5G Technology

5G promises 100x faster downloads. Source: Shankland 2015.
5G promises 100x faster downloads. Source: Shankland 2015.

5G is next big evolution in cellular networks from its previous technologies of LTE, UMTS, and GSM. 5G is simply named as 5G, unlike 4G aka LTE, or 2G aka GSM. 5G offers very high throughput with ultra-low latency and more connected devices. With these new capabilities, 5G can support diverse applications including AR/VR, IoT, autonomous driving, 4K streaming, and more.

Millimeter Wave, Small Cells, Massive MIMO, Beamforming, and Full Duplex are the foundations of 5G. Major changes seen in 5G architecture is with network elements, signal processing, interfaces between network elements, and protocol stack. 5G also migrates from traditional telecom-style protocol interfaces to a Service-Based Architecture (SBA) that uses web services and APIs.

5G was first standardized in 3GPP Release 15 specifications (2018). First commercial 5G networks were launched in April 2019.

Discussion

  • What are the key features or capabilities of 5G?
    5G performance compared to 4G. Source: Desjardins 2018.
    5G performance compared to 4G. Source: Desjardins 2018.

    A comparison of 5G with 4G is insightful into what 5G has to offer. 5G improves on 4G in terms of latency (1 ms vs 10-50 ms), throughput (20 vs 2 Gbps), spectral efficiency (100 vs 30 bps/Hz), density (1M vs 100K conns/km²), traffic capacity (1000 Mbps/m² vs 10 Mbps/m²), and network energy efficiency (15% savings).

    Another source lists 5G capabilities as promising up to 10 Gbps in data rate; 1 millisecond latency; 1000x bandwidth per unit area; 100x device density compared to 4G; 99.999% availability; 100% coverage; 90% energy savings; and up to 10-year battery life for low-power IoT devices.

  • How is 5G technology able to promise 1000x data throughput?
    5G techniques towards achieving 1000x data throughput. Source: Björnson 2017, 8:40.

    Capacity in cellular systems is the number of bits that can be carried per second per unit area within a given spectrum. It's dimensions are bits/s/km². In general, capacity is composed of three parts: cell density, spectral efficiency and available spectrum. 5G improves capacity by improving each of these parts. Back in 2011, Nokia proposed to achieve 1000x by improving each part by 10x. In 2012, SK Telecom proposed improvements in the order of 56x, 6x and 3x.

    Cell density can be increased provided interference is managed. Spectral efficiency can be improved by using an array of antennas so that all users in a cell can be sending/receiving at the same time using narrowly focused beams. This is what Massive MIMO is all about. Finally, more spectrum can be obtained if we go to millimeter waves, usually in the range of 30-300 GHz. However, this requires new hardware and signal propagation is limited.

  • What are the main techniques that make 5G possible?

    We note the following technical foundations of 5G:

    • Millimeter Wave: This refers to spectrum bands above 24 GHz. The abundant spectrum available at these high frequencies is capable of delivering extreme data speeds and capacity that will reshape the mobile experience.
    • Massive MIMO : Uses large antenna arrays at base stations to simultaneously serve many autonomous terminals. The rich and unique propagation signatures of the terminals are exploited with smart processing at the array.
    • Beamforming : Beamforming is a type of RF management in which an access point uses multiple antennas to send out the same signal. It ensures efficient data-delivery route to a user and reduces interference to other users. Along with massive MIMO, beamforming improves spectrum efficiency and capacity.
    • Full Duplex : This allow us to transmit and receive on same channel. Benefits include more spectrum efficiency, symmetric fading characteristics, better filtering, novel relay solutions and enhanced interference coordination.
    • Small Cell : Small cells are low-power miniature base stations. They operate in licensed or unlicensed spectrum, based on cellular technologies or Wi-Fi. Small cells can help 5G achieve 1000x throughput.
  • What are some use cases and applications of 5G?
    Three main 5G application categories. Source: Osseiran et al. 2020, fig. 2.
    Three main 5G application categories. Source: Osseiran et al. 2020, fig. 2.

    ITU has identified three main categories of 5G applications based on performance attributes:

    • Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): Enables large volumes of data transfer and extreme data rates. Applies to mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Covers human-centric use cases.
    • Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC): Also called Critical Machine Type Communications (cMTC). In the context of IoT and machine communications, this serves massive number of devices of low complexity and bandwidth that send small amounts of data. Good coverage is important. Serves low-cost battery-powered sensors, meters, actuators, trackers, and wearables.
    • Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC): Like mMTC, this is also machine-centric but with a focus on reliability and latency. Applications include AR/VR, advanced wearables, autonomous vehicles, real-time industrial control, and more.

