# 5G New Radio Unlicensed: Challenges and Evaluation

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.10937 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2012.10937/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 20 Dec 2020.

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

- [Traffic Priority-Aware 5G NR-U/Wi-Fi Coexistence with Deep Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.00256/) (2025)
- [Blind Estimation of a Doubly Selective OFDM Channel: A Deep Learning Algorithm and Theory](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.07483/) (2022)
- [QoS-Aware State-Augmented Learnable Framework for 5G NR-U/Wi-Fi Coexistence: Impact of Parameter Selection and Enhanced Collision Resolution](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.13393/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

To meet the high demand for mobile data, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) established a set of standards known as 5G New Radio (5G NR). The architecture of 5G NR includes a flexible radio access network and a core network. 3GPP has also been working on a new radio access technology, called 5G NR Unlicensed (5G NR-U), which aims at extending 5G NR to unlicensed bands. In this paper, we give an overview of the most recent 5G NR-U design elements and discuss potential concerns, including fair coexistence with other unlicensed technologies such as Wi-Fi. We use simulations to study coexistence between Wi-Fi and 5G NR-U systems. Our evaluation indicates that NR-U often achieves higher throughput and lower delay than Wi-Fi (802.11ac). The two systems experience different buffer occupancies and spectrum utilization statistics. We also discuss the improvements that NR-U offers over LTE Licensed Assisted Access (LTE-LAA).