Secure Virtual Mobile Small Cells: A Stepping Stone Toward 6G

Abstract

As 5th Generation research reaches the twilight, the research community must go beyond 5G and look towards the 2030 connectivity landscape, namely 6G. In this context, this work takes a step towards the 6G vision by proposing a next generation communication platform, which aims to extend the rigid coverage area of fixed deployment networks by considering virtual mobile small cells (MSC) that are created on demand. Relying on emerging computing paradigms such as NFV (Network Function Virtualization) and SDN (Software Defined Networking), these cells can harness radio and networking capability locally reducing protocol signaling latency and overhead. These MSCs constitute an intelligent pool of networking resources that can collaborate to form a wireless network of MSCs providing a communication platform for localized, ubiquitous and reliable connectivity. The technology enablers for implementing the MSC concept are also addressed in terms of virtualization, lightweight wireless security, and energy efficient RF. The benefits of the MSC architecture towards reliable and efficient cell offloading are demonstrated as a use-case.

Unveiling the user requirements of a cyber range for 5G security testing and training

“…When it comes to RAN security, attacks against authentication were found to be the most important (Fig. 3c) followed by attacks against privacy, which is in line with the latest research works published on the field of Radio Access security [12], [13]. Likewise, for the IoT domain, attacks against the authentication were concluded to be of high priority (Fig.…”

Why do we need 6G?

“…As previously mentioned D2D communications were initially introduced in LTE networks. Next, 5G vision signi icantly stressed the employment of D2D technologies (together with mobile small cells [64]) in order to allow for the provision of effective connectivity in dense scenarios. Nowadays, the D2D paradigm has also been included in the 6G vision [65].…”

“…This type of small cell can also be deployed to cover the urban landscape. These cells can be formed using mobile UEs or low-cost nodes such as RRHs which are connected to aggregation nodes through wireless links [64]. The base stations of these cells mainly perform a transceiver's functionalities and are less involved than fully functional eNodeBs.…”

A GaAs pHEMT MMIC Doherty Power Amplifier for 5G Mobile Handset

“…The unparalleled 5G evolution reshapes the wireless networks by optimizing the transceiver architectures, protocols and operations. For enhanced user experience and ultra-high speed services, the massive multiple-input multiple output (mMIMO) antennas at mm-wave spectrum are deployed that rely on the integrated RF front-end modules, including the power amplifier, filters, switches, phase shifter and various passives [1]. Moreover, advances in semiconductor technologies have resulted in promoting a cost-effective system.…”