Search Results (117)

Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF M-MIMO) is one of the most promising technologies for future wireless communication such as 5G and beyond fifth-generation (B5G) networks. It is a type of network technology that uses a massive number of distributed antennas to serve a large number of users at the same time. It has the ability to provide high spectral efficiency (SE) as well as improved coverage and interference management, compared to traditional cellular networks. However, estimating the channel with high-performance, low-cost computational methods is still a problem. Different algorithms have been developed to address these challenges in channel estimation. One of the high-performance channel estimators is a phase-aware minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator. This channel estimator has high computational complexity. To address the shortcomings of the existing estimator, this paper proposed an efficient phase-aware element-wise minimum mean square error (PA-EW-MMSE) channel estimator with QR decomposition and a precoding matrix at the user side. The closed form uplink (UL) SE with the phase MMSE and proposed estimators are evaluated using MMSE combining. The energy efficiency and area throughput are also calculated from the SE. The simulation results show that the proposed estimator achieved the best SE, EE, and area throughput performance with a substantial reduction in the complexity of the computation. Full article

Fifth-Generation (5G) cellular networks extensively utilize subscriber identifiers throughout the protocol stack, thereby linking subscribers to their activities on the network. With the inherent use of linked identifiers comes the potential capability to track subscribers’ location and behavior, which poses critical challenges for user identity protections and privacy in sensitive applications like military or healthcare operating over public 5G infrastructure. The reliance on such personal identifiers threatens a user’s right to privacy and brings to light the importance of proper mechanisms to mitigate these risks for current and future cellular network technologies. In this paper, we explore the 5G specifications to understand the most important list of identifiers and their use across Virtual Network Functions (VNF), and points of exposure within the Core Network (CN). We also examine the existing literature regarding identity protections and efforts to mitigate privacy concerns targeted in the CN. Findings include the need for a trust relationship between users and their network providers to protect and safeguard their identity. While 5G technology has greater user identity protections compared to previous cellular generations, our analysis shows that several areas of concern remain, particularly in the exchange of subscriber metadata. This work also finds that new technologies adopted in 5G networks add further complexity to maintaining a strict posture for safeguarding user identity and privacy protections. This paper also reviews the scientific community’s proposed enhancements for future 6G networks’ user identity and privacy protections, with a focus on emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications. The ethical implications of private or anonymous communications are also carefully weighed and examined to understand the multifaceted nature of this topic. Our work is concluded by proposing important further research to reduce the prevalence and reliance on personal identifiers such as the SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier) within 5G Core operations to help better protect user identity. We also propose replacing the widespread use of the SUPI between VNFs with ephemeral identifiers, building upon efforts by 3GPP aiming for 5G to protect the SUPI from eavesdroppers. Full article

The evolution of cellular networks from fifth-generation (5G) architectures to beyond 5G (B5G) and sixth-generation (6G) systems necessitates innovative solutions to overcome the limitations of traditional Radio Access Network (RAN) infrastructures. Existing monolithic and proprietary RAN components restrict adaptability, interoperability, and optimal resource utilization, posing challenges in meeting the stringent requirements of next-generation applications. The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) have emerged as transformative paradigms, enabling disaggregation, virtualization, and real-time adaptability—which are key to achieving ultra-low latency, enhanced bandwidth efficiency, and intelligent resource management in future cellular systems. This paper presents a Federated Deep Reinforcement Learning (FDRL) framework for dynamic radio and edge computing resource allocation and slicing management in O-RAN environments. An Integer Linear Programming (ILP) model has also been developed, resulting in the proposed FDRL solution drastically reducing the system response time. On the other hand, unlike centralized Reinforcement Learning (RL) approaches, the proposed FDRL solution leverages Federated Learning (FL) to optimize performance while preserving data privacy and reducing communication overhead. Comparative evaluations against centralized models demonstrate that the federated approach improves learning efficiency and reduces bandwidth consumption. The system has been rigorously tested across multiple scenarios, including multi-client O-RAN environments and loss-of-synchronization conditions, confirming its resilience in distributed deployments. Additionally, a case study simulating realistic traffic profiles validates the proposed framework’s ability to dynamically manage radio and computational resources, ensuring efficient and adaptive O-RAN slicing for diverse and high-mobility scenarios. Full article

