5G Ultra-Dense Cellular Networks

• Published in: IEEE wireless communications Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 72 - 79
• Main Authors: Ge, Xiaohu, Tu, Song, Mao, Guoqiang, Wang, Cheng-Xiang, Han, Tao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01-02-2016; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: 5G mobile communication; Antennas; Cellular communication; Complement; Computer architecture; Densification; Energy management; Logic gates; Macrocell networks; Microprocessors; Millimeter wave communication; Simulation; Wireless communication; Wireless networks
• ISSN: 1536-1284; 1558-0687
• DOI: 10.1109/MWC.2016.7422408

Traditional ultra-dense wireless networks are recommended as a complement for cellular networks and are deployed in partial areas, such as hotspot and indoor scenarios. Based on the massive multiple-input multi-output antennas and the millimeter wave communication technologies, the 5G ultra-dense cellular network is proposed to deploy in overall cellular scenarios. Moreover, a distribution network architecture is presented for 5G ultra-dense cellular networks. Furthermore, the backhaul network capacity and the backhaul energy efficiency of ultra-dense cellular networks are investigated to answer an important question, that is, how much densification can be deployed for 5G ultra-dense cellular networks. Simulation results reveal that there exist densification limits for 5G ultra-dense cellular networks with backhaul network capacity and backhaul energy efficiency constraints.