How 5G will Change the World

Technology Trends 5G has a wealth of applications and trends. Among them, there are three most promising trends:enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (MTC). In essence, eMBB can provide a better mobile data connection. This includes the use of fixed wireless access to compete with traditional fixed broadband (as described in market trends). And MTC can make applications such as smart grids and smart cities possible. These applications require excellent coverage and a large amount of connectivity and have the potential to change our lifestyle. In 2019, among these three trends, eMBB is most likely to be implemented. And eMBB will bring a series of technology trends affecting the mobile field in Asia

NSA and SA discussion Most 5G deployments are non-independent networking (NSA) standards. Essentially, this means that the existing 4G will support 5G networks. From the MNO’s point of view, this is very meaningful, because they have invested a lot of money in the development of 4G network platforms, many of which can be virtualized to expand to 5G. China will take a very different route, namely adopting 5G independent (SA) network and equipment standards. Although this route needs to be upgraded throughout the value chain, it has many advantages. SA can improve data throughput performance and enable wider 5G coverage, down to the edge of the network. It is predicted that SA will support the development of URLLC applications and provide a platform for the development of more applications. Antenna development The antenna and its size and shape will become a key factor in 5G. For example, when using millimeter-wave spectrum (mmWave) with operating frequencies usually higher than 26 GHz, MNOs will need to deploy dense small cell networks at the street level; when using frequencies below 6 GHz, they will need to be on crowded towers and rooftops. Add a new base station on. These factors will drive the adoption of active-passive antennas (APA) as a solution. This technology aims to simplify the evolution of MNO to 5G. By combining the IMO system with passive multi-band antennas, multiple problems can be solved without changing the shape or performance of the antenna. Since the size of this antenna is similar to that of a typical passive antenna, it can be optimally placed in a crowded area, thereby solving heat dissipation-related issues. RAN 5G in the cloud will bring about a data explosion in the entire mobile network. One of the solutions that network operators seek is to place a radio access network (RAN) in the cloud. C-RAN (or cloud RAN), also known as centralized RAN, aims to reduce operating costs.

The C-RAN architecture has three main components-a centralized baseband unit (BBU) pool, a remote radio unit (RRU) network, and a frontal. The BBU node will dynamically allocate resources to the RRU based on network requirements. RRU network-The RRU network will connect wireless devices, which is similar to an access point or signal tower in a traditional cellular network. C-RAN substantially reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) and can improve network performance. Just because of these factors, it will promote the development and deployment of this technology. More importantly, C-RAN can ensure that the MNO does not have to rebuild the entire data transmission network while promoting reuse and reducing energy consumption. The C-RAN architecture also enables MNOs to jointly perform RAN functions and other network functions in the data center environment. This provides a unique use case that allows operators to provide mobile broadband network services in these environments, especially as the deployment of micro data centers and edge clouds continues to increase. Operability is the key to the realization of C-RAN. CommScope has joined the Open RAN partner ecosystem to solve this problem. It will conduct interoperability testing with other participants in the ecosystem. The complete ORAN specification including the management level (M level) has been officially released. CommScope is also vigorously developing mMIMO solutions. The company worked with Nokia to develop an integrated antenna solution to increase the density of 5G networks, including its dual-band FDD-LTE antenna. Indoor 5G coverage In the development of 5G, one of the most exciting features is indoor network coverage. In most cases, indoor connectivity is provided through a combination of Wi-Fi and fixed broadband networks.

Service providers can use indoor 5G to promote new applications for entertainment and industrial purposes. A typical example is the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. During the period, the organizers installed 360-degree panoramic cameras at different locations in the stadium. 5G is used to transmit high-definition video signals to the VR area of ​​the auditorium in real-time, thereby creating a uniquely immersive experience. In 2019, more new applications will emerge, such as telemedicine, smart manufacturing, and emergency rescue. These use cases have strict requirements on network reliability and latency, and currently, only 5G can meet these requirements. For example, Zhejiang Second People’s Hospital, BGI, and China Mobile Zhejiang Company have jointly committed to further innovation in 5G telemedicine. CommScope is working to realize these use cases by developing new technologies and products. For example, CommScope Era provides an all-digital C-RAN antenna system, which can create a centralized head end to provide services for multiple buildings; it can even tap the operator’s existing centralized radio access network (C-RAN) center Capacity. At the same time, the company’s OneCell uses a distributed C-RAN baseband architecture to create a “super base station” on multiple access points throughout the building to eliminate handover and border interference. In this way, multiple users can dynamically share the same frequency, thus doubling the system capacity. Increasing network density As the speed of 5G exceeds 4G by 10 times or more, it is necessary to increase the density of the network itself.

As early as when the 3G and 4G networks were launched, the MNO already knew this, so it added partitions and small base stations. This trend will continue in the 5G era, and it is necessary to further increase the density of macro base stations, indoor base stations, and small base stations. Increasing density will bring about the problem of increasing network complexity because the number of base station boundaries has greatly increased. This means that interference is more likely to become a problem and the risk of loss of connection increases. CommScope’s Metro Cell series of outdoor small cell solutions enable RF equipment to be installed on the top, middle, or bottom of poles, thereby meeting the most stringent zoning requirements. At the same time, the company continued to innovate in fiber-optic power supply solutions and remote power supply solutions, using common wired infrastructure to power remote base stations and providing a wealth of fiber-to-antenna (FTTA) solutions.