Achieving Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication in 5G and Beyond

Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) is a fundamental technology that plays a crucial role in enabling fifth-generation new radio (5G-NR) communication. URLLC aims to provide a highly reliable connection with strict block error probability requirements and extremely low latency for mission-critical and remote operations. Meanwhile, the advent of sixth-generation (6G) communication, marked by its novel, immersive, and high-stakes control applications, imposes notably more stringent demands on reliability and latency, alongside the added requirements of high data rates, scalability, precision, security, and real-time operation. This scenario introduces unparalleled challenges for both system architecture and the solutions it entails. Several previously proposed solutions, such as retransmission schemes, error correction techniques, and grant-free access, have been insufficient for emerging requirements, as most of these solutions primarily facilitate either low latency or high reliability, but not both. Latency and reliability are conflicting objectives of URLLC. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the associated issues and careful mitigation of these challenges are essential. This article provides an extensive review of 5G URLLC, emphasizing its technical evolution from 3GPP Release 15 through 19, while also detailing its inherent shortcomings and the potential solutions required for 6G and beyond. We investigate the prerequisites and enabling technologies necessary for URLLC services, exploring related issues across various network components, including frame structure, propagation, processing, retransmission, scheduling, fading, and interference. An important discussion is provided on the fundamental trade-off between latency and reliability, particularly due to retransmission mechanisms. Furthermore, we examine the practical limitations of 5G URLLC when coexisting with other 5G application use cases, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). Finally, we discuss the future trajectory of URLLC in 6G, identifying key research challenges and opportunities to meet the escalating demands of future mission-critical applications.