A new key feature of fifth generation (5G) cellular networks consists in integrating a large amount of application areas, known as verticals, each with different Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements and running on sliced networks specifically designed for their needs. Increased factory automation and far-reaching perception enabled by V2X communications in autonomous driving systems are just two out of a myriad of scenarios with a common need for Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC).

The research done at ACES Lab uses an experimental hardware 5G implementation based on software-defined radios operating in the FR1 frequency range for: 

• Evaluating the performance of physical layer 5G channels and procedures
• Realizing over-the-air URLLC communication
• Embedding information-theoretic security approaches to 5G 
• Investigating MIMO and beamforming techniques compliant with 3GPP Rel. 15/16