Interdependent Cell-Free and Cellular Networks: Thinking the Role of Cell-Free Architecture for 6G

【Author】 Zhang, Yu; Hu, Qiwei; Peng, Miaoran; Liu, Yang; Zhang, Guoqiang; Jiang, Tao

【Source】IEEE NETWORK

【影响因子】10.294

【Abstract】The emerging cell-free network architecture can handle the intensified inter-cell interference in cellular networks via dynamic user-centric cooperation among multiple access points (APs), and thus is widely regarded as the fundamental architecture for 6G. However, this vision is hard to achieve in a short period due to the prohibitive expense of large-scale AP deployment and management. In this paper, we revisit the role of cell-free network architecture by comparing it with cellular architecture from both macroscopic and microcosmic perspectives. With their pros and cons in mind, we propose an interdependent cellular and cell-free network (ICCN) architecture that integrates the advantages of both. Three interdependent relationships between high-layer cellular network and low-layer cell-free network are introduced, with corresponding key enabling technologies being deeply investigated. Finally, some open issues and future research directions are also summarized and discussed.

【Keywords】Computer architecture; Antennas; Cellular networks; Network architecture; 6G mobile communication; Intercell interference; Downlink; Cell-free massive MIMO; network deployment; downlink beamforming; adaptive mode selection

【发表时间】2024 SEP

【收录时间】2024-10-19

【文献类型】案例研究

【主题类别】

区块链应用-实体经济-通信领域