Redes de telecomunicações convergentes: modelagem e implementação de arquitetura para infraestruturas pós-5G

Abstract

The evolution of cellular mobile networks has been guided by directives specified by institutions such as 3GPP, aimed at supporting demanding services. Simultaneously, non3GPP wireless communication technologies have also evolved and play a significant role in various contexts. These technologies are essential for connectivity in diverse scenarios where long-range communication and low power consumption are crucial. Recent studies have shown that the integration and harmonious coexistence of 3GPP and non-3GPP technologies are vital in the context of post-5G networks, enhancing ubiquitous and seamless connectivity. In this context, the present thesis investigated the feasibility of converging non-3GPP communication technologies with the 5G core, dividing the investigation into two phases. In the first phase, an architecture was proposed to integrate these technologies. In the second phase, a functional prototype of this architecture was built to conduct experiments demonstrating its viability in different use cases. The thesis conducted a detailed technical analysis, offering a comprehensive view of the benefits of convergence for consumers and infrastructure providers. Significant gaps were identified that still need to be addressed in post-5G/6G networks, such as the current inability to monitor non-3GPP networks by the 5G infrastructure operator. Some of these gaps were explored and investigated in the context of the solution proposed in this thesis