Towards flexible network deployment in 5G: Nomadic node enhancement to heterogeneous networks

Mobile networks are experiencing the avalanche of data traffic, which is coupled with the billions of wirelessly connected data-intensive devices using diverse multimedia services and applications. Prospective studies suggest that traffic volume would increase a thousand-fold over the next decade. Furthermore, the users expect the utmost in quality with seamless connectivity to the broadband access. On this basis, moving networks emerge as a promising enhancement for fifth generation (5G) systems to enable flexible network deployment that goes beyond the scope of conventional fixed access nodes. Within the framework of moving networks, nomadic nodes (NNs) can enable demand-driven service provisioning to increase the network capacity or to extend the cell coverage area, and to reduce network energy consumption. NNs can be mounted on vehicles within a car-sharing fleet. In this paper, we look at the envisioned dynamic and flexible network deployment through NNs, and demonstrate analyses on the operation of nomadic networks.