Fundamentals of 5G Mobile Networks

Preface

The first wave of 4th Generation systems is finally being deployed over Europe, providing a vehicle for broadband mobile services at any time, any place and anywhere. However, mobile traffic is still growing and the need for more sophisticated broadband services will further push the limit on current standards to provide an even tighter integration between wireless technologies and higher speeds, requiring a new generation of mobile communications: the so-called 5G. The evolution towards 5G is considered to be the convergence of Internet services with legacy mobile networking standards, leading to what is commonly referred to as the ‘mobile Internet’ over Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets), with very high connectivity speeds. Green communications seem to also play a pivotal role in this evolutionary path, with key mobile stakeholders driving momentum towards a greener mobile ecosystem through cost-effective design approaches. In fact, it is becoming increasingly clear from new emerging services and technological trends that energy and cost-per-bit reduction, service ubiquity and high-speed connectivity are becoming desirable traits for next-generation networks.

Until now, the notion of 5G was covered in a veil of mystery, with several stakeholders proposing disruptive ideas towards shifting the market to their customer base and expertise. This book aims to harness the fragmented views on 5G mobile communications to paint a more focused technology roadmap, putting in place ...