Abstract

The progression from 2G to 4G cellular systems has been dominated by the delivery of mobile data … and then more mobile data. Plans for 5G extend the ‘more data’ theme, but also set expectations for greater reliability, lower latency and higher user capacity. So, in a world with no free lunches, how are these seemingly conflicting ambitions resolved?

This talk provides a brief introduction to cellular systems and the distinctive performance goals of the 5G system before setting out the ways in which 5G differs from its predecessors. This will include a look at both the network architecture and the ‘New Radio’ millimetre-wave air interface. The talk will conclude with a review of current deployment status, and predictions of what we can expect from 5G by when.