Future communication networks are expected to support novel verticals where real-time response, ultra-reliability and massive number of active devices can be enabled in the context of ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC). For URLLC services, 5G and beyond (B5G) networks are targeting very stringent latency guarantees, e.g., that can benefit a number of novel use cases like remote surgery, self-driving vehicles and tactile Internet. Real-time interaction, however, is deemed to be the tallest hurdle in B5G fulfilment. A major route to address low latency requirements is the empowerment of edge and fog computing and network slicing, while at the MAC sublayer, new, flexible numerology schemes for the joint scheduling of services with different delay requirements are being considered. On the other hand, mMTC, as an evolution of existing licensed cellular IoT technologies, is expected to support a massive number of devices (millions of low-power nodes per square kilometre). One of the major issues arising is how to use the limited radio resources while maintaining low-latency access. To resolve collision issues in future mMTC scenarios, novel technologies including non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), are being considered to enhance the conventional ALOHA-based RA. An application of particular interest also arises in the context of grant-free NOMA access.
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