5G NR-U: Homogeneous Coexistence Analysis

Area of Science:

• Wireless Communication Engineering
• Telecommunications
• Network Performance Analysis

Background:

• License-Assisted Access (LAA) Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) is the chosen channel access method for 5G New Radio-Unlicensed (NR-U).
• Existing research primarily focuses on heterogeneous coexistence (e.g., WiFi/LTE-LAA).
• The performance of homogeneous LAA-LBT networks in dense environments requires specific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the homogeneous coexistence of intra-network LAA-LBT devices in dense deployments.
• To evaluate performance metrics such as channel utilization, collision probability, and channel access delay.
• To apply the developed framework to a real-world scenario of a 5G-enabled intensive care unit for remote patient monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of dense LAA-LBT networks with intra-network device coexistence.
• Analysis of performance based on ETSI-specified priority classes.
• Framework application to a 5G NR-U intensive care unit scenario for remote patient monitoring.

Main Results:

• Characterization of channel utilization, collision probability, and channel access delay for homogeneous LAA-LBT systems.
• Quantification of performance under dense deployment conditions.
• Demonstration of the framework's utility in assessing wireless coexistence for critical healthcare applications.

Conclusions:

• Homogeneous LAA-LBT networks demonstrate predictable performance in dense scenarios.
• The study provides a framework for evaluating wireless coexistence in critical 5G NR-U applications.
• Findings support the deployment of LAA-LBT for reliable remote patient monitoring in healthcare settings.