Abstract

The rapid proliferation of smart city initiatives has underscored the need for next‑generation communication networks capable of supporting diverse, demanding applications such as autonomous transportation, remote healthcare, real‑time surveillance, and massive Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. Fifth‑generation (5G) mobile networks offer enhanced performance through increased data rates, ultra‑low latency, high reliability, and support for massive device density. However, deploying 5G in smart cities poses unique performance challenges due to heterogeneous application requirements and complex urban environments. This paper investigates the performance evaluation and optimization of 5G network technologies tailored for smart city applications. We review key performance metrics—throughput, latency, reliability, energy efficiency, spectral efficiency—and evaluate how technologies such as network slicing, massive MIMO, millimeter‑wave (mmWave), and edge computing contribute to meeting stringent service requirements. A detailed methodology outlines simulation and analytical frameworks for performance assessment, including parameter selection, benchmarking, and optimization strategies. The paper also explores resource allocation techniques, traffic prioritization, and adaptive modulation schemes for optimized 5G performance. Results demonstrate that targeted optimization frameworks significantly enhance service quality across use cases. Finally, the paper identifies open challenges such as interference management, dynamic resource orchestration, and standardization gaps, and proposes future research directions to further strengthen 5G for smart city ecosystems.