Integrating nApps in 5G for Verticals: Architecture Innovation and Technology Enablers

Services from industries outside of telecoms such as factories, transportation, automotive, often referred to as verticals, have become an essential driver for the application of 5G and its further development. In this article, we introduce the concept of network application (nApp) to enable easy access of 5G services for individual verticals, along with the recent European research efforts on 5G extensions and development of new technologies for integrating these nApps into 5G. Furthermore, we introduce the nApps market-place concept and architecture enablers within the 5G ecosystem. The proposed nApp framework and enablers are then evaluated, including the validation of a real nApp.