Expand this Topic clickable element to expand a topic
Skip to content
Optica Publishing Group
  • Journal of Lightwave Technology
  • Vol. 35,
  • Issue 3,
  • pp. 535-549
  • (2017)

Multidimensional Convergence in Future 5G Networks

Open Access Open Access

Abstract

Future 5G services are characterised by unprecedented need for high rate, ubiquitous availability, ultralow latency, and high reliability. The fragmented network view that is widespread in current networks will not stand the challenge posed by next generations of users. A new vision is required, and this paper provides an insight on how network convergence and application-centric approaches will play a leading role toward enabling the 5G vision. This paper, after expressing the view on the need for an end-to-end approach to network design, brings the reader into a journey on the expected 5G network requirements and outlines some of the work currently carried out by main standardisation bodies. It then proposes the use of the concept of network convergence for providing the overall architectural framework to bring together all the different technologies within a unifying and coherent network ecosystem. The novel interpretation of multidimensional convergence we introduce leads us to the exploration of aspects of node consolidation and converged network architectures, delving into details of optical-wireless integration and future convergence of optical data centre and access-metro networks. We then discuss how ownership models enabling network sharing will be instrumental in realising the 5G vision. This paper concludes with final remarks on the role SDN will play in 5G and on the need for new business models that reflect the application-centric view of the network. Finally, we provide some insight on growing research areas in 5G networking.

© 2016 CCBY

PDF Article
More Like This
Converged Optical, Wireless, and Data Center Network Infrastructures for 5G Services

Anna Tzanakaki, Markos P. Anastasopoulos, and Dimitra Simeonidou
J. Opt. Commun. Netw. 11(2) A111-A122 (2019)

SDN East–West cooperation in a converged fixed-mobile optical access network: enabling 5G slicing capabilities

Minqi Wang, Gaël Simon, Luiz Anet Neto, Isabel Amigo, Loutfi Nuaymi, and Philippe Chanclou
J. Opt. Commun. Netw. 14(7) 540-549 (2022)

Future Proof Optical Network Infrastructure for 5G Transport

Paola Iovanna, Fabio Cavaliere, Francesco Testa, Stefano Stracca, Giulio Bottari, Filippo Ponzini, Alberto Bianchi, and Roberto Sabella
J. Opt. Commun. Netw. 8(12) B80-B92 (2016)

Cited By

Optica participates in Crossref's Cited-By Linking service. Citing articles from Optica Publishing Group journals and other participating publishers are listed here.


Select as filters


Select Topics Cancel
© Copyright 2024 | Optica Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved