Multi-Connectivity using NR-DC for High Throughput and Ultra-reliable Low Latency Communication in 5G Networks

The next generation of cellular networks needs paradigm shifts to realize the exponentially increasing demands for high throughputs, low latencies, and reliable communication. These networks will be required to address the requirements of a number of applications and services as well as industry verticals such as intelligent transportation, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), e-Health, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and other future networks-based services. Millimeter wave (mmWave) communication is a promising technology for 5G systems due to its potential for multi-gigabit throughput. However, mmWave links suffer from high path loss and blockage. We propose an approach using New Radio Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) to maximize the throughput while ensuring ultra-reliable low latency communication. The performance evaluation conducted using Simu5G, which is an OMNeT++ based network simulator, demonstrates that this multi-connectivity technique can improve the performance of next generation 5G networks. Simulation results show that NR-DC improves the performance significantly in terms of throughput, latency, and reliability by up to 14%, 33%, and 11%, respectively, compared to a single connectivity system.