5G NR (new radio) is the new standard for 5G wireless technology capable of much faster, efficient and scalable network. 5G NR technology will enable us to connect with many things in the surrounding with low latency and lighting speed.
Since the third generation of mobile network has been launched, we are able to send and receive data via mobile network. Current 4G technology offers faster data rate than its previous generations but it has limitation due to its bandwidth, scalability and number of users under individual cells.
5G NR has been designed to scale the network efficiently for next 10 to 15 years. Any future enhancements will not affect existing network and performance improvements are possible.
5G NR – Roadmap
We are expecting initial 5G NR system to be launched in the mid of 2018 or beginning of 2019. However, many tests have to be conducted, spectrum allocation and infrastructure has to be developed including user equipment (UE) within limited time frame.
How 5G NR works and high performance achieved?
Unlicensed spectrum: 5G NR will be using millimeter wave spectrum above 24 GHz range. Some of the candidates for 5G NR are
Below 1 GHz bands like 600 MHz and 700 MHz for long range transmission
Mid 1GHz to 6 GHz unlicensed bands for higher bandwidth
Millimeter wave: it plays a big role in 5G NR system due to much higher bandwidth. Top candidates for future 5G networks are 24.25 to 27.5 GHz, 27.5 to 29.5 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz and 57 to 71 GHz range.
Massive MIMO: using MIMO technology, downlink speed up to 952 mbps can be achieved in test cases. MIMO will use complex antenna arrays to multiply transmission speed to achieve maximum speed and efficiency.
Small Cell: small cell network is a group of low power transmitting base stations which uses millimeter waves to enhance network capacity. The total network load is shared between small cells and difficulties of physical obstructions eliminated.
Modern network terminologies like beamforming and full duplex can be efficiently utilized with small cell concept and millimeter waves for transmission.
Dynamic TDD technology: allows to simultaneously transmitting and receiving efficiently and utilizing wider bandwidth for transmission. Advanced modulation techniques of existing FDD, TDD and combined technology can be used for more efficient spectrum usage.
Self contained TDD subframe structure offers much efficient transmission capabilities and coexistence with other systems which the system supports.
Find more about 5 network terminologies of 5G – millimeter waves, massive MIMO, small cells, beamforming and full duplex.
Advantages of 5G NR
5G NR system will offer a much faster, scalable and efficient network which can support billions of devices and emerging technologies like Internet of Things. Moreover, unlicensed spectrum has unlimited opportunities due to higher bandwidth even up to 500MHz.
One of the most important advantages of 5G NR system is its forward compatibility for next 10 to 15 years. 5G NR is capable of further enhancements in the coming years without interrupting the existing network.
Low latency design offers a much reliable network and support mission critical application with higher accuracy. Low latency and precision is very crucial in autonomous driving and connected car concept.
Ultra low cost deployments of scalable network with deep coverage and ultra reliability. Less power consumption makes this system energy efficient and adaptive.
Applications
- Ultra fast mobile internet
- High performance, HD multimedia download and streaming
- Internet of Things applications
- Healthcare and wearable applications
- Mission critical applications
- Autonomous driving and position mapping
- Industrial automation and real time monitoring
- Smart sensor technology for agriculture and farming
- Inventory management, warehouse and shipping
- Smart city and security applications
Final thoughts
We are witnessing technology evolutions in mobile networks, from basic text messages to HD multimedia streaming and virtual reality. Since internet is an inevitable factor of each area of growth, the network has to be fast, scalable, reliable and energy efficient. 5G NR has started another stage of technology evolution to support huge demand for a smarter network which will offer an amazing experience in future.
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