5G/6G Mechanisms, Services, and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Wireless technology is constantly evolving to satisfy the ever-growing expectations of both end users and network operators. Furthermore, there is a growing need for ubiquitous connectivity. The observed changes lead to the densification of wireless deployments, increased traffic, new challenges, and applications. Additionally, given that the functionality of future wireless networks will depend primarily on the applications they need to support, conducting comprehensive research to identify the most appropriate wireless technologies is crucial.

Despite the continued deployment of 5G networks, scientists are already looking into new 6G wireless networks. The desired technology leap will be possible with the new physical layer (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layer enhancements defined across different standardization bodies. However, many of the intended solutions are currently at an initial stage (e.g., supporting cellular and Wi-Fi networks with machine learning) and still need the final definition and intensive evaluation.

The main aim of this Special Issue is to seek high-quality submissions focusing on the newly proposed and forthcoming wireless mechanisms, services, and applications. New mathematical models as well as simulator and experimental works are required to evaluate the performance of future wireless technologies.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• 5G/6G systems and beyond;
• Evolution of cellular networks from 5G to 6G;
• Next generation of Wi-Fi networks;
• Cooperation algorithms for dense networks;
• Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Everything (IoE);
• Coexistence of wireless technologies in unlicensed bands;
• Network virtualization and software-defined wireless networks;
• Mechanisms and protocols for improvement of the quality of service;
• Artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms for optimizing wireless networks;
• Simulation tools for wireless network performance evaluation;
• Wireless testbeds and prototypes;
• Wireless network support for emerging applications (metaverse, XR/VR, holographic telepresence, etc.).

Dr. Marek Natkaniec
Dr. Katarzyna Kosek-Szott
Guest Editors

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