When Machine Learning Meets Wireless Cellular Networks: Deployment, Challenges, and Applications

Artificial intelligence (AI) powered wireless networks promise to revolutionize the conventional operation and structure of current networks from network design to infrastructure management, cost reduction, and user performance improvement. Empowering future networks with AI functionalities will enable a shift from reactive/incident driven operations to proactive/data driven operations. This paper provides an overview on the integration of AI functionalities in 5G and beyond networks. Key factors for successful AI integration such as data, real-time network intelligence, security, and augmentation of human intelligence are highlighted. We also summarize the various types of network intelligence as well as machine learning based air interface in future networks. Use case examples for the application of AI to the wireless domain are then summarized. We highlight on applications to the physical layer, radio resource management, mobility management, wireless security, and localization.