Multi-Access Intelligent A+: Ensuring Service Continuity and Consistency in Private 5G Heterogeneous Networks

The 5G private network is expected to provide low latency, high data rate, and improved security to meet various key requirements of enterprise vertical applications. However, existing 4G LTE or 5G private network multi-access edge computing solutions mainly focus on homogeneous systems and ignore the interoperability of various coexisting access technologies in the enterprise area. Therefore, their access domains are independent, and to communicate directly with each other is difficult without additional network components. In this article, we propose a novel mobile edge platform called multi-access intelligent A+ (MIA+), which has built-in support for service continuity and consistency of wireless connections in private 5G heterogeneous networks (HetNets). We particularly demonstrate how to ensure that MIA+ provides customers with promised services in different access domains, including Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, 5G public bands, and 5G private bands. The services promised to MIA+ users include consistent service provisioning, seamless handover, interworking among various access domains, and seamless integration between 5G private band and public band systems. To demonstrate the flexibility and usability of the MIA+ system, a proof of concept has been tested in the Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) 5G experimental network in Taiwan. The results show that MIA+ is indeed an excellent solution for realizing private 5G HetNets.