Revolutionizing Connectivity

5G Use Cases

5G is the leading technology for large-scale geographic applications and for applications where latency is critical. The challenge across industries lies in understanding use cases and conveying value effectively. Early telecom networks used "time" to represent costs, as usage directly correlated with monetization. Consumers easily grasped time as both a billed unit (e.g., $0.05 per minute) and consumption unit. This model extended to text messaging, with unit-based pricing (e.g., 100 texts for $1). With 4G LTE networks and advancements in consumer electronics, cellular networks evolved beyond talk and text, shifting to data-centric models (e.g., $5/GB). Conversely, fixed-line broadband focused on throughput (e.g., Mbps) to differentiate product tiers, offering unlimited access.

We are collectively enthused as we step into the new era of 5G, breaking away from the confines of the previous "4th generation lens" focused solely on data speeds and volumes. With the ongoing evolution of 5G, we anticipate the emergence of new use cases and a heightened emphasis on shared knowledge to enhance industry understanding. This article represents a step forward in advancing the vision of 5G

What is needed for 5G: Ecosystem, devices, use cases.

The two commercial 5G use cases we'll discuss are:

·       Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): This includes applications like home internet.

·       Private Networks: These networks enable practical implementation of 5G at a smaller scale.

5G Network Architecture and Technology:

5G epitomizes a significant evolution in contemporary communication systems, elevating numerous facets of traditional 4G services. The ensuing sections delineate vital architectural refinements and technological catalysts essential for forthcoming 5G applications. These innovations have profoundly bolstered recent milestones witnessed in both 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and the implementation of private 5G networks.

Enhancements in telecommunication network architecture are driven by the goal of improving overall operational effectiveness. In recent years, notable advancements have been witnessed within 5G networks, signaling a continued trajectory of progress. Four key cutting-edge functionalities are expected to mature: the Radio Intelligence Controller (RIC), Network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for programmable networks, edge computing, and network slicing. These advancements have already begun to yield efficiencies and adaptable solutions for operators, particularly in the realms of Virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRAN) and Open Radio Access Networks (ORAN).

The landscape of Radio Access Network (RAN) is undergoing a transformative shift, transitioning from traditional monolithic and single-vendor solutions to the principles of disaggregation, virtualization, and Open RAN. Disaggregation and Open RAN provide operators with flexibility by allowing the selection of best-of-breed RAN components, while 5G RAN virtualization fosters innovation, scalability, and efficiency. These advancements empower operators to deploy responsive networks that cater to diverse 5G use cases. As the industry progresses, themes of disaggregation, Open RAN, and virtualization will contribute to a responsive, adaptable, and future-ready 5G ecosystem.

The evolving landscape also highlights four advanced 5G capabilities expected to significantly impact architectural evolution. The Radio Intelligence Controller (RIC) automates essential functions within the RAN, reducing human intervention and enhancing operational efficiency. Network slicing, a concept exclusive to 5G Standalone (SA), enables the creation of multiple virtual networks within a shared physical infrastructure, customized to fulfill unique use case requirements. Edge computing shifts computational tasks and data processing closer to the network edge, enabling low latency and high-performance applications. Network and service APIs simplify network functionalities, empowering software developers to create innovative applications and services that leverage 5G network capabilities.

These architectural elements create new possibilities for advancing 5G telecommunications capabilities, empowering operators to deliver higher performance, responsiveness, customization, and innovative services. Many companies worldwide are investing in advancing 5G network capabilities using these technological advancements. Some operators are also establishing developer platforms to stimulate the development of new services, while also working with vendor partners on various 5G network slicing initiatives to utilize the robust capabilities of 5G Standalone network technology specifications.

Alongside broader architectural evolution, critical 5G technology enablers have transformed wireless communication. These features, often implemented promptly after standards publication, include shared spectrum, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), and Carrier Aggregation (CA) and Dual Connectivity (DC) advancements. These enablers have collectively facilitated enhanced performance, capacity, and capabilities in 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Private 5G (P5G) networks.

