End-to-End Simulation of 5G NR Integrated Access and Backhaul Networks for Remote Maritime Connectivity

2026-05-15

AI Summary

This study addresses the challenge of limited coverage in millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G networks in fiberless offshore regions, where flexible wireless backhaul solutions are urgently needed. Building upon 3GPP Releases 16–18 specifications, this work presents the first end-to-end 5G New Radio (NR) Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) simulation framework in ns-3, incorporating the BAP layer, flexible time-frequency resource multiplexing, and system-level link modeling. The framework is applied to a custom dynamic offshore scenario, where vessels equipped with IAB nodes form multihop networks to establish wireless backhaul connectivity to shore-based base stations. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach sustains high data-rate links under complex network topologies and challenging channel conditions, thereby validating the feasibility of mmWave IAB deployment in offshore environments and offering critical insights for practical system design.

Abstract

Millimeter wave (mmWave) 5th generation (5G) networks offer high data rates but face coverage challenges due to severe path loss and blockage. These problems motivate the use of Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) as a flexible wireless backhaul solution that extends connectivity to cell boundaries and unfibered areas, including maritime environments. This paper overviews the latest 3GPP specifications for IAB networks in Releases 16 through 18. Then, it presents an ns-3 module for IAB, featuring a complete end-to-end protocol stack, including the backhaul adaptation protocol (BAP) layer, flexible slot and control configurations, and multiplexing schemes based on both time and frequency division. We test the IAB module via extensive system-level simulations in a custom maritime scenario where vessels, equipped with IAB-nodes, can simultaneously act as access points and relays, forming dynamic multi-hop networks that maintain connectivity via wireless backhaul to shore-based stations. We evaluate different topologies and channel conditions, providing insights into the design and deployment of mmWave IAB networks in offshore environments.

Problem

• 5G NR
• Integrated Access and Backhaul
• mmWave
• maritime connectivity
• wireless backhaul

Innovation

• Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB)
• mmWave 5G
• ns-3 simulation
• maritime connectivity
• multi-hop backhaul