    We can also visualize the above applications mapped to a 3D vector space defined in terms of throughput, delay and density. For example, smart sensors would require high density, tolerable delay and only low throughput. Interactive HD TV would require good throughput, delay and density. Thus, there are many use cases that are a hybrid of the above categories.

  • Could you give an overview of the 5G architecture?
    5G architecture diagram. Source: Devopedia 2018.
    5G architecture diagram. Source: Devopedia 2018.

    Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) consists of gNB and ng-eNB. gNB serves a 5G UE over 5G New Radio (NR), a new air interface developed for 5G. gNB connects to 5G Core, though some can connect to 4G EPC as well. ng-eNB connects to 5G Core but serves a 5G UE over 4G radio.

    5G NR brings performance, flexibility, scalability and efficiency to spectrum usage. Spectrum includes low-band (600 MHz), mid-band (3-5 GHz), and high-band (24-86 GHz) regions.

    5G Core (5GC) adopts a service-based architecture consisting of many interconnected Network Functions (NFs). Rather than use fixed network elements, all of these can be virtualized in the cloud. Via Network Slicing, many virtual networks with different characteristics can reside on the same physical nodes. Automation, programmability, flexibility and interoperability come from this architecture.

    5GC control plane includes AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and SMF (Session Management Function). 5G user plane includes UPF (User Plane Function). 5GC implements Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS). This enables it to centralize control plane functions while distributing user planes functions closer to users for better performance.

  • What are some common criticisms of 5G?

    To obtain 1Gbps and 1ms performance, we need mmWave 5G. However, at this spectrum, range is limited. Users will get this performance in limited locations within urban areas. Coverage will be spotty. To counteract this, operators may need to install lots of small cells. 5G rollout will come at a high cost, some of which may be passed on to subscribers. New masts, antennas and smartphones will be needed. Batteries may need to be recharged more often. In rural areas, low-band 5G can give better coverage than 4G but can't offer peak 5G performance.

    With increase data rates and integration with IoT devices, 5G poses a data security risk. With many more connected devices, greater use of cloud and virtualization the attack surface increases.

    There have also been hoax theories concerning 5G. This has resulted in some groups distrusting 5G and even damaging 5G infrastructure. In 2020, 5G was linked to the coronavirus pandemic. The use of mmWave spectrum has been linked to cancer. However, it's known that only ionizing radiation at a much higher spectrum (Gamma rays and X-rays) is harmful.

Milestones

Mar
2012

Huawei introduces the concept of "Beyond LTE". Meanwhile, at the initiative of the EU project METIS, a few organizations across the world start discussions on what should follow 4G/LTE networks. These discussions (2012-2014) lead to the first discussions within 3GPP in 2015.

May
2013

At 26GHz, Samsung demos a prototype system that achieves 1Gbps data rate. From 2013-2015, many more demos follow from Samsung, Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm, and others. The intent is to prove the feasibility of technologies that could be used in 5G, including the use of mmWave spectrum. In August 2015, FCC promotes five blocks of mmWave spectrum.

Mar
2017

3GPP begins the standardization of 5G. However, some requirements concerning Machine Type Communications (MTC) were already completed in earlier standardized features, namely LTE-M and NB-IoT. These were part of Release 13 (2016) and Release 14 (2017).

Dec
2017

3GPP approves the first specifications for 5G, called "early drop" of Release 15. Specifically, it ratifies Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G New Radio (NR) specification. This enables vendors to start implementing the first 5G products. NSA 5G will allow operators to leverage existing 4G infrastructure. However, it can't support some use cases that require ultra-low latency and higher capacity.

Jun
2018

Also part of Release 15, and called "main drop", 3GPP approves many specifications for 5G including the Standalone (SA) option. This allows operators without 4G networks to offer 5G service.

Mar
2019

3GPP approves "late drop" of Release 15. This might aid in migrating from 4G to 5G, or NSA 5G to SA 5G. However, some vendors and operators don't see this as essential since Release 16 or 17 specifications could offer alternatives.

Apr
2019

South Korean carriers SK Telecom and KT Corp become the first operators to launch the world's first commercial 5G service. Within an hour later, Verizon launches its own 5G service in the US in Chicago and Minneapolis. Though trials and limited deployments for enterprises happened in 2018, this is the first time 5G commercial networks connect to 5G smartphones. 5G smartphones used in these deployments are Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and Motorola's Moto Z3 with 5G Mod.

Jan
2020
Download speeds of 5G networks in the US. Source: Salter 2020.
Download speeds of 5G networks in the US. Source: Salter 2020.

