Abstract:
Neutral host SCPs represent a key element of the 5G vision of ultra-dense mobile networks. However, current business models mostly focus on multi-year agreements for larg...Show MoreMetadata
Abstract:
Neutral host SCPs represent a key element of the 5G vision of ultra-dense mobile networks. However, current business models mostly focus on multi-year agreements for large venues, such as stadiums and hotel chains. These business agreements are regulated through binding SLAs, which tend to be too cumbersome and costly for smaller-scale SCPs. As a result, the neutral host model does not scale up to its full potential. In this article, we propose a framework to enable the participation of small- to medium-sized players in the cellular market as providers offering network resources to MNOs. To this purpose, we review the current and emerging spectrum and technology opportunities that SCPs can use for neutral host deployments. We also propose the use of blockchain-enabled smart contracts as a simple and cost-efficient alternative to traditional SLAs for small-scale SCPs. To demonstrate this, we describe a proof of concept implementation of an Ethereum-based smart contract platform for best effort service between an SCP and an MNO. Our simulations on potential smart contract-based deployments in city center Dublin show that the received signal strength in the considered area will increase by an average of 10 percent.
Published in: IEEE Communications Magazine ( Volume: 58, Issue: 8, August 2020)
Emanuele Di Pascale received his Ph.D. in computer science from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, in 2015 for work on multimedia content delivery optimization over next-generation optical networks. He is currently working at Volta Networks.
Emanuele Di Pascale received his Ph.D. in computer science from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, in 2015 for work on multimedia content delivery optimization over next-generation optical networks. He is currently working at Volta Networks.View more
University of York
Hamed Ahmadi is an assistant professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the University of York, United Kingdom, and an adjunct assistant professor at University College Dublin. He received his Ph.D. from National University of Singapore in 2012. Since then he worked at different academic and industrial positions in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His research interests include design, analysis, and optimizat...Show More
Hamed Ahmadi is an assistant professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the University of York, United Kingdom, and an adjunct assistant professor at University College Dublin. He received his Ph.D. from National University of Singapore in 2012. Since then he worked at different academic and industrial positions in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His research interests include design, analysis, and optimizat...View more
Trinity College, Dublin
Linda Doyle is the VP of Research/Dean of Research and professor of Engineering and The Arts at Trinity College, University of Dublin. She was the founding director of CONNECT, a national research center focused on future networks. Her expertise is in the fields of wireless communications, cognitive radio, spectrum management, and creative arts practices. She is a member of the National Broadband Steering Committee in Ire...Show More
Linda Doyle is the VP of Research/Dean of Research and professor of Engineering and The Arts at Trinity College, University of Dublin. She was the founding director of CONNECT, a national research center focused on future networks. Her expertise is in the fields of wireless communications, cognitive radio, spectrum management, and creative arts practices. She is a member of the National Broadband Steering Committee in Ire...View more
Trinity College, Dublin
Irene Macaluso is a senior research fellow at CONNECT, Ireland's research center for Future Networks and Communications, based at Trinity College Dublin. She received her Ph.D. in robotics from the University of Palermo in 2007. Her research focuses on the design of market-based mechanisms and the application of machine learning to radio resource sharing. She has published more than 70 papers in peer reviewed journals and...Show More
Irene Macaluso is a senior research fellow at CONNECT, Ireland's research center for Future Networks and Communications, based at Trinity College Dublin. She received her Ph.D. in robotics from the University of Palermo in 2007. Her research focuses on the design of market-based mechanisms and the application of machine learning to radio resource sharing. She has published more than 70 papers in peer reviewed journals and...View more
Contents Emanuele Di Pascale received his Ph.D. in computer science from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, in 2015 for work on multimedia content delivery optimization over next-generation optical networks. He is currently working at Volta Networks.
Emanuele Di Pascale received his Ph.D. in computer science from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, in 2015 for work on multimedia content delivery optimization over next-generation optical networks. He is currently working at Volta Networks.View more
University of York
Hamed Ahmadi is an assistant professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the University of York, United Kingdom, and an adjunct assistant professor at University College Dublin. He received his Ph.D. from National University of Singapore in 2012. Since then he worked at different academic and industrial positions in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His research interests include design, analysis, and optimization of wireless communications networks, application of machine learning, and blockchain in wireless networks.
Hamed Ahmadi is an assistant professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the University of York, United Kingdom, and an adjunct assistant professor at University College Dublin. He received his Ph.D. from National University of Singapore in 2012. Since then he worked at different academic and industrial positions in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His research interests include design, analysis, and optimization of wireless communications networks, application of machine learning, and blockchain in wireless networks.View more
Trinity College, Dublin
Linda Doyle is the VP of Research/Dean of Research and professor of Engineering and The Arts at Trinity College, University of Dublin. She was the founding director of CONNECT, a national research center focused on future networks. Her expertise is in the fields of wireless communications, cognitive radio, spectrum management, and creative arts practices. She is a member of the National Broadband Steering Committee in Ireland, and is Chair of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board in the United Kingdom.
Linda Doyle is the VP of Research/Dean of Research and professor of Engineering and The Arts at Trinity College, University of Dublin. She was the founding director of CONNECT, a national research center focused on future networks. Her expertise is in the fields of wireless communications, cognitive radio, spectrum management, and creative arts practices. She is a member of the National Broadband Steering Committee in Ireland, and is Chair of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board in the United Kingdom.View more
Trinity College, Dublin
Irene Macaluso is a senior research fellow at CONNECT, Ireland's research center for Future Networks and Communications, based at Trinity College Dublin. She received her Ph.D. in robotics from the University of Palermo in 2007. Her research focuses on the design of market-based mechanisms and the application of machine learning to radio resource sharing. She has published more than 70 papers in peer reviewed journals and conferences.
Irene Macaluso is a senior research fellow at CONNECT, Ireland's research center for Future Networks and Communications, based at Trinity College Dublin. She received her Ph.D. in robotics from the University of Palermo in 2007. Her research focuses on the design of market-based mechanisms and the application of machine learning to radio resource sharing. She has published more than 70 papers in peer reviewed journals and conferences.View more
