5G and Next Generation Networks

This lecture provides a brief review of recent trends and technologies that inspired by 5G and Next Generation Networks (NGN). The generations of wireless and mobile systems are introduced first together with the related standardization bodies. The 5G and NGN main requirements and features are then covered. This is followed by the main challenges driven by current networks such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband, Massive Internet of Things (IoT), and Critical Communications and Control. The 5G enabler technologies also introduced covering High Band Millimeter Wave, Advanced Antenna Technology, Efficient Modulation and Coding schemes, and Software-Based Networking. The edge computing and its effect on network performance in relation to Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) and Fog Computing issues are presented. The role of Software Defined Network (SDN) / Network Function Virtualization (NFV) in 5G and NGN is introduced with great value shift towards operations management and orchestration. Finally, some successful 5G deployment stories are demonstrated.