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 setof points-of-access (PoAs) using different technologies often cover overlappingareas. In this context, high-quality decisions are needed about (i) which PoAto use when serving an end user and (ii) how to manage PoAs, e.g., how to settheir power levels. To address this challenge, we present Cluster-then-Match(CtM), an efficient algorithm making joint decisions about user assignment andPoA management. Following the human-centric networking paradigm, such decisionsaccount not only for the performance of the network, but also for the level ofelectromagnetic field exposure to which human bodies incur and energyconsumption. Our performance evaluation shows how CtM can match the performanceof state-of-the-art network management schemes, while reducing electromagneticemissions and energy consumption by over 80