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Introduction to 5G

Technical Report · January 2020

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14027.00804

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Introduction to 5G
Navid Fazle Rabbi

5G is the fifth generation of wireless communications

technologies supporting cellular data networks. Large-scale
adoption began in 2019 and today virtually every
telecommunication service provider in the developed world is
upgrading its infrastructure to offer 5G functionality. 5G
communication requires the use of communications devices
(mostly mobile phones) designed to support the technology. It is
a very agile technology.

Developing a Solid Understanding

of 5G
Key Performance Indicators
KPIs:
1. Rate
2. Number of Devices
3. Criticality
5G can support a lot of industrial processes. Its
latency is very low. It can be easily used instead of
wireless systems.
Comparing 4G & 5G KPIs
Parameter IMT-Advanced (4G) IMT-2020 (5G)
Peak Date Rate DL: 1GBps DL: 20GBps
UL: 0.5GBps UL: 10GBps
User Experienced Data Rate 10Mbps 100Mbps
Peak Spectra Efficiency DL: 15bps/Hz DL: 30bps/Hz
UL: 6.75bps/Hz UL: 15bps/Hz
Mobility 350km/h 500km/h
User Plane Latency 10ms 1ms
Connection Density 1000 devices/km2 1000000 devices/km2
Energy Consumption 1 (Normalized) 1/10x of 4G
Mobile Date Volume 0.01Tb/s/km2 10Tb/s/km2

Diminishing the latency was the biggest challenge.

5G Technical Use Cases
Enhanced Mobile Broadband
(eMBB)
- Applications: Streaming,
Web, Browsing, Video
Conference, VR etc.
Massive Machine Type
Communications (mMTC)
- Applications: Sensors,
Smart City, High Number of
Devices.
Ultra-Reliable and Low
Latency Communications
(URLLC)
- Applications: Mission
Critical, Industrial

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 - High Throughput - Low Cost Automation, Drone Control,
- Limited Movements of the - Enhanced Coverage Self-Driving Cars etc.
User. - Long Battery Life - Short Delays
- IOT Based - Extreme Reliability

Technical Enablers
Spectrum – 5G Pioneering Bands
5G provides a high plethora of Spectrum Bands, these are known as the Pioneering Bands. There has been
a lot of talk about the frequency spectrum that 5G technology will use. With the first 5G-NR standard
officially announced, network operators all over the world are conducting trials with the objective to deploy
the technology commercially sometime in the next 2-3 years. Different countries have proposed and are
working on different frequency bands that range all the way from 600 MHz to 71 GHz. In this article, we
have outlined the proposed 5G Bands by country.

 United States: The United State is leading the way in 5G R&D. At the lower end of the frequency
spectrum they are using the 600 MHz (2 x 35 MHz) band, the 3100 - 3550 MHz band and the 3700 -
4200 MHz band. At the higher end of the frequency spectrum they are using the 27.5 – 28.35 GHz band
and the 37 – 40 GHz band. Mobile operators in the US have already conducted trails in these frequency
bands. The FCC has also opened up spectrum from 64 - 71 GHz for 5G use as well, however, there has
not been too much activity in this frequency band yet.
 Europe: Countries in the EU are using both low and high frequency bands for the initial 5G trails. In
the lower bands they are using the 3400 - 3800 MHz frequency band and in the higher frequency bands
they are using the frequency band from 24.25 - 27.5 GHz.
 China: In China there are ongoing trials in the 3300 - 3600 MHz band with the possibility of the 4400
– 4500 MHz band and 4800 – 4990 MHz band also being used. At higher frequencies China is
considering using the 24.25 – 27.5 GHz band and the 37 – 43.5 GHz band.

