The millimeter frequency range as a perspective for 5G networks

Abstract

The currently widely used 4G cellular networks face many challenges. The growing demand for high-resolution mobile multimedia applications is bringing these networks to their practical limits. 5G networks, the next generation of wireless communications, are standardized to ease the burden on current infrastructure by offering significantly higher data rates through increased channel bandwidth. Given the lack of accessible frequencies traditionally used for mobile communications, millimeter bandwidths (mmWave) are quite a challenging alternative. This technology is a cornerstone of upcoming 5G networks, allowing faster data speeds and much higher bandwidth than ever before, but not every 5G network will necessarily use this frequency band, at least not all the time. As with any new technology, there are unavoidable problems that need to be overcome. The purpose of the research and analysis in this article is to systematize issues and solutions related to the potential problems of spectrum sharing in mmWave frequency range, its suitability for long-distance communications, indoors, in bad weather conditions, as well as biological aspects, and relevant conclusions have been done to meet these challenges.