# Algorithms for Load Balancing in Next-Generation Mobile Networks: A Systematic Literature Review
## 3 Methodology  
To determine the state-of-the-art studies, an SLR was performed following the methodology of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) [18]. PRISMA provides a structured, transparent framework to minimize bias and ensure reproducibility in literature synthesis, which is critical for addressing complex, interdisciplinary topics like next-generation network optimization. Its four-phase workflow (identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion) guided the systematic evaluation of scientific publications, ensuring comprehensive coverage of emerging algorithms while avoiding selection bias [19]. The process began by defining the research question. * What are the automatic, semi-automatic, and hybrid load balancing algorithms that can be applied to next-generation mobile networks? PRISMA's emphasis on explicit search strategies ensured rigorous delimitation of the study scope. To align with this principle, key terms (Table 1) were operationalized with synonyms and abbreviations, covering technical parameters (e.g., latency, scalability) and sociotechnical factors (e.g., user mobility patterns, data demand fluctuations). Five multidisciplinary databases were selected to capture diverse perspectives: Once the search terms had been defined, scientific databases aligning with the areas of study were established. 1. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital Library ([[https://dl.acm.org/](https://dl.acm.org/)]([https://dl.acm.org/](https://dl.acm.org/)), accessed on 5 September 2024). 2. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Xplore ([[https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp)]([https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp)), accessed on 9 September 2024). 3. ScienceDirect ([[https://www.sciencedirect.com/](https://www.sciencedirect.com/)]([https://www.sciencedirect.com/](https://www.sciencedirect.com/)), accessed on 28 August 2024). 4. Scopus ([[https://www.scopus.com/home.uri](https://www.scopus.com/home.uri)]([https://www.scopus.com/home.uri](https://www.scopus.com/home.uri)), accessed on 5 September 2024). 5. Web of Science ([[https://www.webofscience.com/](https://www.webofscience.com/)]([https://www.webofscience.com/](https://www.webofscience.com/)), accessed on 29 August 2024). In this regard, the basic search string is depicted in Figure 1, considering that its structure may vary according to the specific features and limitations of each database. Finally, the exclusion and inclusion criteria determined for the study were defined to delineate the scope of articles to be evaluated  
1. Exclusion Criteria 1. Submissions that are not articles. 2. Studies published outside the time frame of 2014 to 2023. 3. Research unrelated to the field of study. 4. Articles written in languages other than English. 5. Duplicated articles. 2. Inclusion Criteria 1. Articles included at the discretion of the researchers. After conducting a systematic search for articles across the various established databases, a total of 1202 base records were retrieved. These records underwent a content-based analysis to evaluate their relevance according to the search terms, resulting in the exclusion of 1082 records. Among the remainder, 9 were identified as duplicates, leading to a new total of 111 validated articles. Subsequently, considering the exclusion criteria,