Prospective of Fifth Generation Mobile Communications

This paper explores future mobile systems with emphasis on re-configurability based on cognitive and software defined radios. 5G (Fifth Generation) network architecture consisting of reconfigurable multitechnology core and a single fully reconfigurable terminal able to autonomously operate in different heterogeneous access networks is proposed. The proposed network is enforced by nanotechnology, cloud computing and based on All IP Platform. The paper highlights 5G main development challenges and illustrates why there is a need for 5G. It also reviews in brief the evolution of wireless and cellular systems focusing on four main key factors: radio access, data rates, bandwidth and switching schemes in addition to change in network architecture. The 3G transitional cellular and wireless systems toward 4G and the true 4G IMT-advanced systems are thoroughly presented.