Challenges for 5G?The Future of Wireless Communications [From the Guest Editor's Desk]

The articles in this special section focus on initiatives of various IEEE Societies to promote 5G technologies, with particular emphasis on architectures, systems, and evaluation procedures. Wireless communication networks and technologies are being pushed to their limits with ever-increasing user expectations for quality of service. To satisfy the emerging requirements for fifth-generation (5G) communications, various multi antenna-based network infrastructures are being considered. A number of IEEE Societies, including the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society community, are working diligently to develop various candidate technologies and architectures to enable efficient 5G deployments. All aspects of 5G communication-link ingredients—from devices, circuits, and system architectures to over-the-air (OTA) and channel measurements at microwave to millimeter-wave frequencies need to be addressed for successful 5G deployment.