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 Japan: They are looking at using the frequency spectrum from 3600 - 4200 MHz and 4400 - 4900
MHz in the lower bands and the 27.5 – 28.28 GHz in the higher bands.
 Korea: They were one of the first countries to start R&D on 5G Technology with the aim to launch it
during the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Feb, 2018. Though, they have not commercially launched
this yet, they have made significant strides towards commercialization of the technology. They are
currently conducting trials in the 26.5 – 29.5 GHz band.
Propagation characteristics is very good and there is relatively good link in these bands. The three bands
that needs to be given consideration is –
1. Sub-Gigahertz
The range of sub-GHz networking is longer than WiFi and Bluetooth, given the same antennas and
transmission power. This is because the lower radio frequencies in sub-GHz networking is not
absorbed by physical matter as much as 2.4 GHz signals.
The typical range of a WiFi transmitter can be up to some 50 meters (150 feet) indoors and 100
meters (300 feet) outdoors. Bluetooth has a shorter range and typically will only go some 10 meters
(30 feet) indoors.
In contrast, sub-GHz networking can easily reach several hundreds of meters indoors and,
depending on the conditions, several kilometers (miles) outdoors.
One other reason for the longer range for sub-GHz is that it typically is run at a lower speed than
WiFi and Bluetooth. In the Thingsquare platform, we use a raw data speed of 50 kbit/second, which
gives us the range stated above. In theory, it is possible to tune down the speed even more to get a
longer range, but we have found 50 kbit/second to be a good compromise between speed and range.
The long range makes sub-GHz networking a good technology to use for Internet of Things
applications. In IoT systems, the raw bit rate is not a major issue, since the data that is sent is
relatively small.
2. Typical Cellular 3.5 GHz
Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is a 150 MHz wide broadcast band of the 3.5 GHz band
(3550 MHz to 3700 MHz) in the United States. In 2017, the US Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) completed a process which began in 2012 to establish rules for commercial use
of this band, while reserving parts of the band for the US Federal Government to limit interference
with US Navy radar systems and aircraft communications.
3. Millimeter Waves
Millimeter waves are electromagnetic (radio) waves typically defined to lie within the frequency
range of 30–300 GHz. The microwave band is just below the millimeter-wave band and is typically
defined to cover the 3–30-GHz range. The terahertz band is just above the millimeter-wave band
and is typically defined to cover the 300 GHz to 3 + THz range.
5Gs Key Technologies
New ways of deploying Cloud-RAN A centralized, cloud-computing based RAN
new stuff. Device to architecture where part of BB Processing is
Device communication done in the Edge-Cloud.
unique. Cloud RAN is Ultra-Dense Network A System with very small cells that provide
basically the antenna and continuous coverage in a certain area.
the server associated with Device-to-Device Utilization of the devices serving as a relay to
it. provide communications to other devices.
New Physical Air Massive MIMO A system with a multitude of antenna elements
Technologies. In at the transmission/reception point.
Massive MIMO, loads of mmWave The use of High Freq in the range of 30-
antenna raised in a single 100GHz
base station as well as in

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 the mobile terminal.
Increase of antenna,
decrease of interference.
New way of running the NFV – Network Decoupling SW from HW through
infrastructure. 5G will Function Virtualization virtualization of network functions to be placed
be based on software. in a commodity HW
SDN Decoupling of the Control Plane from User
Plane enabling efficient and separated
optimization of each plane.
Network Slicing Utilization of a single infrastructure to provide
different and independent logical networks.

Figure 1: Simplified NFV Architecture

The above diagram denotes the virtualization or softwarization of the physical resources of 5G network.
Enables Virtual Computing, Virtual Storage, Virtual Network.

Standardization

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5G is not a single homogeneous
technology, so softwarization is
important.
“5G is an E2E ecosystem to enable a
fully mobile and connected society. It
empowers value creation towards
customers and partners, through existing
and emerging use cases, delivered with
consistent experience, and enabled by
sustainable business models.” – NGMN
Vision
In the diagram we can see that 5G
consists of vast prospects and usability
and to control it using a software is the
onliest reliable case in the scenario.
Who is who?

Global Initiatives  3GPP – Entity which controls the whole

tel-co
 GSMA – Operator-driven initiative
 NGMN – Similar Operator-driven
initiative
 ITU – It’s the standard defining
organization.
 IEEE
Local & Regional Associations (Lobbying  5G PPP
Buddies)  5G Americas
 5G TF
 IMT 2020
 5G Forum
 5GMF

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 3GPP Functioning and Operations
Project Coordination Group:

 Adopt Works and Study Items

 Ratifies the Elections
 Appeals on Technical and

Interaction with other TSGs

PCG Procedural Matters.

Interaction with other WGs

TSG

WG
Technical Specification Group:

 Defines work and study items.

