# Millimeter Wave Cellular Networks: A MAC Layer Perspective

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1503.00697 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1503.00697/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 2 Mar 2015.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Contextual Bandits with Non-Stationary Correlated Rewards for User Association in MmWave Vehicular Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.05785/) (2024)
- [Energy-Efficient Sleep Mode Optimization of 5G mmWave Networks Using Deep Contextual MAB](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.09528/) (2024)
- [Calibrating AI Models for Wireless Communications via Conformal Prediction](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.07775/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band is seen as a key enabler of multi-gigabit wireless access in future cellular networks. In order to overcome the propagation challenges, mmWave systems use a large number of antenna elements both at the base station and at the user equipment, which lead to high directivity gains, fully-directional communications, and possible noise-limited operations. The fundamental differences between mmWave networks and traditional ones challenge the classical design constraints, objectives, and available degrees of freedom. This paper addresses the implications that highly directional communication has on the design of an efficient medium access control (MAC) layer. The paper discusses key MAC layer issues, such as synchronization, random access, handover, channelization, interference management, scheduling, and association. The paper provides an integrated view on MAC layer issues for cellular networks, identifies new challenges and tradeoffs, and provides novel insights and solution approaches.