2017 18th International Conference on Parallel and Distributed Computing, Applications and Technologies (PDCAT)

5G cellular : survey on some challenging techniques

Yosra BENCHAABENE Noureddine BOUJNAH Faouzi ZARAI
National Engineering Scool of Gabes, Tunisia Faculty of Sciences of National School of Electronics
NTS’COM Laboratory Gabes Tunisia and Telecommunications
Sfax University IRESCOMATH research unit (ENET’COM), NTS’COM Laboratory
Email: yousrabenchaabene@gmail.com Sfax University

Abstract—The evolving fifth generation (5G) cellular wireless -The new access technique FBMC
networks are envisioned to provide higher data rates, enhance -Cloudbased radio access network(C-RAN) and virtualization
end-user quality-of-experience (QoE), reduce end-to-end latency, of wireless resources
and lower energy consumption. This article presents several
emerging technologies which could enable and define future 5G -Machine type communication and IoT
mobile communication standards and cellular networks. The visions and requirements of 5G networks and the
This article discusses novel design techniques including dense corresponding technologies are in Table 1.
hetergeounes networks and stochastic geometry as an approach This paper is divided into five sections. Section II presents
that will be used to design 5G cellular networks and new dense hetergeounes networks and stochastic geometry as an
features are discussed such as the new mm-wave , Massive
Multiple Input Multiple Out (Massive MIMO)and new access approach that will be used to design 5G cellular networks .
technique (Filter Bank multi Carrier). FBMC, cloud Radio Acess Section III introduces new features such as the new mm-wave
Network C-RAN and virtualization of wireless resources . Finally, based physical layer aspects of the next generation of wireless
the study presents new 5G applications, namely Machine type network, Massive MIMO and new access technique FBMC,
communication and IoT . cloud Radio Acess Network C-RAN and virtualization of
Keywords- 5G, Mm-wave , Massive MIMO , HetNet ,UDN wireless resources .The new 5G applications like Machine
, M2M, D2D,IoT type communication and IoT are described in Section V.
The last section summarizes the main conclusions of the study.
I. I NTRODUCTION
As the demand of communication and the explosive growth
in the number of subscribers telecommunication companies 5G Expectations and Trends/Proposals
have increased, the field of mobile communication has Features
shown a significant development and cellular technologies Capacity and through- Spectrum reuse and use of
have increased from 1G to 5G. As presented in Fig. 1, the put improvement, high different band (e.g., mm-wave
data rate communication using 28 GHz
chronological evolution of cellular network is described. (∼1000x of throughput and 38∼GHz bands), multi-tier
Although the GSM technology tends to add mobility to voice improvement over 4G, cell network
users, and short messaging, technologies that follow 2G is data rate ∼10 Gb/s, sig- D2D communication, C-RAN,
naling loads less than massive-MIMO
created to support mores services such as the internet access, 1∼100%)
multimedia services. Operators focused on QoS enhancement Reduced latency (2 to 5 Full-duplex communication,
and the total cost of ownership TCO. ms end-to-end latencies) C-RAN, D2D communication
Network densification Heterogeneous and multi-tier net-
Existing networks like 3G and 4G are used to converge (∼1000x higher mobile work
seamlessly to 5G cellular network and to support new data per unit area,
features and new access techniques. 100∼10000x higher
number of connecting
Researchers have inclined to focus on solving problems devices)
related to low power devices for machine type communication, Advanced services and C-RAN, network virtualization,
network design with QoS and energy consideration [2] due to applications (e.g., smart M2M communication
city, service-oriented com-
the massive increase of traffic, diversity of services, and users munication)
requirements in term of bandwidth, throughput and delay. Autonomous M2M communication, self-
This article presents several emerging technologies which applications and organizing and cognitive network
network management,
could enable and define future 5G mobile communication Internet of Things
standars and cellular networks. Table I
The primary technologies for 5G systems can be classified as F EATURES AND TRENDS OF 5G NETWORKS
fellow :
-Densification of existing cellular networks with the massive
addition of small cells .
-Massive MIMO and mm wave

