IEEE Std 2061-2024 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE Standard for Architecture for Low Mobility Energy Efficient Network for Affordable Broadband Access — specifies the reference architecture, functional components and major interfaces for a "Frugal 5G" network designed to provide low‑mobility, energy‑efficient and affordable broadband access using a wireless middle‑mile, access network, and associated control and management functions.

Abstract

This standard defines an architecture for a low‑mobility, energy‑efficient broadband access network (termed Frugal 5G). It covers the overall system reference model, the roles of a wireless middle‑mile and access network, control and management functions, and the primary interfaces needed to enable deployment in cost‑sensitive and resource‑constrained environments. The architecture is intended to simplify deployment and operation while supporting interoperability and efficient use of resources.

General information

• Status: Active Standard.
• Publication date: 8 November 2024 (published).
• Publisher: IEEE Standards Association (IEEE).
• ICS / categories: Telecommunications (33 — e.g., 33.020 Telecommunications in general; radiocommunications / mobile services).
• Edition / version: 2024 edition (first published 2024).
• Number of pages: 84 pages (PDF).

Scope

The standard specifies an end‑to‑end architecture for a Frugal 5G network: a low‑mobility, energy‑efficient system designed to deliver affordable broadband to underserved and resource‑constrained areas. It addresses the composition and functions of the wireless middle‑mile, access network elements, and the control/management planes; defines major interfaces among these components; and provides guidance for deployment scenarios that emphasize cost, energy efficiency and simplified operational models. It does not replace detailed radio‑interface specifications produced by cellular standards bodies (e.g., 3GPP) but focuses on an architecture tuned for low‑mobility, low‑cost broadband access.

Key topics and requirements

• Reference architecture and system overview for Frugal 5G networks (middle‑mile, access network, control & management functions).
• Definition of major interfaces between middle‑mile, access nodes and management systems to enable interoperability.
• Design goals and constraints emphasizing low mobility, energy efficiency, affordability and simplified operations.
• Support for cloud‑native concepts such as network function virtualization and software‑defined control where appropriate for cost and operational flexibility.
• Deployment and topology considerations for rural/underserved and constrained environments (last‑mile and middle‑mile topology patterns).
• Operational and management functions: control plane roles, management plane responsibilities, and monitoring/maintenance guidance.
• Interoperability, scalability and quality‑of‑service considerations for basic broadband use cases in low‑mobility contexts.
• Security, privacy and spectrum/use‑policy considerations appropriate for community and small‑service deployments.

Typical use and users

Intended users include network architects, equipment vendors, local or regional network operators, NGOs and government agencies planning or deploying affordable broadband in rural or underserved areas, system integrators building end‑to‑end solutions, and researchers working on low‑cost 5G adaptations. The standard is used to guide reference implementations, procurement specifications and interoperability efforts for Frugal 5G deployments.

Related standards

This architecture complements cellular and radio interface standards (for example 3GPP releases for 5G NR and related ecosystem specifications), IEEE LAN/WLAN families where relevant for access alternatives, and international guidance on rural broadband and network architecture. It is intended to be used alongside technology‑specific protocol standards rather than replacing them. (See IEEE SA and 3GPP/ITU documentation for radio and core network specifications.)

Keywords

Frugal 5G, affordable broadband, middle‑mile, access network, low mobility, energy efficient network, network architecture, network function virtualization (NFV), software‑defined networking (SDN), last‑mile connectivity, management and control interfaces.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE 2061‑2024 is a standards document that defines an architecture for a low‑mobility, energy‑efficient broadband access network (Frugal 5G) including the middle‑mile, access network and associated control/management functions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the reference architecture, component roles, major interfaces, deployment considerations and management responsibilities needed to deploy affordable broadband solutions optimized for low mobility and constrained environments. It focuses on architecture and interfaces rather than on detailed radio‑air interface protocols.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Network designers, equipment vendors, system integrators, regional operators, agencies and NGOs working on last‑mile and community broadband deployments in cost‑sensitive or rural areas.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — IEEE lists IEEE 2061‑2024 as an active standard published on 8 November 2024.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone IEEE standard addressing Frugal 5G architecture; it complements other IEEE and industry standards for radio interfaces, core networks and transport. The working group that developed it is FRUGAL5G under the IEEE Communications Society / COM/MobiNet‑SC committee.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Frugal 5G, affordable broadband, middle‑mile, access network, low mobility, energy efficiency, NFV, SDN, last‑mile connectivity, management interfaces.