Efficient resource allocation is a critical factor in ensuring reliable and low-latency communication in the fifth-generation New Radio (5G NR) sidelink-based Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) networks. One of the critical challenges in adopting C-V2X systems is the potential for packet collisions between User Equipment (UE) when they share resources in the sidelink channel. For reliable and low-latency communication, especially in safety-critical applications, efficient resource allocation is essential. This paper explores collision-related issues that may arise in the 5G NR sidelink and the probability of collisions on resource blocks. To address these challenges, we propose an experimental time-domain resource allocation strategy leveraging dynamic reselection intervals and adaptive reservation mechanisms. Unlike existing approaches, which primarily rely on static or semi-persistent scheduling, our strategy optimizes resource allocation based on real-time variations in generation time, speed and distance between UEs. The proposed approach significantly reduces collision probabilities, enhances communication reliability and ensures efficient resource utilization, even in high-density vehicular networks. Addressing packet collisions in resource allocation becomes crucial for the viability of vehicular communication systems. The goal of this paper is to analyze the dynamics and causes of packet collisions in C-V2X scenarios using 5G NR sidelink technology and to evaluate how our time-domain optimization techniques can enhance system performance in rapidly evolving vehicular communication networks. Full article

Device-to-Device (D2D) communication is a promising technological innovation that is significantly considered to have a substantial impact on the next generation of wireless communication systems. Modern wireless networks of the fifth generation (5G) and beyond (B5G) handle an increasing number of connected devices that require greater data rates while utilizing relatively low power consumption. In this study, we present joint mode selection, channel assignment, and power allocation issues in a semi-distributed D2D scheme (SD-scheme) that underlays cellular networks. The objective of this study is to enhance the data rate, Spectrum Efficiency (SE), and Energy Efficiency (EE) of the network while maintaining the performance of cellular users (CUs) by creating a threshold of data rate for each CU in the network. Practically, we propose a centralized approach to address the mode selection and channel assignment problems, employing greedy and matching algorithms, respectively. Moreover, we employed a State-Action-Reward-State-Action (SARSA)-based reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm for a distributed power allocation scheme. Furthermore, we suggest that the sub-channel of the CU is shared among several D2D pairs, and the optimum power is determined for each D2D pair sharing the same sub-channel, taking into consideration all types of interferences in the network. The simulation findings illustrate the enhancement in the performance of the proposed scheme in comparison to the benchmark schemes in terms of data rate, SE, and EE. Full article

The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) struggles to deliver the precision and reliability required for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services in environments with severe interference. Fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks, with their low latency, high bandwidth, and large capacity, offer a robust communication infrastructure, enabling 5G base stations (BSs) to extend coverage into regions where traditional GNSSs face significant challenges. However, frequent multi-sensor faults, including missing alarm thresholds, uncontrolled error accumulation, and delayed warnings, hinder the adaptability of navigation systems to the dynamic multi-source information of complex scenarios. This study introduces an advanced, tightly coupled GNSS/5G/IMU integration framework designed for distributed PNT systems, providing all-source fault detection with weighted, robust adaptive filtering. A weighted, robust adaptive filter (MCC-WRAF), grounded in the maximum correntropy criterion, was developed to suppress fault propagation, relax Gaussian noise constraints, and improve the efficiency of observational weight distribution in multi-source fusion scenarios. Moreover, we derived the intrinsic relationships of filtering innovations within wireless measurement models and proposed a time-sequential, observation-driven full-source FDE and sensor recovery validation strategy. This approach employs a sliding window which expands innovation vectors temporally based on source encoding, enabling real-time validation of isolated faulty sensors and adaptive adjustment of observational data in integrated navigation solutions. Additionally, a covariance-optimal, inflation-based integrity protection mechanism was introduced, offering rigorous evaluations of distributed PNT service availability. The experimental validation was carried out in a typical outdoor scenario, and the results highlight the proposed method’s ability to mitigate undetected fault impacts, improve detection sensitivity, and significantly reduce alarm response times across step, ramp, and multi-fault mixed scenarios. Additionally, the dynamic positioning accuracy of the fusion navigation system improved to 0.83 m ($1\sigma$). Compared with standard Kalman filtering (EKF) and advanced multi-rate Kalman filtering (MRAKF), the proposed algorithm achieved 28.3% and 53.1% improvements in its $1\sigma$ error, respectively, significantly enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the multi-source fusion navigation system. Full article

In recent years, the increasing number of internet-connected devices has exceeded the capacity of fourth-generation (4G) cellular networks, leading to the development of fifth-generation (5G) technology, designed to offer higher speeds, greater bandwidth, and lower latency. In this context, this study evaluated Universal Filtered Multi-Carrier (UFMC) and Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM) techniques, implementing them in a radio-over-fiber (RoF) system and a Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) fronthaul link, and compared the results using communication quality metrics such as bit error rate (BER). Additionally, through signal generation and processing in Matlab, the performance of UFMC and LTE signals was analyzed, confirming that simultaneous transmission over an RoF channel allows for efficient signal separation in the frequency domain, with the UFMC giving power to LTE. Full article

