Introduction to 5G Data Networks
5G Data Networks provides an introduction to the field by focusing on the functions performed at each stage of the network life cycle, from planning, design and deployment through operation and management. The reader is provided with a detailed understanding of how each element within a 5G data network design will provide support to forward and backward connectivity. The high-level principles of the new generation wireless communications system are explored, including key technical concepts such as low latency, massive MIMO, mmWave systems and beamforming. This book also presents interdependencies between different domains in 5G systems (e.g., macrocell level and small cell networks). Both theoretical and practical aspects are covered along with numerous examples throughout the book giving readers an insight into essential 5G technologies that will become invaluable in future system design.

5G wireless networks are the next generation of cellular and Wi-Fi technology. They will offer faster speeds, more bandwidth, and a greater variety of services, such as ultra-high definition streaming and virtual reality. Telecommunications, or telecom, is the transmission of signals to carry information between locations. Telecom started back in the 1880s and has evolved into what it is today; telephones, internet and mobile devices. The standardization bodies in the United States are developing standards for 5G technology. They have identified seven core challenges they must address to ensure that 5G technology can be deployed: latency control between devices bandwidth capacity everywhere connectivity of multiple frequency bands interference resilience to interference efficient use of spectrum. 5G technology is a useful paradigm for addressing major challenges in the coming decade. 5G networks are designed to support more users and data through higher transmission rates, improved robustness, ultra-low latency, massive device connectivity and flexible spectrum usage. 5G technology is expected to be rolled out rapidly in various sectors such as automotive manufacturing, healthcare, smart cities and utilities. The 5G Data Networks course is a broad introduction to the principles and technologies that make up the 5G wireless networks. Specifically, it describes how to build and maintain a small-scale simulation platform for testbeds (OpenAirInterface LTE testbed), by offering an overview of the components of an end-to-end communication system. It then shows how to implement these concepts with OpenAirInterface (OAI), starting from the radio protocol layer and ending with a self-configuration mechanism for real UE. 5G is the 5th generation of cellular standards. A 5G network is a major upgrade to wireless communication, comparable to the shift from 2G to 3G and 3G to 4G, with predictions that it will enable even faster connectivity and a greater capacity for bandwidth-heavy tasks. 5G networks will provide faster data speeds, very low latency and increased capacity. The total number of mobile subscribers is expected to grow from 5.5 billion in 2022 to over 6.9 billion in 2026. This means that the number of connected devices/mobiles generated by 2021 should increase as well, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. 5G data networks are the fifth generation of mobile communication systems. They are a major step forward from current 4G LTE networks and the first commercial deployment started in 2019. 5G allows for much faster internet speeds, lower latency and massive bandwidth – which allows access to new internet applications such as virtual reality, augmented reality and high-definition streaming video.