The ongoing deployment of 5G is currently dominating the RF and microwave market. While many of the early deployments are concentrating on the sub-6GHz bands, I believe that the use of the mmWave frequencies bands will be essential in order to obtain the headline 5G data-rates that have been targeted. Operating a cellular communications system at mmWave presents many challenges due to factors including the much higher path losses suffered by non-line-of-sight links and the difficulty of obtaining in-building reception. Technical solutions like electronic beam steering have been demonstrated, and these will be incorporated into 5G user terminals to help mitigate the impact of non-line-of-sight links. Seamless switching to a WiFi network will help mitigate poor in-building coverage, as will the use of technology such as neutral hosting or distributed antenna systems (DAS) in enterprise scenarios. Other operational difficulties will inevitably be encountered as mmWave 5G technology continues to evolve, but I believe that the industry will step up and address these as they arise.
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