What to expect with next-generation wireless — 5G Networks

Manoj Kumar
5 min readDec 31, 2018
5G (Source: https://keysight-h.assetsadobe.com/is/image/content/dam/keysight/en/img/shared-resources/white-papers/whitepaper-derisking-5g-product-development-5992-3003en.png)

Objective

In this article, we will dissect 5G technology and how it will revolutionize word. In the end, I will shift focus to mobile large-scale analytics.

5G

5G is the term used to portray the up-coming age of mobile networks past the 4G LTE versatile systems of today. Although the definition of 5G is still unclear.

5G evolution and comparison

All the U.S. carriers are racing toward next-generation network 5G as the successor to current age 4G LTE networks. AT&T is trying to launch the first ever 5G network for the mobile. In contrast, Verizon’s 5G is limited to constrained homes for now. T-Mobile already announced its 5G services by next year. Sprint and LG are partnering to launch the world’s first 5G cell phone. Xiaomi is also planning to launch 5G-capable Mi Mix 3 cell phone next month.

Source: http://newline.tech/blog/what-will-the-era-of-5g-bring-us/

4G vs 5G

Some of the key differences are listed as follows.

5G vs 4G
Source: https://www.is-wireless.com/about-us/evolution-4g-5g/

Architecture considerations

5G architecture and deployment depend on usability. As of now, it is expected video streaming will grow substantially with 4k/8k, video conferencing, augmented reality/virtual reality, billions of IoT devices and their real-time streaming. To achieve these kinds of performance, It is more likely network need dense cell coverage with higher bandwidth spectrum. We can see more capacity per site at backhaul layer(denser mobile grid) and at Radio Access Network(RAN) due to increased capacity density. Architecture can use small cells, microcells, rooftop antenna, traditional towers, and other physical hardware throughout smart cities. At&T focusing on mmWave base architecture which will save mobile device power as well.

Operators are also focusing on virtualizing their networks for services such as cloud services and network functions virtualizations(NFV)/software defined networks(SDN). 5G architecture based on NFV/SDN will uplift cloud native access, transport and core networks to empower distributed 5G services and technologies, for example, edge-to-edge network slicing and segment based network functions.

Source: https://www.sdxcentral.com/5g/definitions/5g-network-slicing/

Cost

Verizon 5G Home announce a plan to roll out gigabit internet speed through its 5G home broadband service. Expected cost will be $50 per month for Verizon Wireless customers otherwise $70. Early adopters will get perks, like free installation, a promotion with three months of free service, and a choice of free Chromecast or Apple 4K, along with three months of YouTube TV at no cost.

Speed

“Verizon 5G Home customers should expect typical network speeds around 300 Mbps and, depending on location, peak speeds of nearly 1 Gig, with no data caps,” Verizon said. This internet speed is good enough to download Blu-Ray movie in minutes time. Response times will go up by roughly 23 times faster. This speed is competitive against DSL, cable, and fiber internet services attractive to cord-cutters. It is expected 90% of user will see at least 100Mbps with 5G network compare to as they are seeing 8Mbps with 4G LTE.

5G is ready to take connectivity to the next heights with enhanced speeds and less latency. It will power 4k/8K streaming, connected autonomous cars, high-quality gaming, augmented reality/virtual reality, instant communications, numerous IoT devices, and their real-time streaming.

“We will deliver a revolutionary 5G experience that will change how people live, work and play,” Verizon Chief Technology Officer Kyle Malady said in a statement.

New Data Sources for Mobile Devices

As network speed, capacity and latency are drastically improving with 5G following new data sources will be feasible for mobile.

  • 4K/8K video streaming — Mobile uses can watch high quality 4K/8K video streams in the near real-time environment. China is trying with ultra-high definition live drone broadcasts using 5G.
  • AR/VR — Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality will be more realistic in the user’s hand. The following picture shows one use case envisioned by T-Mobile in 2020. A bicyclist dodges an accident after a virtual heads-up showcase cautions him that a SUV is moving toward quick from behind.
T-Mobile imagines a near future when 5G speeds let bicyclists spot danger from all sides. Credit: T-Mobile.
  • Connected Gaming — High quality connected gaming will be feasible. Even games can use AR/VR.
  • Big Data — Higher speed can bring direct access to big data to make an informed decision.
  • Other life changing sources and use
Source: http://newline.tech/blog/what-will-the-era-of-5g-bring-us/

Concerns

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) referred to “emerging science linking exposure to RF microwave radiation with serious biological harm.” Mill Valley, California and some other cities are already working on passing laws to ban 5G deployment. The innovation accompanies a prerequisite that towers be far more noteworthy in number and far closer to clients. A few inhabitants in North Potomac say in excess of 60 5G remote towers have been introduced under 30 feet from their front entryways.

Conclusion

As promised, if 5G achieves even half of the speed it will be a gigantic jump forward that could in a general sense change how we utilize mobile and IoT devices. It will not be enough to just build 5G or gigabit-LTE networks we also need several kinds of devices which can leverage such fast speed.

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Manoj Kumar

Lead Software Engineer/Architect (Cloud, Data science, Machine learning, Web development, DevOps), AWSCertified SA. https://www.linkedin.com/in/manojkumar19/