Supervisors info:
Μεράκος Λάζαρος, Καθηγητής, Πληροφορικής και Επικοινωνιών, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Summary:
Despite the progress in designing fourth-generation (4G) networks in terms of user coverage, there is an urgent need to design and implement fifth-generation networks to meet the ever-growing need for resources. Data usage requirements for mobile applications are increasing daily on a global basis. The need for higher rates, reliability, performance and coverage is due to the huge amount of data that mobile users now want to access. Smartphones, tablets, high-resolution screens, access to high-definition video applications, real-time applications, and the increasing need for fast rates anywhere and anytime, are the key factors for moving to 5G networks. These networks are expected to be deployed at the beginning of the next decade, in 2020, with the goal of achieving Gigabit rates per second.
The purpose of their development is to solve the problems of limited speed and bandwidth, more efficient coverage to users, and the reduction of the computing power required by the network. 5G networks are the pillar on which the Internet of Things (IoT), and its various applications, will be based in order to provide a good level of Quality of Service (QoS) to the ever increasing number of users.
In this diploma thesis we studied in depth the basic principles and technologies on which the fifth generation networks will be based. Initially, information was introduced regarding wireless cellular networks, as well as the advancement of previous network technologies. After that, emphasis was given to the incentives that led to the need to develop these new systems, such as requirements for shorter delays, higher rates and the ability to support more devices. In addition, a number of technologies were presented, on which telecommunications companies are expected to build in order to develop the 5G technology. Some of these are Massive MIMO, Millimeter Wave, Software Defined Networks and Network Function Virtualization.
Then, we focused on the 5G (5G-PPP) infrastructure co-operators and the goals and challenges they may face. Additionally, the overall architecture of the 5G, as well as its functional levels were studied. In this context, some of the projects of the 1st and 2nd phase as well as all projects of the 3rd phase of the 5G-PPP were presented. Finally, the overall conclusions from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd phase projects, from which the design principles and features of 5G networks also arise, were demonstrated. These features include a large number of interconnected devices, reduced end-to-end latency and reduced energy consumption in the wireless access network. Finally, a picture of the evolution and revolution of 5G was presented in the context of the 5G predictions for the time period of 2020-2025.
Keywords:
Fifth generation networks, mobile communications, 5G technologies, network evolution, socio - economic dimensions.