0-7695-6330-9/17/31.00 ©2017 IEEE 348

DOI 10.1109/PDCAT.2017.00064

Figure 1. Evolution of cellular networks
Figure 2. Organization of the paper
II. D ESIGN T ECHNIQUES
A. Stochastic geometry
There are two approaches that are used for the purpose of de-
signing and analyzing cellular network, namely deterministic
and stochastic.
The deterministic hexagonal grid (Fig. 3) has been used [3],
where some conditions are available. It is used where a user
selects the BS with highest signal power and consider it as
his serving BS. It is also used in the case, where all BS has
the same transmit power, the distance between a generic user
and her nearest interfering BS will be greater than the distance
between that user and her serving BS and all the cells had an
equal size.
This model is beneficial for rural areas [4] with an almost
homogeneous distribution of users and the spread of free space
propagation thanks to simple estimations of the constant cell
radius and frequency reuse factor.
Urban scenarios are characterized by the existence of higher
fluctuation of cells and the existence of high building with
the high density of users and their mobility. The performance
of classic approach decreased. It is not appropriate for the
heterogeneous network. Based on these reasons, stochastic
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geometry is suggested as a future approach for designing and
analyzing the 5G cellular network. As shown in Fig. 3, the
heterogeneous networks have cells that have different size.
This shows why stochastic geometry is seen as a suitable
approach to model k-tier heterogeneous networks.
In stochastic geometry [5], the features of the heterogeneous
network (i.e. positions of small cells and macro cell, users’
location and mobility) are regarded as a random (stochastic)
process of the specified probability distribution.
In recent studies, various stochastic processes have been inves-
tigated for different scenarios of the heterogeneous network,
including:
• Poisson point process (PPP) [6]: is also known as a
Simple two-dimensional Poison process. It is used in
order to model positions of base stations (BSs) of single
tier or K-tier cellular networks.
• Binomial point process (BPP) [7]: is also called Simple
two-dimensional process with binomial nodes distribu-
tion. BPP is similar to PPP regarding in nodes distribu-
tion. Compared to PPP, this process is more appropriate
for modeling a finite number of network nodes distributed
within the finite coverage area. Its main function is to
model the wireless sensor network behavior in local areas.
• Voronoi tessellation [8] is the most used approach to
model random coverage area of small cells in the dense
urban environment.
B- ULTRA-DENSE NETWORK
A heterogeneous network which is composed of putting
into a macro-cellular network a large number of microcells,
picocells, femto-cells and other access points (Fig.4) [9] is
used to meet the requirements for data capacity growth.
Network densification has various functions. It makes the
network node closer to the terminal which results in an
improvement in energy efficiency, spectral efficiency and
system capacity.
It also facilitates access between different technologies and
flexibility between the different levels of coverage.
The ultra-dense network shows brightness in the future,
thanks to the reduced distance between the nodes.
It is worth mentioning that this network will cause some
problems as compared to the existing system.
In the 5G network, there are some problems that need to be
studied and several questions should be raised, which are as
follows:
• How to model and analyze multi-tier wireless networks?
• How to characterize interference?
• How to derive key metrics such as coverage probability,
spectral efficiency etc?
There is a need for random and spatial models, in particular
with the growth of heterogeneous and dense small cell Net-
works.
Figure 3. An illustration of conventional and a 5G cellular wireless network.
Figure 4. Ultra-dense heterogeneous network
– Hexagonal models relatively obsolete
– Need to model HetNets to characterize performance
metrics (Operators want pointers!!)
– Transmission rate, coverage, outage probability
tractability
– Ease of simulation
• How good is the Poisson assumption?
– Femtocells: deployments fairly random but distribu-
tion is known
– Macrocells: have some structure but not grid-like
– Picocells: some randomness due to the deployment
at hotspots
• How good is the independence assumption?
– Femtocells: fairly good since users typically dont
know the locations of operator deployed towers
– Picocells and macrocells: questionable since both
are operator deployed
III. N EW FEATURES
A. Massive MIMO
In a harsh environment, data stream seems to be corrupted
and lost because of the stochastic behavior of communication
channel like shadowing effect and multipath of received signal.
MIMO is used as an alternative solution to ensure capacity and
bit error rate bottleneck.
Massive MIMO derives from the current MIMO technology.
As shown in Fig. 5, this system has arrays of antenna contain-
ing few hundred antennas which are at the same time in one
time. Massive MIMO technology mainly aims at extracting all
the advantages of MIMO but on a larger scale. It is a promising
technology for next generation networks that are characterized
by energy efficient, robust, and secure and spectrum efficient
[10].
Massive MIMO relies on spatial multiplexing that depends on
the base station to have channel state information: Both on the
uplink and on the downlink.
In case of downlink, it is not easy to have channel state data.

