5G-ALLSTAR is expected to contribute to the progress beyond the state-of-the-art in various areas of research: spectrum sharing and interference management, multi-connectivity for increased data rate and improved reliability, Inter-RAT spectrum sharing through Radio Resource management, testbed prototyping for 5G, Open Air Interface (OAI) and prototyping of 5G NR based satellite access.
5G ALL-STAR will go beyond the terrestrial usage of 5G New Radio and will adapt New Radio for usage over a satellite link. The necessary adaptations for New Radio are currently scope of a Study Item in 3GPP Radio Access Network (3GPP RAN).
The 5G ALL-STAR project will put emphasis on the integration framework, aiming at the integration of various potential access networks (e.g. satellite access, cellular access based on 5G NR or 4G) under a common core network for 5G, as well as the integration of different access networks across regions. Potential impacts are expected in the global interoperability demonstrations for 5G networks, in joint contributions to global 5G standards specifications in relevant organisations (e.g. 3GPP, ITU-R), in new business model development enabled by the trials with joint demonstration across regions (EU and KR).
The social impact derives from the 5G ALL-STAR approach which will enable users to be able to access services anywhere, anytime with enhanced radio link robustness and enhanced service coverage. Users will be equipped and interacting with various applications through broadband, narrow-band, Internet-of-Things and Machine-Type devices which are operating seamlessly, simultaneously and often unnoticed by the user. The user will be able to focus on the final service relying on an optimum system configuration, specially tailored and optimized to the user’s specific instantaneous context.
The economic impact will be a challenge as the change of a technological generation from 4G to 5G enables new business models. The 5G ALL-STAR approach will not only show a substantial impact on the future standardization of 5G communications but also lead to new disruptive business models, stakeholders and opportunities for entrepreneurial innovation. For example, multi-connectivity of cellular and satellite systems can support applications with highly reliable QoS, reliable communications for public safety applications, low-latency and reliable inter-continental interoperable services, etc. This will facilitate ubiquitous, reliable, seamless and broadband 5G services even in the case where users are spread across regions.
