Analyzing the Architecture Advantages and Vulnerabilities in Heterogeneous 5G Wireless Networks

This paper addresses the various architecture components that are either evolutionary or revolutionary capabilities of 5G that enables enhanced connectivity, communications, and computing. As the 5G standards are slowly being accepted and devices are being designed and built, we are seeing a shift towards heterogeneous connectivity that spans from core-to-edge, and diverges even more by creating new independent edge-to-edge connectivity. Sensor and data inputs have been expanded to cover a variety of subjects and types of computing and communications enabling automation, high bandwidth communications, first responders, and everyday communications. This paper explores the 5G advances in architecture and deployments that enable the expanded usability as well as the potential for misuse for malicious purposes. We end with guidelines and a framework for building reliable, flexible, secure infrastructure and applications in order to deliver the much-desired revolutionary interconnect.