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Figure 5. Massive MIMO and Beamforming.
However, in case of uplink, it is easy because the terminals
send pilots. The channel answer of each terminal is calculated.
In conventional MIMO systems [11], the base station transfers
the pilot waveforms to the terminals. The latter calculated
the channel, quantizes it and feedback it to the fundamental
station. This process is not feasible for massive MIMO
systems because of two reasons.
The first reason includes the downlink pilots. This type of
pilots from the base station must be orthogonal among the
antennas because of the requirement of time. Frequency slots
for the downlink pilots increase with the increase in the
number of antennas.
As compared to the conventional MIMO system, Massive
MIMO systems need a large number of similar slots.
The second reason involves the numbers of the base station
and the channel. As the former increases, the latter also
increases for each terminal. This requires hundred times more
uplink slots to feedback the channel responses to the base
station.
A suggested solution to this problem involves working in
Time Division Duplexing (TDD) mode and leaning on the
reciprocity amid the uplink and downlink channels [12].
B. Millimeter wave (30->300 GHz)
Recently, all wireless communications have used spectrum
in 300 MHz to 3 GHz band. This is known as sweet spot
or beachfront spectrum [13]. This band is beneficial thanks
to its reliability in propagation characteristics over several
kilometers in different radio environments [14].
The expectancy from sub mm-wave band to accommodate
the exploding mobile traffic and connectivity appears to be
worth questioning [14].
The increase in the capacity of wireless communications
is not helpful because of the emergence of new challenges
in high-frequency bandwidth. The key core of the coming
generation 5G wireless networks seems to explore this
unused, high-frequency mm-wave band, ranging from 3->300
GHz.
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Figure 6. Mm-wave spectrum availabilities in 3->300 GHz
Over the last few decades, the mm-wave bands are the
most used in radio astronomy, radars, airport communications
and many military applications As presented in Fig.6, for the
huge 3 -> 300 GHz mm-wave spectrum, only 57 -> 64 GHz
and 164 -> 200 GHz is inappropriate for communication.
The small fraction of available mm-wave spectrum can play
a crucial role. It can support hundreds of times of more data
rate and capacity over the current cellular spectrum [14].
Hence, the availability of mm-wave spectrum paves the way
for a new horizon for spectrum constrained future wireless
communications [14], [15].
C. New access technique FBMC
Filter Bank Multicarrier (FBMC) systems are parts of multi-
carrier (MC) systems. They are also considered as subclasses
of MC systems. Their fundamental principal is to divide
frequency spectrum into many narrow subchannels. Recently,
MC systems have been widely adopted. Cyclic Prefix based
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (CP-OFDM) is
the most known and studied kind of MC.
Thanks to the high-performance digital signal processors
(DSPs) available on the market, Channel estimation and
equalization become crucial activities. The frequency selective
propagation channel becomes a flat frequency sub-channel
because of the insertion of some redundancy (Cyclic Prefix,
or CP).
As compared to other MC modulation schemes, CP-OFDM
has a drawback which involves the loss in spectral efficiency
due to some factors, namely CP insertion, higher out-of-
band radiating (since the subcarriers have sync-like frequency
behavior), and a higher sensitivity to narrowband interferers.
It is important to notice that FBMC methods are first intro-
duced in the studies of Chang [16] and Saltzberg [17].
Over two decades, their studies have presented multicarrier
techniques prior the introduction and application of OFDM to
wireless communication systems.
Fig. 7 provides a general overview of the FBMC system
model. This system is seen as an evolved OFDM. The filter
banks introduce the main disadvantages of OFDM that is
mentioned above. Firstly, the subchannels of FBMC can be
optimally designed in the frequency field to have the required
spectral containment. Secondly, FBMC systems do not need
redundant CP and thus are more spectral efficient.
It provides ubiquitous connectivity among devices without
human interference (fig 8)[18]. MTC devices have become
an integral part in our lives. These devices can be used
in different applications, including as smart cities, smart
grids, energy monitoring, and health care [18]. Indeed, it is
calculated that the number of such devices will grow into
billions within few years [19].