Fifth Generation (5G) cellular networks have been adopted worldwide since the rollout began around 2019. It brought with it many innovations and new services, such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Internet of Things (mIoT). Furthermore, 5G introduced a more scalable approach to network operations using fully software-based Virtualized Network Functions (VNF) in Core Networks (CN) rather than the prior hardware-based approach. However, while this shift towards a fully software-based system design provides numerous significant benefits, such as increased interoperability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, it also brings with it an increased cybersecurity risk. Security is crucial to maintaining trust between vendors, operators, and consumers. Cyberattacks are rapidly increasing in number and sophistication, and we are seeing a shift towards zero-trust approaches. This means that even communications between VNFs inside a 5G core must be scrutinized and hardened against attacks, especially with the advent of quantum computers. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), over the past 10 years, has led efforts to standardize post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to protect against quantum attacks. This paper covers a custom implementation of the open-source free5GC CN, to expand its HTTPS capabilities for VNFs by introducing PQC Key Encapsulation Methods (KEM) for Transport Layer Security (TLS) v1.3. This paper provides the details of this integration with a focus on the latency of different PQC KEMs in initial handshakes between VNFs, on packet size, and the implications in a 5G environment. This work also conducts a security comparison between the PQC-equipped free5GC and other open-source 5G CNs. The presented results indicate a negligible increase in UE connection setup duration and a small increase in connection setup data requirements, strongly indicating that PQC KEM’s benefits far outweigh any downsides when integrated into 5G and 6G core services. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work incorporating PQC into an open-source 5G core. Furthermore, the results from this effort demonstrate that employing PQC ciphers for securing VNF communications results in only a negligible impact on latency and bandwidth usage, thus demonstrating significant benefits to 5G cybersecurity. Full article

The study of phenomena related to the propagation of electromagnetic waves is a necessity with the development of mobile telephony networks. This paper deals with the problem of the quality of mobile telephony signals. The study uses a BTS scanner, dedicated to scanning the frequency spectrum and decoding information from base stations. The device is capable of scanning mobile networks from the second, third, fourth, and fifth generation (2G/3G/4G/5G) using a passive sensor. The article presents preliminary results of monitoring cellular network signals using a scanner mounted on an unmanned aircraft. The collected data call for the need to evaluate the signal parameters of the cellular network depending on the altitude of signal reception. This property emerges as very important in the case of areas with a high level of urbanization. Full article

One of the key features of mobile networks in this age of mobile communication is seamless communication. Handover (HO) is a critical component of next-generation (NG) cellular communication networks, which requires careful management since it poses several risks to quality-of-service (QoS), including a decrease in average throughput and service disruptions. Due to the dramatic rise in base stations (BSs) and connections per unit area brought about by new fifth-generation (5G) network enablers, such as Internet of things (IoT), network densification, and mm-wave communications, HO management has become more challenging. The degree of difficulty is increased in light of the strict criteria that were recently published in the specifications of 5G networks. In order to address these issues more successfully and efficiently, this study has explored and examined intelligent HO optimization strategies using machine learning models. Furthermore, the significant goal of this review is to present the state of cellular networks as they are now, as well as to talk about mobility and home office administration in 5G alongside the overall features of 5G networks. This work presents an overview of machine learning methods in handover optimization and of the various data availability for evaluations. In the final section, the challenges and future research directions are also detailed. Full article

The fifth-generation (5G) cellular infrastructure is expected to bring about the widespread use of connected vehicles. This technological progress marks the beginning of a new era in vehicular networks, which includes a range of different types and services of self-driving cars and the smooth sharing of information between vehicles. Connected vehicles have also been announced as a main use case of the sixth-generation (6G) cellular, with ultimate requirements beyond the 5G (B5G) and 6G eras. These networks require full coverage, extremely high reliability and availability, very low latency, and significant system adaptability. The significant specifications set for vehicular networks pose considerable design and development challenges. The goals of establishing a latency of 1 millisecond, effectively handling large amounts of data traffic, and facilitating high-speed mobility are of utmost importance. To address these difficulties and meet the demands of upcoming networks, e.g., 6G, it is necessary to improve the performance of vehicle networks by incorporating innovative technology into existing network structures. This work presents significant enhancements to vehicular networks to fulfill the demanding specifications by utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, including distributed edge computing, e.g., mobile edge computing (MEC) and fog computing, software-defined networking (SDN), and microservice. The work provides a novel vehicular network structure based on micro-services architecture that meets the requirements of 6G networks. The required offloading scheme is introduced, and a handover algorithm is presented to provide seamless communication over the network. Moreover, a migration scheme for migrating data between edge servers was developed. The work was evaluated in terms of latency, availability, and reliability. The results outperformed existing traditional approaches, demonstrating the potential of our approach to meet the demanding requirements of next-generation vehicular networks. Full article

