Guest Editorial Special Issue on 5G Related Photonics Technologies

The papers in this special issue focus on 5G mobile communication-related photonics technologies and applications. This issue provides a small snapshot of areas where photonic technology will play a significant role in realizing future 5G networks and systems. It is well-established that 5G is the next generation wireless network technology that is expected to revolutionize our connectedworld by significantly increasing data speeds, producing ultra-low latency times, supporting the connection of many more devices and sensors, and increasing energy efficiency of the network elements. To achieve these goals, 5G requires significant contributions and innovations from photonics technologies, whether it be creating the appropriate transport infrastructure with the necessary high capacity, the relevant x-hauling architectures, or even utilizing microwave photonics devices and topologies to distribute the wireless signals.