Emerging Technologies for Machine-Type Communication Networks

Machine-type data traffic volume in 5G networks will grow rapidly with widespread applications of MTC. The MTC devices, including home appliances, sensors, wearable devices, vehicles, and even low-altitude UAVs, will be made smarter with embedded advanced communication modules. However, a massive number of MTCDs with diverse QoS requirements cannot be served well by traditional wireless systems, which were primarily designed for human-type devices. New wireless technologies are needed to support distinct MTC network applications. In this article, five emerging MTC technologies, including Bluetooth 5, WiFi HaLow, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and WURs, are discussed, followed by a survey of 3GPP activities on vehicle-based and UAV-based MTC technologies, such as LTE-V2X and C-UAV for aerial vehicles. In the end, we also address the issues on the new trends for MTC networks with identified research challenges.