SPEAD: Smart P-GW for Enhanced Access Discovery and Selection for NGCN

Next Generation Cellular Networks (NGCN) envisions to provide ultra low latency, extremely high data rates (Gbps), massive and seamless connectivity. In order to meet these demands, NGCN is expected to deploy huge number of small cells (i.e. Femto cells, Pico cells & Micro cells) along with the current Macro LTE-A cells. Each NGCN cell is expected to consist of all the aforesaid type of cells supporting services like Device to Device (D2D) communications, Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC), Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Vehicles (IoV), etc. This in turn leads to proliferation of devices in the network supporting aforesaid heterogeneous services. On the other hand, the availability of different type of Next Generation Node B (gNBs) may vary dynamically based on event, time, location, weather conditions, load conditions etc. Therefore, it is necessary for UEs or smart devices to camp on to the appropriate gNB in order to avail un-interrupted and seamless services with high QoS and QoE. This article explores different use cases based on three dimensional axis of NGCN i.e. requirements, technologies and services, wherein the availability of gNBs vary depending on each use case. Furthermore, we explore the avenues of Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) node functionality to automate the congestion free network discovery and selection and help the devices to camp on to the optimal gNBs without the intervention of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). We propose to enhance the legacy ANDSF capability by inducing a Data Analytics platform per virtual instance of PGW. Data analytics platform will make policies for ANDSF (assumed to be deployed in the same v-PGW) based on the use cases. The synergy of data analytics and ANDSF platform is scrutinized with the help of simulations performed with the help of real time cellular traffic traces in a dense urban area by a Korean operator in order to instill the effectiveness of our proposal.

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