Relay-assisted Device-to-Device Networks: Connectivity and Uberization Opportunities
10 May 2020
•
Gall Quentin Le
•
Błaszczyszyn Bartłomiej
•
Cali Elie
•
En-Najjary Taoufik
It has been shown that deploying device-to-device (D2D) networks in urban
environments requires equipping a considerable proportion of crossroads with
relays. This represents a necessary economic investment for an operator...In
this work, we tackle the problem of the economic feasibility of such
relay-assisted D2D networks. First, we propose a stochastic model taking into
account a positive surface for streets and crossroads, thus allowing for a more
realistic estimation of the minimal number of needed relays. Secondly, we
introduce a cost model for the deployment of relays, allowing one to study
operators' D2D deployment strategies. We investigate the example of an
uberizing neo-operator willing to set up a network entirely relying on D2D and
show that a return on the initial investment in relays is possible in a
realistic period of time, even if the network is funded by a very low revenue
per D2D user. Our results bring quantitative arguments to the discussion on
possible uberization scenarios of telecommunications networks.(read more)