Achieving High Throughput and Low Latency with 5G: A Real Implementation Experience

5G networks provide novel features that have generated huge expectations. Therefore, implementation and validation become crucial. In order to achieve this, the following concepts are important: first, to have a technical insight on the 5G technology and to understand better its advantages; second, to understand the specific needs and requirements of the use cases; and third, to know from an implementation point of view how to match the 5G technical features with the needs of the use cases. In this context, the main focus of this article is to describe the implementation approach followed to deliver 5G services to specific use cases with concrete high throughput and low latency requirements, and to present the current lessons learned, challenges, and open issues identified. This article uses as reference the integration work done by the authors of the Horizon 2020 projects, where the target is to design and implement an advanced and accessible 5G facility (5G-VINNI), and validate vertical use cases by the use of 5G technology (5G-HEART), providing the technology, use cases, and integration knowledge needed to understand better how to bring from theory to practice the 5G technology into the verticals world.