Fifth generation or 5G cellular networks

In this article, we provide an introduction to the work in progress that will lead us to fifth-generation cellular networks, or 5G, by 2020. 5G raises enormous financial stakes. It will enable the development of a multitude of new services that will need to be delivered to tens of billions of terminals, which is why major research and standardization work is required. We then present the technological evolutions anticipated for 5G, as well as examples of architectures that are beginning to achieve consensus.

Our article is structured as follows. In paragraph 1 , we describe the context, objectives and challenges of 5G, as identified at the time of writing. In paragraph 2 , we present the main milestones between now and 2020, after recalling the major elements of the first four generations. The technologies envisaged, which are still the subject of research and performance evaluation, are summarized in paragraph 3 . These technologies are being studied by various companies (equipment manufacturers, operators, other solution providers), as well as in collaborative projects, which are discussed in paragraph ...