Our Mobile world is rapidly changing every day, from voice service to data speeds and application. We are looking at the year 2020 and beyond. If we start browsing the web on the topic of future of Cellular Mobile Services, there is a new kid on the block. Before we mention its name let us first look at the demand of the subscribers and the industry towards the future.

What do subscribers and the industry need?

• More data speeds or throughput.
  
• More devices are in the market and development never stops.
  
• Applications including industrial needs have increased.
  
• Traditional Industries are undergoing digital transformation to mobilize their operations.
  
• Network operators will address all these needs with a better and optimized Network.
  

The answer is clear, we need a new network which can provide the solution to these demands. This gave birth to 5G, the latest technology on the block. Let us look at the definition as provided by ITU and 3GPP.

What is 5G?

• ITU IMT-2020 defines 5G as a Standard that provides 20Gbps (data speed) and use the millimeter wave of 15Ghz and higher.
  
• 3GPP states that 5G standard uses NR New Radio software. The 5G New Radio includes lower frequencies 600Mhz to 6Ghz.
  
• Eventually used frequency band from 6Ghz to 300Ghz.
  

What will 5G provide?

Source: Wikipedia

What Technologies do we need?

• Millimeter Waves
  

  Currently all cellular technologies have occupied the major frequency range in the given spectrum. This means 5G needs to have new spectrum for better performance and data rates. This spectrum is from 6 GHz to 300 GHz.
  

• Small Cells
  

  Smaller base stations are needed to make sure that coverage is continuous for subscribers and objects (sensors). Since the higher frequencies have shorter coverage, absorption and penetration losses are very high.
  

• Massive MIMO
  

  MIMO stands for Multiple-input multiple-output. While it involves multiple technologies, MIMO can essentially be boiled down to this single principle: a wireless network that allows the transmitting and receiving of more than one data signal simultaneously over the same radio channel.
  

• Beam forming
  

  Beam forming is a signal processing technique used in sensor arrays for directional signal transmission or reception. This is achieved by combining elements in a phased array in such a way that signals at angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference.
  

• Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)
  

  is a network architecture concept that enables cloud computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge of the cellular network and, more in general at the edge of any network.
  

• Full Duplex
  

  Full duplex allows a node to transmit and receive simultaneously in the same frequency band, thus, theoretically, doubling the system throughput over conventional half-duplex systems.
  

5G Architecture

Source: 3GPP

• 5G Core Network
  
  • AMF – Access and Mobility Management Function
    
  • UPF – User Plane Function
    
• New Generation Radio Access Network (RAN)
  
  • NG – Next Generation
    
  • gNB – Next Generation Node-B (5G)
    
  • eNB- Enhanced Node B (LTE)
    

• eMBB – Enhanced Mobile Broadband
  
  • aims to meet the people’s demand for an increasingly digital lifestyle and focuses on services that have high requirements for bandwidth, such as high definition (HD) videos, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).
    
• mMTC – Massive Machine Type Communications
  
  • aims to meet demands for a further developed digital society and focuses on services that include high requirements for connection density, such as smart city and smart agriculture.
    
• URLLC – Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communications
  
  • aims to meet expectations for the demanding digital industry and focuses on latency-sensitive services, such as assisted and automated driving, and remote management.
    

5G Timeline

Source: Nokia

Given our demands and the technologies needed by 5G, we can expect a massive infrastructure roll-out. We need to have small cell, approach meaning the coverage area would be smaller due to the higher frequency band to be used. Around 10 or 15 meters antenna height (outdoor). We also expect that 5G will be deployed in city centers, where data traffic will be high. The deployment would be for both outdoor and indoor sites. Going to the sub-urban areas, however certain industries such as manufacturing or production facilities could be given priority to serve its digital transformation process. This leads us to our summary

Summary

• Cellular Networks need to Evolve due to Subscriber needs on Data.
  
• There will be more connected devices and objects (sensors) in the network 2020 onwards (IoT).
  
• This network will convert the existing industrial setting into a digital and Mobilized segment (IIoT).
  
• This evolved network should be compatible with existing 3G and 4G systems.
  
• This evolved network should have connectivity for rapidly expanding Cloud Networks.
  
• 5G can deliver the solution for these network demands.
  

Disclaimer: This Blog is the product of the authors 20 years’ experience in the Cellular Telecommunications in the Philippines. This does not have any relation or thoughts with my current, former and future employers. This includes my customers in all my years in Telecoms in the Philippines. All ideas are mine by way of experience. References are found in Wikipedia and corporate websites in the internet which are for public use and viewing.This includes presentations or Blog pages which are also acknowledge by the author.