Cluster-then-Match: Efficient Management of Human-Centric, Cell-Less 6G Networks

In 5G and beyond (5GB) networks, the notion of cell tends to blur, as a set of points-of-access (PoAs) using different technologies often cover overlapping areas. In this context, high- quality decisions are needed about (i) which PoA to use when serving an end user and (ii) how to manage PoAs, e.g., how to set their power levels. To address this challenge, we present Cluster-then-Match (CtM), an efficient algorithm making joint decisions about user assignment and PoA management. Following the human-centric networking paradigm, such decisions account not only for the performance of the network, but also for the level of electromagnetic field exposure to which human bodies incur and energy consumption. Our performance evaluation shows how CtM can match the performance of state-of-the-art network management schemes, while reducing electromagnetic emissions and energy consumption by over 80%.