Tests by OpenSignal shows Verizon delivering about 700Mbps download speeds in city downtown areas. In low-band 5G, AT&T and T-Mobile achieve speeds of about 60Mbps and 50Mbps respectively. This is better than what 4G can offer for rural areas. In another study from February to April, OpenSignal finds 5G giving better download speeds compared to 4G. This study included networks in the US, UK, South Korea and Australia.

Mar
2020

This year sees some hoax theories to discredit 5G. 5G is blamed for the coronavirus pandemic, either causing the pandemic, accelerating the spread of the virus or worsening the symptoms. In another incident, mass death of birds in Netherlands is blamed on 5G. Subsequent reports show that this is fake news. The birds died in another place and time due to other causes.

Jun
2020

There are now more than 35 countries with 5G service, with claims of faster rollout and adoption compared to 4G. Globally, there are now 114 commercial networks serving nearly 138 million 5G subscribers. By August, 190 commercial 5G devices are available in the market. In October, Apple announces iPhone 12 models with support for 5G.

Jul
2020
Additions and enhancements to 5G in Release 16. Source: Qualcomm 2020b, slide 7.
Additions and enhancements to 5G in Release 16. Source: Qualcomm 2020b, slide 7.

3GPP finalizes Release 16 specifications. This adds support for unlicensed spectrum. It improves on latency, power consumption, positioning and cellular-to-vehicle connectivity. Existing features enhanced by Release 16 include MIMO, beamforming, Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), Dual Connectivity (DC) and Carrier Aggregation (CA).

2022

3GPP Release 17 specifications is expected to come out in 2022. It would impact all three use case families: eMBB, URLLC and mMTC. The focus will be on supporting growing traffic requirements, plus customizing NR for specific verticals such as automotive, logistics, public safety, media and manufacturing.

2023
Expected timeline of 5G Advanced. Source: Rahman et al. 2021, fig. 1.
Expected timeline of 5G Advanced. Source: Rahman et al. 2021, fig. 1.

First specifications of 5G Advanced are expected to be released in 2023, with standardization work commencing in 2022. 5G Advanced will span releases 18, 19, 20 and 21.

