What are the current research gaps and future directions of resource allocation and scheduling for 5G?

1 Multi-dimensional optimization

One of the main features of 5G is the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of the network, which involves multiple dimensions such as frequency, time, space, power, and user. This poses a challenge for resource allocation and scheduling, as they need to consider the trade-offs and interactions among these dimensions, as well as the network state, traffic patterns, and user preferences. Therefore, multi-dimensional optimization methods are needed to find the optimal or near-optimal solutions that can balance the conflicting objectives and constraints of different network entities and scenarios.

2 Machine learning and artificial intelligence

Another feature of 5G is the complexity and uncertainty of the network, which requires resource allocation and scheduling to adapt to the changing environment and user behavior. Machine learning and artificial intelligence can provide powerful tools to learn from data, predict future events, and make intelligent decisions. However, there are also challenges and open issues in applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to resource allocation and scheduling, such as data quality, scalability, robustness, interpretability, and security.

3 Cross-layer and cross-domain coordination

5G networks are composed of multiple layers and domains, such as physical, MAC, network, transport, and application layers, and access, core, edge, and cloud domains. Resource allocation and scheduling need to coordinate across these layers and domains to achieve the optimal performance and efficiency of the network. However, this also introduces challenges and research gaps, such as how to define the interfaces and protocols among different layers and domains, how to share and exchange information and resources, and how to resolve the conflicts and dependencies among different objectives and policies.

4 Energy efficiency and sustainability

5G networks are expected to consume more energy than previous generations, due to the massive deployment of devices, base stations, and servers, and the high demand for data transmission and processing. Therefore, energy efficiency and sustainability are important aspects of resource allocation and scheduling, as they can reduce the operational cost and environmental impact of the network. However, there are also trade-offs and challenges in achieving energy efficiency and sustainability, such as how to balance the quality of service and the energy consumption, how to exploit the renewable energy sources and the energy harvesting techniques, and how to design the energy-aware algorithms and mechanisms.

5 Security and privacy

5G networks are also vulnerable to various security and privacy threats, such as eavesdropping, jamming, spoofing, denial of service, and data leakage. These threats can affect the performance and reliability of the network, as well as the user trust and satisfaction. Therefore, security and privacy are essential aspects of resource allocation and scheduling, as they can protect the network and the user from malicious attacks and unauthorized access. However, there are also challenges and research gaps in achieving security and privacy, such as how to design the secure and privacy-preserving algorithms and protocols, how to cope with the limited resources and the overhead of encryption and authentication, and how to balance the security and privacy level and the network efficiency.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?