Now we discuss the FWA and Private 5G networks in detail.

Fixed Wireless Access (1st Use Case):

As the 5G era progresses, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) emerges as a formidable contender in the broadband market, reshaping internet access for both residential and business sectors across diverse geographies. FWA, especially 5G-powered, introduces notable shifts in the broadband landscape. Firstly, it expands competition, enabling Mobile Network Operators to challenge traditional fixed-line providers, fostering innovation and service enhancements. Secondly, FWA alters broadband economics, offering cost-effective alternatives in areas where traditional infrastructure deployment is challenging. This surge in FWA adoption is not solely driven by technological advancements but also favorable economic factors. Key improvements contributing to favorable FWA economics include rapid deployment and scalability, mid-band spectrum availability, federal grants supporting broadband growth, and decreasing Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) costs. These factors collectively drive the affordability, scalability, and accessibility of FWA, playing a crucial role in narrowing the digital divide and revolutionizing broadband connectivity.

FWA presents a significant opportunity for both individual consumers and the enterprise sector, particularly SMEs, in emerging markets where these businesses drive economic activity. As businesses increasingly digitize, the demand for high-speed broadband connectivity grows, essential for various operations such as e-commerce, cloud services, and IoT applications. Many SMEs, including Small Office and Home Office (SoHo) entities, operate in areas with limited connectivity, relying on outdated infrastructure like microwave point-to-point access. Catering FWA services to both consumers and SMEs can lead to operational synergies, optimizing network traffic distribution and ensuring efficient service for both segments. SMEs, with greater purchasing power than individual consumers, underscore the importance of expanding FWA coverage to foster economic growth and innovation in underserved areas.

As the global population of fixed wireless access subscribers continues to expand, projections indicate that by 2028, approximately 80% of these subscribers will utilize 5G access technology, as reported in the Ericsson Mobility Report of June 2023.

The millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum is gaining recognition for its potential in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) deployments as 5G technology proliferates, offering reduced latency and significantly higher speeds, potentially reaching gigabit levels. Despite challenges such as propagation losses and line-of-sight requirements, mmWave technology holds promise for ultra-fast speeds and expansive networks. According to GSMA projections, dense urban areas may require between 150 MHz and 700 MHz of mmWave spectrum bandwidth to meet the demands of 5G FWA, while suburban and rural regions may necessitate higher bandwidth due to less Fiber-To-The-Home coverage. The propagation characteristics of mmWave spectrum result in shorter cell ranges, typically up to 600 meters to 1 kilometer, but with optimal conditions and innovative solutions like elevated radio sites and outdoor roof-mounted Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs), cell ranges can extend to several kilometers. Field tests across various continents have shown promising results, demonstrating the potential of mmWave spectrum for 5G FWA. By integrating strategies such as mmWave range extension and adjusting the guard period in Time Division Duplex (TDD) format, mmWave FWA can cater to households several kilometers away, as evidenced by Samsung's successful 10 km long-range transmission over 5G mmWave in collaboration with NBN Co in Australia.

Private 5G Networks (2nd Use Case):

As technology progressed, the focus shifted towards data-centric applications, with Wi-Fi falling short for modern needs like smart factories. In contrast, 5G offers improved mobility, latency, and security. Private 5G networks (P5G) utilize licensed, unlicensed, or shared spectrum to provide dedicated connectivity with top-notch performance and heightened security. P5G focuses on user-selected devices, ensuring consistent performance without interference from public users. 5G introduces features like Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) and massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), revolutionizing business operations, such as real-time autonomous vehicle control. Unlike Wi-Fi, 5G ensures security through device authentication and licensed spectrum connections. As industries embrace digital transformation driven by IoT and AI, 5G with its advanced capabilities, including network slicing, emerges as the ideal choice for private networks. The commercial rollout of P5G networks has begun, with significant market growth anticipated, projected to reach between $39 billion and over $100 billion by 2030, underscoring its increasing importance in the digital landscape.

