6G-RUPA: a flexible, scalable, and energy-efficient user plane architecture for next-generation mobile networks

As the global deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) is being well consolidated, the exploration of Sixth Generation (6G) wireless networks has intensified, focusing on novel Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Value Indicators (KVIs) that extend beyond traditional metrics like throughput and lat...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Giménez Antón, Sergio|||0000-0001-9783-3209, Grasa Gras, Eduard, Perelló Muntan, Jordi|||0000-0001-6563-2664, Cárdenas Córdova, Andrés
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/417039
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/417039
https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/computers13080186
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:6G
Energy efficiency
Network architecture
Network scalability
Programmable networks
Recursive networking
User plane protocols
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria de la telecomunicació::Telemàtica i xarxes d'ordinadors
Descripción
Sumario:As the global deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) is being well consolidated, the exploration of Sixth Generation (6G) wireless networks has intensified, focusing on novel Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Value Indicators (KVIs) that extend beyond traditional metrics like throughput and latency. As 5G begins transitioning to vertical-oriented applications, 6G aims go beyond, providing a ubiquitous communication experience by integrating diverse Radio Access Networks (RANs) and fixed-access networks to form a hyper-converged edge. This unified platform will enable seamless network federation, thus realizing the so-called network of networks vision. Emphasizing energy efficiency, the present paper discusses the importance of reducing telecommunications’ environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals. Central to this vision is the proposal of a novel user plane network protocol architecture, called 6G Recursive User Plane Architecture (6G-RUPA), designed to be scalable, flexible, and energy-efficient. Briefly, 6G-RUPA offers superior flexibility in network adaptation, federation, scalability, and mobility management, aiming to enhance overall network performance and sustainability. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of 6G’s potential, from its conceptual framework to the high-level design of 6G-RUPA, addressing current challenges and proposing actionable solutions for next-generation mobile networks.