Multipath wireless access aims to seamlessly aggregate multiple access networks to increase data rates and decrease latency. It is currently being standardized through the ATSSS architectural framework as part of the fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks. However, facilitating efficient multi-access communication in next-generation wireless networks poses several challenges due to the complex interplay between congestion control (CC) and packet scheduling. Given that enhanced ATSSS steering functions for traffic splitting advocate the utilization of multi-access tunnels using congestion-controlled multipath network protocols between user equipment and a proxy, addressing the issue of nested CC becomes imperative. In this paper, we evaluate the impact of such nested congestion control loops on throughput over multi-access tunnels using the recently introduced Multipath DCCP (MP-DCCP) tunneling framework. We evaluate different combinations of endpoint and tunnel CC algorithms, including BBR, BBRv2, CUBIC, and NewReno. Using the Cheapest Path First scheduler, we quantify and analyze the impact of the following on the performance of tunnel-based multipath: (1) the location of the multi-access proxy relative to the user; (2) the bottleneck buffer size, and (3) the choice of the congestion control algorithms. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate the superior performance of BBRv2 as a tunnel CC algorithm. Full article

This paper examines the quantitative and qualitative situation of the current fixed and mobile Internet and its expected future. It provides a detailed insight into the past, present, and future of the Internet along with the development of technology and the problems that have arisen in accessing and using broadband Internet. First, the number of users and penetration rate of the Internet, the various types of services in different countries, the ranking of countries in terms of the mean and median download and upload Internet data speeds, Internet data volume, and number and location of data centers in the world are presented. The second task introduces and details twelve performance evaluation metrics for broadband Internet access. Third, different wired and wireless Internet technologies are introduced and compared based on data rate, coverage, type of infrastructure, and their advantages and disadvantages. Based on the technical and functional criteria, in the fourth work, two popular wired and wireless Internet platforms, one based on optical fiber and the other based on the 5G cellular network, are compared in the world in general and Australia in particular. Moreover, this paper has a look at Starlink as the latest satellite Internet candidate, especially for rural and remote areas. The fifth task outlines the latest technologies and emerging broadband Internet-based services and applications in the spotlight. Sixthly, it focuses on three problems in the future Internet in the world, namely the digital divide due to the different qualities of available Internet and new Internet-based services and applications of emerging technologies, the impact of the Internet on social interactions, and hacking and insecurity on the Internet. Finally, some solutions to these problems are proposed. Full article

Technological developments coupled with socioeconomic changes are driving a rapid transformation of the fifth-generation (5G) cellular network landscape. This evolution has led to versatile applications with fast data-transfer capabilities. The integration of 5G with wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has rendered the Internet of Things (IoTs) crucial for measurement and sensing. Although 5G-enabled IoTs are vital, they face challenges in data integrity, such as mixed noise, outliers, and missing values, owing to various transmission issues. Traditional methods such as the tensor robust principal component analysis (TRPCA) have limitations in preserving essential data. This study introduces an enhanced approach, the weighted robust tensor principal component analysis (WRTPCA), combined with weighted tensor completion (WTC). The new method enhances data recovery using tensor singular value decomposition (t-SVD) to separate regular and abnormal data, preserve significant components, and robustly address complex data corruption issues, such as mixed noise, outliers, and missing data, with the globally optimal solution determined through the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Our study is the first to address complex corruption in multivariate data using the WTRPCA. The proposed approach outperforms current techniques. In all corrupted scenarios, the normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) of the proposed method is typically less than 0.2, demonstrating strong performance even in the most challenging conditions in which other models struggle. This highlights the effectiveness of the proposed approach in real-world 5G-enabled IoTs. Full article

5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for the new generation of cellular networks. Combining 5G and millimeter waves (mmWave) gives tremendous capacity and even lower latency, allowing you to fully enjoy the 5G experience. 5G is the successor to the fourth generation (4G) which provides high-speed networks to support traffic capacity, higher throughput, and network efficiency as well as supporting massive applications, especially internet-of-things (IoT) and machine-to-machine areas. Therefore, performance evaluation and analysis of such systems is a critical research task that needs to be conducted by researchers. In this paper, a new model structure of an urban-suburban environment in a 5G network formed of seven cells with a central urban cell (Hot spot) surrounded by six suburban cells is introduced. With the proposed model, the end-user can have continuous connectivity under different propagation environments. Based on the suggested model, the related capacity bounds are derived and the performance of 5G network is studied via a simulation considering different parameters that affect the performance such as the non-orthogonality factor, the load concentration in both urban and suburban areas, the height of the mobile, the height of the base station, the radius, and the distance between base stations. Blocking probability and bandwidth utilization are the main two performance measures that are studied, however, the effect of the above parameters on the system capacity is also introduced. The provided numerical results that are based on a network-level call admission control algorithm reveal the fact that the investigated parameters have a major influence on the network performance. Therefore, the outcome of this research can be a very useful tool to be considered by mobile operators in the network planning of 5G. Full article