Nomadic Non-Public Networks for 6G: Use Cases and Key Performance Indicators

The landscape of wireless communication systems is evolving rapidly, with a pivotal role envisioned for dynamic network structures and self-organizing networks in upcoming technologies like the 6G mobile communications standard. This evolution is fueled by the growing demand from diverse sectors, including industry, manufacturing, agriculture, and the public sector, each with increasingly specific requirements. The establishment of non-public networks in the current 5G standard has laid a foundation, enabling independent operation within certain frequencies and local limitations, notably for Internet of Things applications. This paper explores the progression from non-public networks to nomadic non-public networks and their significance in the context of the forthcoming 6G era. Building on existing work in dynamic network structures, non-public networks regulations, and alternative technological solutions, this paper introduces specific use cases enhanced by nomadic networks. In addition, relevant Key Performance Indicators are discussed on the basis of the presented use cases. These served as a starting point for the definition of application clusters introduced in this paper and thus for a evaluation metric of nomadic non-public networks. This work lays the groundwork for understanding the potential of nomadic non-public networks in the dynamic landscape of 6G wireless communication systems.