Introduction

Mobile devices have become indispensable in our daily lives, facilitating communication, financial transactions, and internet access. These devices rely on cellular networks, such as the advanced 5G network, which consist of interconnected network equipment working together to transfer data between devices and other networks like the Internet. These networks are divided into two sub-networks: the Access Network (AN) and the Core Network (CN).

Understanding Access and Core Networks

• The Access Network (AN) comprises base stations that provide wireless connectivity to mobile devices within a defined geographical area, known as the coverage area.
• Network operators deploy these base stations throughout regions to ensure comprehensive coverage. These stations are often visible as towers topped with antennae.
• The Core Network (CN), on the other hand, consists of equipment that connects to other networks, such as the Internet.
• Unlike AN base stations, the CN operates centrally, often far from any base stations. It is linked to a base station via an optical fiber link called the backhaul.
• Data from a user’s device passes through both a base station and the CN to reach its destination, whether that be the Internet or another user’s device.
• The CN is crucial for supporting user mobility, a key feature of cellular networks.

Challenges in Rural Connectivity

• Despite the seeming omnipresence of cellular networks, their deployment and usage significantly vary between urban and rural areas, especially in developing countries like India.
• According to the latest Telecom Subscription Data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, urban tele-density stands at 127%, while rural tele-density is only 58%.
• This disparity highlights a significant urban-rural digital divide. Lower income levels in rural areas make mobile services unaffordable for many.
• Additionally, lower population density, clustered populations separated by vast spaces, and remoteness further complicate the deployment of fiber infrastructure to these regions.

The IEEE 2061-2024 Standard

• Addressing these challenges, the research group at IIT Bombay has been working on affordable rural connectivity for years.
• Their efforts have culminated in the IEEE 2061-2024 standard, approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) on June 6.
• This standard defines a wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas.
• The IEEE 2061-2024 network includes a heterogeneous Access Network (AN) where different types of base stations coexist.
• It combines macro base stations (macro-BS) with large coverage areas and small coverage area Wi-Fi. Unlike the homogeneous 5G network, the IEEE 2061-2024 AN integrates various technologies to ensure broad and high-speed connectivity.
• The macro-BS provides extensive coverage, while Wi-Fi offers high-speed connectivity within villages.
• The system enables seamless transition between Wi-Fi and macro-BS connectivity, thanks to an integrated AN control functionality.

Innovative Solutions for Rural Connectivity

• A key feature of the IEEE 2061-2024 standard is the use of a multi-hop wireless middle-mile network to extend connectivity to areas lacking optical fiber links.
• This multi-hop wireless network provides cost-effective connectivity over long distances, eliminating the need for expensive and challenging fiber deployments.
• The standard flexibly incorporates technologies like satellites or long-range Wi-Fi for middle-mile connectivity.
• Furthermore, the IEEE 2061-2024 AN includes a direct and alternate path to the Internet, bypassing the central CN.
• This is particularly beneficial for stationary rural users, offering a more efficient solution than traditional cellular networks.
• The standard also facilitates direct communication between nearby users within the AN, avoiding unnecessary data routing through the CN.

Conclusion

If widely adopted, the IEEE 2061-2024 standard could significantly enhance connectivity for rural populations, introducing novel concepts like the CN bypass and integrated AN control. These advancements pave the way for a more scalable and accessible mobile network, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive development.