Test 5G

5G NR, also known as 5G New Radio, is the latest generation of wireless communication technology. It was released by 3GPP in 2018 with Release 15, introducing new numerology, advanced channel coding and modulation schemes, and a flexible, service-based architecture core network.

5G marks a paradigm shift towards a user-centered and application-focused technology framework, aiming to improve system efficiency and provide greater flexibility. While LTE prioritizes radio link efficiency, 5G focuses on enhancing overall system efficiency. The primary goal of 5G is to deliver faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity. It is designed to support a wide range of consumer and industry applications, including Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, flexible architecture, automotive applications, and more.

Additionally, 5G incorporates three key use cases: Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), Massive machine type communications (mMTC), and Ultra-reliable, low latency communications (URLLC).

5G NR bands refer to specific frequency ranges that have been allocated for 5G technology. These bands are affected by various physical propagation characteristics such as path attenuation, diffraction, fading, and blocking. This allows for great flexibility in utilizing different frequency bands to support various use cases. For instance, lower FR1 frequencies enhance coverage, mid frequencies provide higher capacity, and higher frequencies target high peak data rates.

5G specifies two frequency ranges:

• o FR 1: 0.41 GHz to 7.125 GHz
• o mmWave frequencies
  
  • FR 2-1: 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz
  • FR 2-2: 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz

5G NR bands may vary by region, but some of the most common bands are:

• FR1 bands: 600 MHz; 2.5 GHz; 3.5 GHz
• mmWave bands: 24-29.5 GHz; 37-40 GHz; 64-71 GHz

Wireless communications are constantly evolving, with 5G and 6G revolutionizing the way we communicate. While 5G is currently rolled out on a global scale, 6G is not specified yet. We assume a technology evolution from 5G to 6G instead of a revolution. Also, the triangle of 5G use cases (eMBB, mMTC and URLLC) appears to evolve into a hexagonal structure, expanding 5G services with three new scenarios: integrated AI and communication, integrated sensing and communication as well as ubiquitous communications. Further key differences between 5G and 6G include:

• Spectrum usage: 6G will support the same frequencies as 5G, but it is also expected to expand into the (sub-)THz range, allowing for higher data rates and unlocking new use cases. 6G will utilize spectrum in the range of 30 to 3000 GHz, offering greater bandwidth and allowing more users to access the network simultaneously. As potentially new band, 5G and 6G also studies the usage of the “FR3” spectrum range from 7 GHz to 24 GHz.
• Higher speeds: 6G promises speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G networks.
• Latency: Latency refers to the time taken for a signal to travel from one point to another over a network connection. Both 5G and 6G offer lower latency than 4G LTE, but 6G is expected to provide even shorter response times due to its higher frequency bands. This will enable quicker transmission times between devices.

5G brings forth a wide variety of new applications in different industry sectors. Some notable examples include:

• Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): 5G offers faster data speeds, enabling seamless streaming experiences.
• Internet of Things (IoT): 5G connectivity allows for a large number of IoT devices to be interconnected, benefiting smart cities, industrial automation, and connected vehicles.
• Remote Surgery: Low latency enables real-time surgeries and medical consultations, allowing for precise operations from a distance with minimal delay.
• Smart Cities: 5G enables intelligent traffic management, waste management, smart lighting, and more, leading to an improved quality of life in urban areas.
• Autonomous driving: Vehicles can communicate with each other and with traffic infrastructure using 5G, paving the way for the development of autonomous vehicle technology.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): High data rates and low latency supported by 5G enhance immersive experiences in VR and AR.
• Gaming: 5G supports cloud-based gaming, allowing high-quality gaming experiences on various devices.
• Automotive connectivity: 5G supports advanced driving services of the future.
• Industrial-IoT: 5G enables the utilization of non-public networks in industrial settings.
• Ubiquitous connectivity: Using satellite-based stations for NTN.

While 6G may still be in the future, current opinions suggest that it will be more of a technology evolution rather than a revolution. The IMT-2030 initiative aims to expand the well-known triangle of services offered in 5G (eMBB; URLLC, mMTC) to a hexagon, including three new services: integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), which combines radar and communication technologies; ubiquitous communications with non-terrestrial networks in a 3D architecture; and the native inclusion of AI/ML methods. Many of these technologies are already part of the 5G-Advanced specifications and will pave the way for the evolution to 6G.