Challenges and Features of IoT Communications in 5G Networks

The Internet of Things (IoT) will consume every part of our daily life through connecting everyone and everything, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Networks and ISP's will need to continually assess and upgrade their infrastructure to incorporate new architecture and technology, to support and improve services and device-to-device (D2D) capabilities. IoT applications require several requirements to perform well, such as high speed, low latency and minimal downtime while maintaining a high-quality service. At the same time, working on the next generation of cellular systems (5G) with its distinctive features makes it an enhanced solution for IoT communication requirements to maintain higher efficiency and effectiveness. This paper examines the definition of the IoT and its applications and requirements. Furthermore, new 5G technologies are investigated to support the IoT such as massive MIMO, cross-layer design, and relying on non-orthogonal multiple access and waveforms. The features and challenges of each technology are also discussed.