Networking Challenges for Ultra-dense mmWave Coverage (TBD – 2021)

Workshop Topic:  The high cost of small-cell networks with each cell providing coverage of up to a few hundred meters has been impeding the widespread commercial deployment of 5G in mmwave spectrum.  The cost involves not only the fiber backhaul and antenna tower, but also subsequent network management and maintenance. Unless this issue is resolved, the dense 5G mmWave networks cannot deliver their anticipated gains. This workshop will bring together carriers, network OEM suppliers, internet companies (such as Google and Facebook) and academic researchers to discuss promising networking directions for 6G (as well as 5G), such as integrated access and backhaul (IAB) and AI-driven models for deployment and optimization. Such AI-driven network concepts should enable network slicing and multi-tenancy, where dynamic resource utilization and agile service provision are enabled by SDN and NFV. Discussions will also address possible knowledge gaps and infrastructure needed to foster advancements in this area.

Workshop Goals:  This workshop will address possible knowledge gaps and infrastructure needed to foster advancements in ultra-dense mmwave coverage, identify needed research, and define possible collaborative mechanisms and resource sharing opportunities for joint projects and industry partnerships that can mutually benefit a future SII Center and the wireless industry.