Medhi Bennis, Centre for Wireless Communications CWC, University of Oulu, Finland
 

Small cell networks (SCNs) are seen as a promising solution for boosting network capacity, while efficiently offloading data and expanding coverage in a cost-effective manner. In this tutorial, we provide a brief overview on SCNs while highlighting key challenges, associated techniques, and future landscape. First, we delve into the details of advanced interference management techniques tailored for the unique features of SCNs. In particular, we introduce key concepts such as cell range expansion (CRE), cell association, and intercell and interference coordination (ICIC) that lie at the heart of 4G networks. Then, we discuss in detail the concept of self-organizing networks (SONs) and its key role in self-configuring and self-optimizing small cell deployment. 

 

Here, we focus on novel game-theoretic and learning techniques that are seen as a key enabler for deploying self-optimizing and self-configuring heterogeneous and small cell networks. Besides, we will present the latest trends in small cell research such as cellular-WiFi integration, dual connectivity, dynamic TDD and decoupled uplink-downlink, co-primary operator spectrum sharing (CoPS) which as gained importance recently, backhaul-aware resource management, etc.

 

This tutorial builds on its successful predecessors given at IEEE PIMRC 2012, IEEE GLOBECOM 2012, IEEE DySPAN 2014, IEEE WCNC 2014, IEEE GLOBECOM 2014, IEEE ICC 2015 and IEEE PIMRC 2015. This will be carried out by presenting the latest state-of-the-art developments of SCNs leading to the much anticipated 5G, with key insights on backhaul offloading via content caching, enhanced mobility management, Massive MIMO and millimeter wave communication. In addition, the paradigm of anticipatory/proactive networks leveraging context-awareness and storage at the network edge, seen as key enablers for 5G networks, will be presented.

 

Kamran Etemad, Wireless Communication Bureau, Mobility Division, Federal Communication Commissions
 

Relying on latest research in dynamic spectrum sharing and advancements in broadband wireless system and computing technologies, regulators are taking new steps to establish regulatory frameworks for spectrum sharing.  Based on an extensive record, the FCC has recently developed and published a set of rules outlining a new spectrum sharing paradigm in 3550-3700MHz.  This framework relies on Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) which interact with networks/devices operating in the band, and coordinate the usage of the spectrum across three tiers of access classes. The new rules and SAS’s operation aim at maximizing the utilization of the band while providing protection of higher tiers users from lower tier interference.  

 

This tutorial provides an overview of primary requirements and objectives as well as key concepts, technical rules and policies adopted for spectrum sharing and operation in this band and where applicable compares them to other spectrum sharing schemes.