A Sustainable Business Model for a Neutral Host Supporting 5G and beyond (5GB) Ultra-Dense Networks: Challenges, Directions, and Architecture

Abstract

With the deployment of the fifth generation (5G) mobile network systems and the envisioned heterogeneous ultra-dense networks (UDNs), both small cell (SmC) and distributed antenna system (DAS) technologies are required by mobile network operators (MNOs) and venue owners to support multiple spectrum bands, multiple radio access technologies (RATs), multiple optical central offices (COs), and multiple MNOs. As a result, the neutral host business model representing a third party responsible for managing the network enterprise on behalf of multiple MNOs has emerged as a potential solution, mainly influenced by the desire to provide a high user experience without significantly increasing the total cost of ownership (TCO). However, designing a sustainable business model for a neutral host is a nontrivial task, especially when considered in the context of 5G and beyond (5GB) UDNs. In this paper, under an integrated optical wireless network infrastructure, we review how SmC and DAS technologies are evolving towards the adoption of the neutral host business model and identify key challenges and requirements for 5GB support. Thus, we explore recent candidate advancements in heterogeneous network integration technologies for the realization of an efficient 5GB neutral host business model design capable of accommodating both SmC and DAS. Furthermore, we propose a novel design architecture that relies on virtual radio access network (vRAN) to enable real-time dynamic resource allocation and radio over Ethernet (RoE) for flexible and reconfigurable fronthaul. The results from our simulations using MATLAB over two real-life deployment scenarios validate the feasibility of utilizing switched RoE considering end-to-end delay requirements of 5GB under different switching schemes, as long as the queuing delay is kept to a minimum. Finally, the results show that incorporating RoE and vRAN technologies into the neutral host design results in substantial TCO reduction by about 81% in an indoor scenario and 73% in an outdoor scenario.

Techno-Economic Assessment of 5G Infrastructure Sharing Business Models in Rural Areas

“…This option is the most viable for areas with low subscriber counts, and could also cater to the full range of 5G applications. Equally, this may also be a sensible option in very high-traffic areas where a single neutrally hosted network would provide a more optimal engineering design, thanks to reduced interference and improved cell coordination [44], [46], [120].…”

“…The proposed business model strategies for rural areas could prove to be attractive options [46], [51]. Whereas this paper focused on the cost-efficiency and viability of the proposed upgrade strategies, the one noteworthy subject not touched on which deserves attention is governance.…”

“…In a city-wide NHN deployment for an ultra-dense urban area, such as in London, the cost-savings are expected to be around 40% [44], [148]. Similarly, cost savings for different deployment scenarios, such as a 100-story commercial building in urban indoor and outdoor settings, were estimated to be 70% and 80%, respectively [46]. Whereas, for a university campus a NHN approach is estimated to result in a 20% saving [62].…”

“…A recent techno-economic assessment has indicated that a 5G business case that involves infrastructure sharing can lead to an increase in operator revenue, resulting from more efficient usage of infrastructure [44]- [46], motivating the study of this topic. Advances in 5G techno-economic approaches have been attempting to better integrate more realistic aspects of the underlying infrastructure in engineering-economic evaluation [47], [48].…”

Design Technology and AI-Based Decision Making Model for Digital Twin Engineering

“…The development of 5G and 6G technologies [32][33][34]. These technologies have higher throughput, lower latency, and lower battery consumption of IoT sensors.…”