The Cyclic Model attempts to resolve the homogeneity , isotropy , and flatness problems and generate a nearly scale-invariant spectrum of fluctuations during a period of slow contraction that precedes a bounce to an expanding phase .
Here we describe at a conceptual level the recent developments that have greatly simplified our understanding of the contraction phase and the Cyclic Model overall .
The answers to many past questions and criticisms are now understood .
In particular , we show that the contraction phase has equation of state w > 1 and that contraction with w > 1 has a surprisingly similar properties to inflation with w < -1 / 3 .
At one stroke , this shows how the model is different from inflation and why it may work just as well as inflation in resolving cosmological problems .