5G Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication: Use Cases, Concepts and Challenges

Ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) introduces true revolution in 5G. It supports use cases requiring very high reliability, improved energy efficiency, extremely low latency and massive connection density in the 5G and beyond systems. Several advanced features of 5G make it the most sought-after technology to meet these requirements. It also helps service providers to capitalize on these opportunities. Some use cases that are identified are Smart Grid and Harbour Automation, Entertainment and Media, Intelligent Transportation, Remote Healthcare and Smart Factory/Industrial Automation. This manuscript enumerates the basic concepts of URLLC along with some of its potential applications, followed by the physical layer technologies used in URLLC. Also, some of the challenges faced in its implementation and novel potential research topics are recognized.