End-to-End Simulation of 5G mmWave Networks

• Published in: IEEE Communications surveys and tutorials 2018-01, Vol.20 (3), p.2237-2263
• Main Authors: Mezzavilla, Marco, Zhang, Menglei, Polese, Michele, Ford, Russell, Dutta, Sourjya, Rangan, Sundeep, Zorzi, Michele
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3GPP; 5G mobile communication; Access control; Algorithms; Antenna arrays; cellular; channel; Computer simulation; handover; Long Term Evolution; MAC; Millimeter wave technology; Millimeter waves; mmWave; Mobile communication systems; multi-connectivity; ns–3; Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing; PHY; propagation; Protocols; R&D; Research & development; simulation; Tutorials; Wireless communications; Wireless networks
• ISSN: 1553-877X; 1553-877X; 2373-745X
• DOI: 10.1109/COMST.2018.2828880

Due to its potential for multi-gigabit and low latency wireless links, millimeter wave (mmWave) technology is expected to play a central role in 5th generation (5G) cellular systems. While there has been considerable progress in understanding the mmWave physical layer, innovations will be required at all layers of the protocol stack, in both the access and the core network. Discrete-event network simulation is essential for end-to-end, cross-layer research and development. This paper provides a tutorial on a recently developed full-stack mmWave module integrated into the widely used open-source ns-3 simulator. The module includes a number of detailed statistical channel models as well as the ability to incorporate real measurements or ray-tracing data. The physical and medium access control layers are modular and highly customizable, making it easy to integrate algorithms or compare orthogonal frequency division multiplexing numerologies, for example. The module is interfaced with the core network of the ns-3 Long Term Evolution (LTE) module for full-stack simulations of end-to-end connectivity, and advanced architectural features, such as dual-connectivity, are also available. To facilitate the understanding of the module, and verify its correct functioning, we provide several examples that show the performance of the custom mmWave stack as well as custom congestion control algorithms designed specifically for efficient utilization of the mmWave channel.