METIS (Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for Twenty twenty (2020) Information Society)

METIS, or Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for Twenty twenty (2020) Information Society, is a research project funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 program. The aim of the project is to develop the next generation of wireless communication technology that will be used in the 5G network. The project started in 2013 and was completed in 2017, with a budget of approximately €50 million.

The METIS project aimed to address the challenges of the ever-increasing demand for wireless communication services, which is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. The project focused on developing a new wireless communication system that is capable of providing faster data rates, higher reliability, and lower latency than the existing 4G network.

The project was led by a consortium of 29 partners from academia, industry, and research institutes from across Europe, including companies like Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, and Intel, and research institutions like the University of Surrey, University of Oulu, and Fraunhofer Institute. The project was coordinated by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

One of the key goals of the METIS project was to develop a new wireless communication system that is capable of handling a much larger number of devices than the existing 4G network. The 5G network is expected to connect not only smartphones and tablets but also a vast array of other devices such as smart cars, smart homes, and smart cities. To achieve this, the METIS project proposed a new air interface design that is more flexible and efficient than the existing 4G system.

The new air interface design proposed by the METIS project is based on three main concepts: massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), network densification, and spectrum sharing. Massive MIMO is a technique that uses a large number of antennas to transmit and receive signals simultaneously, which increases the capacity of the network and improves the quality of service. Network densification involves deploying more small cells and base stations to improve coverage and capacity in high-traffic areas. Spectrum sharing is a technique that allows multiple operators to share the same frequency band, which increases the efficiency of spectrum usage and reduces the cost of network deployment.

The METIS project also focused on developing new network architectures that are more flexible and adaptable than the existing 4G system. The new network architectures proposed by the project are based on the concept of network slicing, which involves dividing the network into multiple virtual networks that can be customized to meet the specific needs of different applications and services. This allows the network to provide different levels of service quality and reliability to different users and devices.

Another important aspect of the METIS project was to develop new technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. The project proposed a new communication protocol called Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), which is designed specifically for low-power devices that require long battery life and low data rates. The NB-IoT protocol is based on the existing 4G network and is designed to be backward compatible with existing devices.

The METIS project also developed new technologies for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, which are essential for the development of autonomous driving and connected cars. The project proposed a new communication protocol called LTE-V, which is designed specifically for V2V and V2I communication and is based on the existing 4G network.

In conclusion, the METIS project was a significant milestone in the development of the 5G network. The project proposed new technologies and concepts that are essential for the deployment of a new wireless communication system that is capable of handling a much larger number of devices and providing faster data rates, higher reliability, and lower latency than the existing 4G network. The project addressed the challenges of the ever-increasing demand for wireless communication services and provided solutions to improve the efficiency of spectrum usage and network deployment.

The METIS project also focused on developing new technologies for IoT, M2M, V2V, and V2I communication, which are essential for the development of smart cities, autonomous driving, and other emerging applications. The project proposed new communication protocols that are designed specifically for low-power devices that require long battery life and low data rates.

The METIS project was not only a research project but also an industry-driven initiative, with the involvement of many leading companies in the telecommunications industry. The project provided a platform for collaboration between academia and industry and facilitated the transfer of technology from research to practical applications.

The METIS project was also a significant contributor to the standardization of the 5G network. The project provided input to various standardization bodies, including the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which is responsible for developing the global standards for wireless communication systems.

The legacy of the METIS project lives on in the ongoing development of the 5G network. The concepts and technologies developed by the project are being incorporated into the 5G network, which is being rolled out globally. The 5G network is expected to have a significant impact on many industries, including healthcare, transportation, and entertainment.

In conclusion, the METIS project was a groundbreaking research initiative that contributed significantly to the development of the 5G network. The project proposed new technologies and concepts that are essential for the deployment of a new wireless communication system that is capable of handling a much larger number of devices and providing faster data rates, higher reliability, and lower latency than the existing 4G network. The project was a collaborative effort between academia and industry and provided a platform for the transfer of technology from research to practical applications. The legacy of the METIS project lives on in the ongoing development of the 5G network and the impact it is expected to have on many industries in the coming years.