Energy efficient multi-connectivity algorithms for ultra-dense 5G networks

Two radio air interfaces, Evolved-LTE and New Radio, coexist in new 5G systems. New Radio operates in the millimeter band and provides a better bandwidth, but the higher frequencies also imply worse radio conditions. Multi-connectivity, a feature of 5G that allows users to connect to more than one base station simultaneously, can offer the advantages of both interfaces. In this paper, we investigate how multi-connectivity can improve user reliability and the system’s energy efficiency. Five algorithms for secondary cell association are presented and evaluated. We show a decrease in the radio link failure rate of up to 50% at high speeds and improvements of the energy efficiency of up to 20% at low speeds.