Universal Access in 5G Networks: Potential Challenges and Opportunities for Urban and Rural Environments

The demands for high data rates and ultra reliable coverage have led the researchers to pave the way for future wireless networks under the umbrella of 5G communications. This chapter discusses the potential techniques for urban area coverage, which mainly include millimeter wave (mmWave) and massive multiple‐input multiple output (MIMO) systems. The technology known as massive MIMO (mMIMO) is a succession from conventional MIMO when the number of transmit antennas at the base station (BS) exceeds a predefined number. The use of mmWave systems in 5G networks is essential if it is to produce on the promises of higher data rates, lower latencies, and ubiquitous connectivity. The chapter focuses more on the rural areas and the technologies that can benefit the use of 5G in those areas. Terrestrial and airborne services can be used in rural settings for providing reliable coverage.