Conclusion and outlook

At a time when 4G is beginning to be used on a large scale, preparations for the next generation of mobile networks, 5G, are in full swing. Exploratory work in several parts of the world has identified the main technological building blocks for this system, which should be in use around 2020. Following on from 4G and major innovations such as the use of small cells and femtocells in particular, the 5G system will have to deliver even better performance than 5G, and not just in terms of data throughput.

In this article, we've summarized the main technologies being considered for 5G, after describing the background and timetable for getting there. The specific standardization of 5G starts in 2016, and the work is far from over. New contributions to this complex system called on to meet major challenges are planned. New services, some envisaged today and others perhaps...