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IEEE Approves IIT Bombay’s Network Standard
Context: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) approves wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas developed at IIT Bombay.
More on News:
- Mobile devices are integral for communication, financial transactions, and Internet access. Their connectivity relies on cellular (mobile) wireless networks.
- IIT Bombay has been developing affordable rural connectivity solutions that form the basis of the 2061-2024 standard.
- The standard defines a wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas.
Cellular network
- A cellular network, such as a 5G network, includes a set of network equipment connected by communication links.
- They work together to move data between different devices and to other networks, e.g., the Internet.
- It can be divided into two sub-networks: Access network (AN) and Core network (CN).
- Access Network (AN): Includes base stations providing wireless connectivity to mobile devices in specific coverage areas.
- These towers, equipped with antennae, are strategically placed across regions by network operators.
- Core Network (CN): Centralised equipment connecting to external networks such as the Internet.
- Linked to base stations via optical fibre (backhaul), it facilitates crucial data transmission and supports user mobility.
- All data, even from nearby users, must pass through both the base station and CN to reach its destination.
Impediments to Rural Connectivity:
- Income Disparity: Lower rural incomes hinder affordability of mobile services.
- Population Density: Sparse rural populations are clustered in villages spread across wide areas.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Cost & feasibility hinder fibre optic deployment in remote regions.
- Urban-Rural Digital Divide: India has a tele-density gap between urban (127%) and rural (58%) areas.
IEEE 2061-2024 Standard (Frugal 5G network)
- This standard outlines an architecture for a low mobility, energy-efficient network designed for affordable broadband access.
- It includes a wireless middle-mile network, an access network, and the necessary control and management functions.
- Key Features of IEEE 2061-2024 Standard
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- Heterogeneous AN: Comprises different types of base stations, including macro base stations (macro-BS) for large coverage areas and Wi-Fi for high-speed connectivity within villages.
- Seamless Connectivity: Allows devices to switch from Wi-Fi to macro-BS without service disruption, due to integrated AN control functionality.
- Direct and Alternate Internet Paths: Provides a direct connection to the Internet from AN, bypassing the CN for stationary users, and enabling direct communication between nearby users within the AN.
- Multi-hop Wireless Middle-Mile Network: IEEE-2061 standard proposes a cost-effective middle-mile network using technologies like satellites or long-range Wi-Fi, eliminating need for optical fibre in remote areas.
- Benefits of IEEE 2061-2024 Standard
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- Provide cost-effective connectivity solutions for rural populations.
- Offers a flexible and scalable mobile network, accommodating legacy and new technologies (4G, 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi).
- Integrated AN control functionality helps avoid issues like call drops in a heterogeneous network.
- Direct routing within the AN for nearby users enhances network efficiency, similar to direct regional travel.