Organizations like 3GPP have collaborated to enhance LTE and 5G networks, especially for critical communications such as public safety. 3GPP Rel. 16, building on Rel-15, has facilitated advanced 5G applications like network slicing and enterprise services. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown posed global challenges, delaying the introduction of new specifications and pushing back deployment timelines for P5G-related features. The 5G device landscape is still evolving, with industrial chipsets based on Rel. 16 expected by 2024. Once available, these industrial features will require validation with industrial OEMs, likely driving a surge in 5G private network adoption post-2024. Despite challenges, 5G is poised to become the preferred choice for private networks, with varying adoption rates across industries, with manufacturing and transport leading and healthcare and public sectors catching up. Multiple factors are driving the adoption of P5G networks across different industries.

Here are some key drivers for P5G networks:

Spectrum and regulatory landscape are constantly evolving, becoming increasingly favorable for private network deployments.

Digital transformation demand continues to accelerate. The paramount importance of safety and security drives the adoption of P5G networks.

P5G Performance Superiority and Flexibility (vs alternatives) enhanced performance and flexibility. It’s versatile, supporting the Sub-6GHz and millimeter Wave spectrum, which allows for a range of coverage and capacity scenarios.

3GPP Rel-16, the comprehensive 5G specification, expanded on Rel-15's groundwork, with a focus on advanced applications like enterprise services and network slicing. It introduced significant enhancements, particularly beneficial for the enterprise sector. Rel-17, finalized in March 2022, and the upcoming Rel-18, anticipated in Q1 2024, promise both evolutionary and revolutionary features tailored for enterprise use. A notable addition, Sidelink, enables direct device-to-device communication, offering cost efficiencies and enhancing deployments in enterprise settings. This advancement extends network reach and enhances safety by enabling interaction between devices such as smartphones and wearables with vehicles. Notably, 5G-Advanced will further enhance Sidelink capabilities, emphasizing Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications, thereby improving public safety measures.

The current data explosion, driven by technologies like AR, high-resolution imaging, and sensor networks, necessitates agile data management solutions to effectively harness and leverage this wealth of information. With frequent network changes, robust cybersecurity measures become crucial to safeguard valuable data against potential threats, shaping digital transformation and fostering innovation across industries. ABI Research predicts a notable increase in URLLC connections from 2024 to 2025, followed by a substantial surge in 2027. Manufacturers are expected to utilize more robots, requiring ultra-fast, reliable connections for real-time data from devices and interfaces like Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) or robotic control-based industrial automation. Industries will employ mMTC for equipment monitoring and eMBB for transmitting content to and from AR glasses. The ongoing digitization of industries presents significant opportunities for growth and advancement.

Conclusion:

Residential Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has become a commercial reality, serving millions of households in America and exemplifying successful 5G adoption beyond smartphone-centric applications. Its simplicity and familiarity promote early adoption, offering a viable alternative to traditional wired broadband, especially in underserved areas. Successful FWA deployment relies on factors like mid-band spectrum availability and capacity-enhancing features like Carrier Aggregation (CA). Government initiatives to bridge digital divides will be crucial for FWA's continued success, supported by growing evidence of their macroeconomic importance. As 5G adoption and internet usage continue, the scarcity of appropriate spectrum to meet demand will pose a growing concern.

Private 5G networks are increasingly appealing to the industrial sector due to their tangible advantages, including flexible architecture, seamless mobility, and expanded coverage using shared and licensed spectrum. Despite these benefits, widespread adoption of P5G faces challenges, primarily stemming from industry fragmentation in both technology development and business models. The initial focus on eMBB in 5G development led to tradeoffs, delaying advancements in URLLC and mMTC features. Additionally, the adoption of non-standalone architecture leveraging legacy 4G networks further hindered the development of standalone 5G ecosystems, particularly for applications like private 5G. Overcoming these challenges requires addressing industry fragmentation and refocusing efforts on advancing URLLC and mMTC capabilities to unlock the full potential of P5G networks across various sectors.