Secure Virtual Mobile Small Cells: A Stepping Stone Toward 6G

As fifth generation research reaches its twilight, the research community must go beyond 5G and look toward the 2030 connectivity landscape, namely 6G. In this context, this work takes a step toward the 6G vision by proposing a next generation communication platform, which aims to extend the rigid coverage area of fixed deployment networks by considering virtual mobile small cells (MSCs) that are created on demand. Relying on emerging computing paradigms such as network function virtualization and software defined networking, these cells can harness radio and networking capability, locally reducing protocol signaling latency and overhead. These MSCs constitute an intelligent pool of networking resources that can collaborate to form a wireless network of MSCs providing a communication platform for localized, ubiquitous, and reliable connectivity. The technology enablers for implementing the MSC concept are also addressed in terms of virtualization, lightweight wireless security, and energy-efficient RF. The benefits of the MSC architecture toward reliable and efficient cell offloading are demonstrated as a use case. © 2017 IEEE.