5G STEP FWD

5G cellular networks are coming and they need to cope with major challenges in meeting the demands of large populations. The rapid increase of mobile devices, wireless connections and the emerging internet services related to applications with very diverse communication requirements (e.g., Smart grid, m-health, Smart cities), raised the need of higher capacity and more energy efficient networks with improved coverage capabilities. According to the 5G Public-Private Partnership (5GPPP) recently formed by the European Commission (EC), 5G networks should be capable of providing 1000 times higher capacity with 0% downtime, enabling the roll-out of very dense wireless networks that are able to connect over 7 trillion devices amongst 7 billion people. 5G STEP FWD aims at proposing, studying, optimizing, quantitatively assessing and comparing advantages and disadvantages of hybrid fiber – wireless architectures, topologies and technologies, which will significantly shape 5G standards and will enable the requested 1000 times increase of spectral efficiency and 90% reduction of energy consumption.