Abstract
Wireless network devices can attain the required level of quality of service (QoS) and maintain connectivity even after detaching from a current point of access. This detachment (mobility) requires various mobility management (MM) mechanisms, which present numerous challenges due to the exponential growth of wireless devices and the demands of users. The network must be heterogeneous and dense to manage such a heightened escalation of network traffic, increased number of devices, and different types of user demands. Such factors will seriously challenge MM solutions, eventually making the networks non-feasible from the dependability, adaptability, extensibility, and power consumption points of view. Therefore, novel perspectives on MM mechanisms are desired for 5G networks and beyond. This paper introduces an innovative discussion of the functional requirements of MM mechanisms for advanced wireless networks. We present comprehensive arguments on whether the prevailing mechanisms perceived by standard bodies attempt to fulfill the stated requirements. We complete this discussion through innovative qualitative evaluation. We assess each of the discussed mechanisms in terms of their capability to fulfill the dependability, adaptability, extensibility, and power consumption benchmarks for upcoming MM schemes. Hereafter, we demonstrate the outcome and the identified gaps/challenges for the planning and deployment of 5G MM frameworks and beyond. Next, we present the capabilities and possible MM solutions to tackle the gaps/difficulties. We complete our discussion by proposing a 6G MM architecture based on defined parameters.