Integrated Access and Backhaul in 5G mmWave Networks: Potential and Challenges

IAB is being considered as a means to reduce the deployment costs of ultra-dense 5G mmWave networks, using wireless backhaul links to relay the access traffic. In this work we describe the most recent standardization activities on IAB, and compare architectures with and without IAB in mmWave deployments. While it is well understood that IAB networks reduce deployment costs by obviating the need to provide wired backhaul to each cellular base station, it is still necessary to validate the IAB performance in realistic scenarios. In this article we demonstrate the cell edge throughput advantage offered by IAB using endto- end system-level simulations. We also highlight some research challenges for IAB that will require further investigations.