Data Analytics in the 5G Radio Access Network and its Applicability to Fixed Wireless Access

This paper discusses the exploitation of data analytics for supporting the operation of Radio Resource Management (RRM) in the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), analysing the need for standardised and open frameworks and the specific characteristics of the NG-RAN that impact on the design of data analytics solutions. As a practical example of this concept, a simple but illustrative use case is presented, which intends to enhance the Radio Admission Control (RAC) function with data analytics information in scenarios with both Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) users and mobile users. A functional framework for the realization of the proposed solution is described and the performance of the RAC algorithm is evaluated under different scenario conditions to better delimitate its potential.