Neutral host SCPs represent a key element of the 5G vision of ultra-dense mobile networks. However, current business models mostly focus on multi-year agreements for large venues, such as stadiums and hotel chains. These business agreements are regulated through binding SLAs, which tend to be too cumbersome and costly for smaller-scale SCPs. As a result, the neutral host model does not scale up to its full potential. In this article, we propose a framework to enable the participation of small- to medium-sized players in the cellular market as providers offering network resources to MNOs. To this purpose, we review the current and emerging spectrum and technology opportunities that SCPs can use for neutral host deployments. We also propose the use of blockchain-enabled smart contracts as a simple and cost-efficient alternative to traditional SLAs for small-scale SCPs. To demonstrate this, we describe a proof of concept implementation of an Ethereum-based smart contract platform for best effort service between an SCP and an MNO. Our simulations on potential smart contract-based deployments in city center Dublin show that the received signal strength in the considered area will increase by an average of 10 percent.

中文翻译：

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迈向可扩展的用户部署的超密集网络：支持区块链的小型蜂窝即服务

中立主机 SCP 代表了超密集移动网络的 5G 愿景的关键要素。然而，当前的商业模式主要侧重于大型场馆的多年协议，例如体育场馆和连锁酒店。这些业务协议通过具有约束力的 SLA 进行监管，这对于较小规模的 SCP 而言往往过于繁琐且成本高昂。因此，中性宿主模型无法充分发挥其潜力。在本文中，我们提出了一个框架，使中小型参与者能够作为向移动网络运营商提供网络资源的提供商参与蜂窝市场。为此，我们回顾了 SCP 可用于中立主机部署的当前和新兴频谱和技术机会。我们还建议使用支持区块链的智能合约作为小规模 SCP 的传统 SLA 的简单且经济高效的替代方案。为了证明这一点，我们描述了一个基于以太坊的智能合约平台的概念实现证明，用于 SCP 和 MNO 之间的尽力服务。我们对都柏林市中心潜在的基于智能合约的部署的模拟表明，所考虑区域的接收信号强度将平均增加 10%。