Separation framework: an enabler for cooperative and D2D communication for future 5G networks

Mustafa, H. A. U., Imran, M. A. , Shakir, M. Z., Imran, A. and Tafazolli, R. (2016) Separation framework: an enabler for cooperative and D2D communication for future 5G networks. IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials, 18(1), pp. 419-445. (doi: 10.1109/COMST.2015.2459596)

Abstract

Soaring capacity and coverage demands dictate that future cellular networks need to migrate soon toward ultra-dense networks. However, network densification comes with a host of challenges that include compromised energy efficiency, complex interference management, cumbersome mobility management, burdensome signaling overheads, and higher backhaul costs. Interestingly, most of the problems that beleaguer network densification stem from legacy networks' one common feature, i.e., tight coupling between the control and data planes regardless of their degree of heterogeneity and cell density. Consequently, in wake of 5G, control and data planes separation architecture (SARC) has recently been conceived as a promising paradigm that has potential to address most of the aforementioned challenges. In this survey, we review various proposals that have been presented in the literature so far to enable SARC. More specifically, we analyze how and to what degree various SARC proposals address the four main challenges in network densification, namely: energy efficiency, system level capacity maximization, interference management, and mobility management. We then focus on two salient features of future cellular networks that have not yet been adapted in legacy networks at wide scale and thus remain a hallmark of 5G, i.e., coordinated multipoint (CoMP) and device-to-device (D2D) communications. After providing necessary background on CoMP and D2D, we analyze how SARC can particularly act as a major enabler for CoMP and D2D in context of 5G. This article thus serves as both a tutorial as well as an up-to-date survey on SARC, CoMP, and D2D. Most importantly, this survey provides an extensive outlook of challenges and opportunities that lie at the crossroads of these three mutually entangled emerging technologies.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Imran, Professor Muhammad
• Authors: Mustafa, H. A. U., Imran, M. A., Shakir, M. Z., Imran, A., and Tafazolli, R.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
• Journal Name: IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 1553-877X
• ISSN (Online): 1553-877X
• Published Online: 21 July 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials 18(1): 419-445
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy