On the Definition of the Fourth Generation Wireless Communications Networks: The Challenges Ahead

INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON CONVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES (IWCT) 2005 Abstract—This paper explores the next generation of mobile communication system from different perspectives. A user-centric approach to 4G is considered. We envision 4G as a convergence platform where wide-area (cellular) technology, wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) and wireless local area network (WLAN) will coexist and complete. Legacy systems, their evolution as well as newly developed access techniques are all embraced by the 4G network. We then discuss 4G enabling technologies as well as identify design challenges that research and development community is likely to encounter