Radio resource management for heterogeneous millimeter-wave backhaul and access network

This paper explores network design requirements and radio resource management (RRM) functionalities required to enable a heterogeneous millimeter-wave (mmW) network in both backhaul and access links. First, the envisioned design of a heterogeneous mmW network is outlined highlighting the main functional blocks and the key differentiating factors from non-mmW architectures. Next, the RRM functionalities required in both backhaul and access networks are discussed in detail, focusing on routing, link scheduling, dynamic TDD in the backhaul and dynamic “beam cell” management on the access links. Finally, some recent findings are presented, highlighting the impact of identified functionalities on network-wide performance indicators including latency and packet loss ratio.