References

  1. 3GPP. 2020. "Release 17." 3GPP, December 12. Accessed 2021-02-02.
  2. Alleven, Monica. 2017. "3GPP declares first 5G NR spec complete." FierceWireless. December 20. Accessed 2018-02-20.
  3. Apple. 2020. "Apple introduces iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max with 5G." Press Release, Apple, October 13. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  4. Björnson, Emil. 2017. "How will wireless 5G technology handle 1000 times more data?" Linköping University, Sweden, on YouTube. October 27. Accessed 2018-02-20.
  5. Brown, Gabriel. 2017. "5G Core & the Service-Based Architecture." Light Reading. November 23. Accessed 2018-02-18.
  6. Dano, Mike. 2019. "Another set of 5G standards was just released, but no one really cares." LightReading, April 5. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  7. Desjardins, Jeff. 2018. "5G: The Next Generation of Mobile Connectivity." Visual Capitalist, August 7. Accessed 2020-12-24.
  8. Ekström, Hannes. 2019. "Non-standalone and Standalone: two standards-based paths to 5G." Blog, Ericsson, July 11. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  9. Fletcher, Bevin. 2020. "3GPP completes latest 5G NR spec with Release 16." Fierce Wireless, July 6. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  10. Fundarc-Comm. 2019. "The Need for Globally Harmonised 5G Spectrum." Fundarc Communication, February 2. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  11. Goodwins, Rupert. 2019. "5G New Radio: The technical background." ZDNet, February 1. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  12. Goss, Michaela. 2020. "An overview of 3GPP 5G releases and what each one means." TechTarget, October. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  13. Gue, D'Arcy. 2019. "5G in Healthcare: 7 Advantages & Disadvantages for Providers to Know." HIT Consultant, July 18. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  14. Gunnarsson, Elin. 2020. "5G – 5 drawbacks you may not have thought of." Soluno, August 31. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  15. Ivezic, Marin. 2020. "Introduction to 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Components." 5G.Security, August 16. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  16. Kavanagh, Sacha. 2018a. "What is 5G New Radio (5G NR)." Accessed 2018-02-18.
  17. Kavanagh, Sacha. 2018b. "Guide to Small Cells, HetNets and 5G." 5G.co.uk. Accessed 2018-02-22.
  18. Knapp, Mark. 2019. "The world's first 5G phone: our hands-on with the future of smartphones." TechRadar, April 8. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  19. Larsson, Erik G. 2017. "Massive MIMO for 5G." IEEE 5G Tech Focus, vol. 1, no. 1, March. Accessed 2018-02-18.
  20. Li, Kenneth, and Ju-min Park. 2019. "Who was first to launch 5G? Depends who you ask." Reuters, April 5. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  21. Mendoza, N.F. 2020. "Commercial 5G deployments and subscriptions increasing worldwide." TechRepublic, September 24. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  22. Morris, Anne. 2018. "South Korea Launches 5G, But Only for Enterprise Users Initially." SDxCentral, December 4. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  23. Nordrum, Amy, Kristen Clark, and IEEE Spectrum Staff. 2017. "Everything You Need to Know About 5G." IEEE Spectrum, January 27. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  24. Osseiran, Afif, Stefan Parkvall, Patrik Persson, Ali Zaidi, Sverker Magnusson, and Kumar Balachandran. 2020. "5G wireless access: an overview." White Paper, Ericsson, April 21. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  25. Peisa, Janne, Patrik Persson, Stefan Parkvall, Erik Dahlman, Asbjørn Grøvlen, Christian Hoymann, and Dirk Gerstenberger. 2020. "5G evolution: 3GPP releases 16 & 17 overview." Ericsson Technology Review, Ericsson, March 9. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  26. Poole, Ian. 2018. "5G Full Duplex". Radio-Electronics. Accessed 2018-02-22.
  27. Qualcomm. 2017. "5G mmWave: the next frontier in mobile broadband." September 22. Accessed 2018-02-20.
  28. Qualcomm. 2020a. "What is 5G - Everything you need to know about 5G." Qualcomm. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  29. Qualcomm. 2020b. "Propelling 5G forward: Key 3GPP Release 16 inventions." Qualcomm, June. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  30. Rahman, Imadur, Sara Modarres Razavi, Olof Liberg, Christian Hoymann, Henning Wiemann, Claes Tidestav, Paul Schliwa-Bertling, Patrik Persson, and Dirk Gerstenberger. 2021. "5G Evolution: Toward 5G Advanced." Ericsson Technology Review, October 13. Accessed 2021-11-19.
  31. Rajiv. 2018. "Applications of 5G technology." RF Page. February 10. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  32. Razani, Hooman. 2018. "Getting your G's and N's Right." Award Solutions, November 30. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  33. Reuters. 2020. "False claim: Pictures link bird deaths to new 5G mast in the Netherlands." Reuters, April 29. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  34. Rouse, Margaret. 2009. "Beamforming." TechTarget. Updated October. Accessed 2018-02-18.
  35. Salter, Jim. 2020. "5G in rural areas bridges a gap that 4G doesn’t, especially low- and mid-band." Ars Technica, September 24. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  36. Shankland, Stephen. 2015. "How 5G will push a supercharged network to your phone, home, car." CNET. March 2. Accessed 2018-02-20.
  37. Sharetechnote. 2018. " 5G - Time Table." Accessed 2018-02-22.
  38. Stracuzzi, Marco. 2020. "4G vs. 5G: How New Wireless Technology Will Change Everything." Blog, Telit, July 31. Accessed 2020-12-21.
  39. Thales Group. 2018. "Introducing 5G technology and networks (speed, use cases and rollout)." Thales Group. Updated 2020-12-03. Accessed 2018-02-20.
  40. The Verge. 2020. "How 5G works: the pros and cons." The Verge, on YouTube, June 9. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  41. Tiffany, Kaitlyn. 2020. "The Great 5G Conspiracy." The Atlantic, May 13. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  42. Tong, Wen, and Peiying Zhu. 2014. "5G: A Technology Vision". WinWin Magazine, Huawei, pp. 17-21, March. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  43. Vaughan-Nichols, Steven J. 2020. "At this point, 5G is a bad joke." Computerworld, IDG Communications, September 17. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  44. Waterson, Jim and Alex Hern. 2020. "How false claims about 5G health risks spread into the mainstream." The Guardian, April 7. Accessed 2020-12-22.

Further Reading

  1. Qualcomm. 2020a. "What is 5G - Everything you need to know about 5G." Qualcomm. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  2. Sutton, Andy. 2018. "5G Network Architecture, Design and Optimization." January 24. Accessed 2018-02-20.
  3. 5G-PPP. 2016. "View on 5G Architecture." v1.0, 5G-PPP, July. Accessed 2020-12-22.
  4. 3GPP. 2018a. "3GPP Specification 38 series." Accessed 2018-02-20.
  5. IEEE Spectrum. 2017. "Everything You Need to Know About 5G." YouTube. February 6. Accessed 2018-02-20.
  6. ETSI. 2018. "5G." Accessed 2018-02-20.

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Cite As

Devopedia. 2021. "5G Technology." Version 37, November 19. Accessed 2024-06-25. https://devopedia.org/5g-technology
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Last updated on
2021-11-19 10:42:41