Shaping Next-Generation RAN Topologies to Meet Future Traffic Demands: A Peak Throughput Study

Abstract: Millimeter-Wave (mm-Wave) Radio Access Networks (RANs) are a promising solution to tackle the overcrowding of the sub-6 GHz spectrum, offering wider and underutilized bands. However, they are characterized by inherent technical challenges, such as a limited propagation range and blockage losses caused by obstacles. Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) are two technologies devised to face these challenges. This work analyzes the optimal network layout of RANs equipped with IAB and RIS in real urban scenarios using MILP formulations to derive practical design guidelines. In particular, it shows how optimizing the peak user throughput of such networks improves the achievable peak throughput, compared to the traditional mean-throughput maximization approaches, without actually sacrificing mean throughputs. In addition, it indicates star-like topologies as the best network layout to achieve the highest peak throughputs.