractive and affordable. In this paper, we contextualize (KPIs), expected traffic volumes, and investment costs. In
different scenarios for cost-effective 5G deployment. what follows, we compare the above options and present their
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) categorizes deployment requirements, taking into account the current
5G services into three different classes, namely 1) state of 4G deployment. In doing so, we note that all such
enhanced mobile broadband service (eMBB), 2) ultra architecture options are categorized into two main modes [8]:
reliable and low latency communication (URLLC), and • Standalone (SA) mode, in which evolved NodeBs (eNBs)
3) massive machine-type communication (mMTC) in in 4G or next generation nodeBs (gNBs) in 5G handle both
IMT-2020 documents [1]. To meet the requirements data plane (DP)/user plane (UP) and control plane (CP).
of the above categories and provide flexibility/scalability, In this mode, gNBs are more common.
several technologies/protocols have been proposed. For • Non-standalone (NSA) mode, in which DP traverses
example, the European Telecommunications Standards both eNBs or gNBs. When the core is evolved packet
Institute (ETSI) focuses on network function virtualization core (EPC), eNBs handle CP (eNBs are the anchor) and
(NFV), multi-access edge computing (MEC), and next gNBs handle DP; and when the core is 5GC, either next
generation protocols (NGP) [2, 3]; and 3rd Generation generation eNBs (ng-eNBs) or gNBs can be the anchor.

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