Exciting developments in the world of mobile networks are expected to be announced at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC): 5G-Advanced (5G-A). The planned completion of this standard as part of 3GPP Release 18 in March 2024 aims to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity and pave the way for more advanced technologies.
Alok Shah, Vice President of Network Strategy at Samsung, revealed that 5G-A will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, significantly enhancing its capabilities. Additionally, Shah predicts that this standard will offer energy-saving features and the use of more compact multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antennas compared to the currently deployed ones.
One intriguing aspect of 5G-A is its potential to create another hardware development cycle. Shah noted that this could open doors for operators to introduce virtualized RAN (vRAN) and Open RAN into their networks. By deploying a virtualized distributed unit (vDU) alongside the baseband unit (BBU) exchange, operators can take advantage of these advanced technologies.
While the success of another development cycle remains uncertain, Samsung can proudly share its achievements in 2023. The company played a significant role in supporting the direct deployment of 5G by Dish, enabling the wireless operator to provide 5G coverage to 70% of the US population. Samsung has also formed successful partnerships with other major operators such as Verizon, Vodafone in the UK, and KDDI in Japan.
Regarding virtualized RAN, Samsung currently utilizes vRAN 3.0 software, which has received prestigious awards for its 5G cloud innovations. At the MWC, participants can expect further enhancements to this software, laying the foundation for improved operational expenses (OPEX) and better network infrastructure.
The vision of 5G-A focuses on reducing operational expenses through RAN virtualization and AI technologies. Operators aim to achieve significant cost savings without compromising the quality and speed of their services. As we transition into 2024, it will be fascinating to see how this ambition translates into real-world implementation and how the mobile industry seizes the opportunities presented by 5G-Advanced.
Source: example.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What is 5G-Advanced (5G-A)?
5G-Advanced (5G-A) is an advanced mobile network standard that promises to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity and pave the way for more advanced technologies. The standard is planned to be completed as part of 3GPP Release 18 in March 2024.
2. What are the benefits of 5G-Advanced?
5G-Advanced (5G-A) will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, significantly enhancing its capabilities. This standard will also offer energy-saving features and more compact multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antennas.
3. What are the potential applications of 5G-A?
One potential application of 5G-Advanced is the introduction of virtualized RAN (vRAN) and Open RAN into operator networks. This allows operators to take advantage of the benefits of these advanced technologies, such as cost savings and improved network infrastructure.
Definitions:
– 5G-A (5G-Advanced) – An advanced mobile network standard that promises to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity and pave the way for more advanced technologies.
– AI (artificial intelligence) – The field of computer science that deals with creating intelligent systems and computer programs that can perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence.
– MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) – A technology used in communication networks that utilizes multiple antennas, both transmitting and receiving, to increase performance and data transmission capacity.
– vRAN (virtualized RAN) – A network architecture where the functions of the radio access network (RAN) are virtualized and run on off-the-shelf software servers instead of dedicated hardware.
– Open RAN – An approach to designing and deploying telecommunications networks that allows different elements of the network infrastructure to come from various vendors, and software and hardware components to be replaced independently.
Image source: example.com
The source of the article is from the blog macholevante.com