Figure 7. (a) OFDM transmitter - (b) Filter Bank based Multicarrier (FBMC)
transmitter

D. C-RAN
There are various challenges to deploy C-RANs, such
as optimally utilizing the processing resource, efficiently
using the fronthaul links connecting BBUs with RRHs,
and centralized control of the propagation signal. The
performance of a C-RAN is constrained by the limited
Figure 8. Machine to Machine communication
fronthaul capacity. Hence, fronthaul-aware resource allocation
schemes (including efficient signal quantization/compression
and beamforming techniques) are required to maximize the B. INTERNET OF THING (IOT)
network throughput. To achieve optimal energy savings of As presented in Fig. 9, IoT envision millions of simultaneous
the C-RAN, RRHs need to be served optimally, considering connections, including a number of devices, connected homes,
the number of active BBUs in the BBU pool and network smart grids and smart transportation systems [20].
load (e.g., traffic demand from UE/ RRHs). The existing
resource sharing algorithms need to be enhanced, considering
clustering the cells (e.g., RRHs) and BBUs (in the cloud) to
reduce scheduling complexity.

E. Wireless network virtualization

A fully functional WNV framework requires efficient resource
utilization, inter-slice isolation, and customizable intra-slice
resource allocation. The resource allocation algorithms need
to be designed considering the finite and heterogeneous
(e.g., spectrum, infrastructure, computing) resources, resource
requirements of MVNOs, fairness criteria, etc. In addition,
control signaling and boot stamping issues need to be
addressed for spectrum virtualization. The issues related to
resource discovery, isolation, pricing-based allocation, and
mobility management (e.g., seamless handover to different
MVNO/InP) open up new research opportunities.

IV. N EW 5G APPLICATIONS
A. MACHINE TYPE COMMUNICATION
Machine to Machine (M2M) or Machine Type Communication
(MTC) is a novel technology in the communication system
and networking research area. It is an essential part of
Internet of Thing (IoT). It is also regarded as a promising
technology for the future 5G Heterogeneous Networks
(5G/HetNets). M2M communication is seen as an innovation.
Figure 9. Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting Anything, Anyone, Anytime,
Anyplace
There is a definite need for the advent of high bandwidth
5G wireless networks to realize this vision. IoT facilitates
internet connections and data inter-operability for numerous
smart objects and applications [21]. Although this technology
has a number of benefits, it still suffers from six challenges,

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which are as follows:
(i) Automated sensor configuration,
(ii) context discovery,
(iii) acquisition, modeling and reasoning
(iv) selection of sensors in sensing-as-a-service model
(v) securityprivacy- trust and
(vi) context sharing.
It seems difficult to implement IoT because of its com-
plexity. It includes cooperation among massive, distributed,
autonomous and heterogeneous components at several levels
of granularity and abstraction [23]. There are some activities
including clouding, offering large storage, computing and
networking capabilities that can be integrated with diverse IoT
enabled devices [24]. Software agent-based IoT architecture
is proposed in [23] to ensure the high level design of cloud
assisted.
More recently, Social Internet of Things (SIoT) has become
a useful tool to explore the relationship between objects and
form social networks [25]. Furthermore, in [25], the concepts,
reviews and challenges of SIoT are introduced. We expect that
IoT will realize major contributions in the field of communi-
cation. It is expected that this technique will help to transform
the current internet from the human centric interactions to a
M2M platform equipped with 5G wireless.
IoT-enabled devices are considered to be the basic component
of 5G wireless.
V. CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, we show some key technologies 5G
wireless communication system. Based on the development
law of mobile communications, 5G technology will be com-
mercially available by 2020. The main aim of this technology
is to satisfy the demand of the rapid growth in mobile Internet
services which bring new business experience.
It is worth noting that research on 5G technologies seems to
be at the exploratory stage. It is expected that in the coming
few years, researchers will keep studying these technologies to
determine their technology needs, key indicators and to enable
technologies critical period. With the development of research,
5G key supporting technologies will be clarified and will enter
a substantive stage of standardization.
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