AI/ML; cloud computing/edge computing; digital twin; non-terrestrial networks; ORAN; Cloud computing/edge computing; Cloud-computing; Edge computing; Network design; Non-terrestrial network; Radio access networks; Terrestrial networks; Transport networks; Computer Networks and Communications
Abstract :
[en] With the rapid development of technology, the number of smart mobile users is increasing, accompanied by growing demands from applications such as virtual/augmented reality (VR/XR), remote surgery, autonomous vehicles, and real-time holographic communications, all of which require high transmission rates and ultra-low latency in 6G and beyond networks (6G+). This poses enormous challenges for the efficient deployment of large-scale networks, including network design, planning, troubleshooting, optimization, and maintenance, without affecting the user experience. Network Digital Twin (NDT) has emerged as a potential solution, enabling the creation of a virtual model that reflects the actual network and supports the simulation of various network designs, the application of diverse operating policies, and the reproduction complex fault scenarios under real-world conditions. This motivates us to conduct this study, where we provide a comprehensive survey of NDT in the context of 6G+, covering areas such as radio access networks (RAN), transport networks, 5G core networks and beyond (5GCORE+), cloud/edge computing, applications (blockchain, health system, manufacturing, security, and vehicular networks), non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), and quantum networks, from both academic and industrial perspectives. In particular, we are the first to provide an in-depth guide and usage of RAN and 5GCORE+ for NDT. Then, we provide an extensive review of foundation technologies such as transport networks, cloud/edge computing, applications, NTNs, and quantum networks in NDT. Finally, we discuss the key challenges, open issues, and future research directions for NDT in the context of 6G+.
Disciplines :
Computer science
Author, co-author :
TRAN DINH, Hieu ; University of Luxembourg > Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SNT) > SigCom
Waheed, Nazar ; Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Saputra, Yuris Mulya ; Internet Engineering Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Lin, Xingqin ; NVIDIA, Santa Clara, United States
Nguyen, Cong T.; Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
ABDU, Tedros Salih ; University of Luxembourg > Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SNT) > SigCom
Vo, Van Nhan ; Faculty of Information Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam ; Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam
Pham, Van-Quan; Nokia Bell Labs, Murray Hill, United States
Alsenwi, Madyan ; Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), The University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Adam, Abuzar Babikir Mohammad ; Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), The University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
CHATZINOTAS, Symeon ; University of Luxembourg > Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SNT) > SigCom
LAGUNAS, Eva ; University of Luxembourg > Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SNT) > SigCom
Tran, Hung; College of Technology, National Economics University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Dac, Tu Ho ; Department of Electrical Engineering, Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø, Norway
Huynh, Nguyen Van ; Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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