 Approves technical decisions.
 Resolves Conflicts in case of
Alternative Solutions. Working Group:

 Defines solutions
 Decides on Technical Details
(Agreements)
 Manages the Specification
 PCG – Directors of the group
 TSG – Specific work and study items

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  WG – Does the actual works.

3GPP’s 5G Timeline

Page 7 of 24
 Phase 1 (Completed)
Initial 5G Features –
1. Catering for the immediate commercial
requirements.
2. Specification completed in 2018.
3. Fulfills the needs of 2020+
Phase 2
Additional 5G Features –
1. Catering for long-term commericail
requirements (meeting all ITU-R IMT-
2020 Requirements)
2. Specification completed in 2019
3. Fulfill needs of 2030+

5G Technologies
5G Spectrum

Anything below six gigahertz is very congested. It's prime spectrum because hardware's cheap, the actual
deployment is quite cheap.
Flexible Framework
The currently fragmented spectrum aspects will be combined and natively supported by 5G NR in the form
of Flexible Spectrum Framework.
Left Flexible Spectrum Framework
Spectrum Bands Combines Flexible Frame Flexible Flexible
 Low Bands: Sub-1GHz With - Spectrum from Unlicensed Spectrum
 Mid Bands: 1GHz – Right below 1GHz to Operation Sharing
6GHz mmW - Licensed - Sharing
 High Bands: Above anchor with between
6GHz unlicensed Services
Licensing Methods carrier - Sharing
 Licensed - Multi between
 Licensed Shared (LSA, Connectivity MNOs
CBRS) - Standalone - Tiered
 Unlicensed (ISM) Unlicensed Sharing
Spectrum Aggregation
 Carrier Aggregation
(CA)
 Link Aggregation (DC)

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  Licensed – Unlicensed
Aggregation (LAA)
 Technology Aggregation
(NR+LTE, LWA)

Spectrum Applicability with respect to Bands

Band Main Applicability for Main use Cases
Characteristics eMBB mMTC URLLC
<1 GHz Long Range, lack Yes (Supporting) Yes (Best) Yes (Good)
of spectrum
1GHz<6GHz Wide Bands, Low Yes (Best) Yes (Supporting) Yes (Good)
availability of
Spectrum
>6GHz (incl. Extreme Wide Yes (Supporting) Maybe No (Not Reliable)
mmWave) Bands, Short
Range

Spectrum Applicability with respect Licensing

Licensing Main Applicability for Main use Cases
Scheme Characteristics eMBB mMTC URLLC
Licensed Cleared Spectrum, Yes Yes Yes
Spectrum Exclusive use
Licensed Shared Complementary Yes Maybe Maybe
Spectrum licensing, Shared
exclusive use
Unlicensed Multiple Yes Maybe No (No Quality of
Spectrum technologies, Service)
Shared use

New 5G Technologies
mmWave Propagation Aspects

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 Pathloss
Pathloss increases in mmWaves,
compared between mmWave and
non mmWave transmitter.

Shadowing Effect
Higher frequencies cause higher shadowing effect, stops
being able to penetrate walls and windows and rather gets
reflected.
Atmospheric Absorption
General atmospheric absorption causes pathloss.

mmWave – System Design Challenges

Technical Challenge
Propagation Effects
- Short Transmission Paths
- High Penetration Losses
- Blockage
Signal Characteristic
- Short Wavelengths
Technical Solution
Network Architecture
- Small Cells (Cell Range
200-300m)
- Multi Connectivity Usage
(High Probability of
Blockage)
Component Design
- Small Antennas
- Large number of antennas
Benefits
Densification Possible
- Allow high spectrum Reuse
- Low interference between
cells
Antennas
- Small form factor to build
dynamic beamforming
antennas for handsets (At
60GHz 16-Antenna element
array fits into 1 sq-inch)

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 Propagation Effects
- Poor Diffraction
- Small number of multipath
components
- LOS requirement
Dynamic Beamforming
- Focused/Narrow beams
required to overcome
propagation
- Focus/Narrow beams (~5
degrees to get gain to
overcome propagation)
- Analog or hybrid
beamforming
- Tracking mechanism to UEs
- Short TTI (to get proper
channel estimates)
Security and Energy
Efficiency
- Improves security (Harder
to sniff radiation due to
narrow and focused beams)
- Improves Energy Efficiency
(No dissipation to
unnecessary direction)

Massive MIMO
What is MIMO?
MIMO stands for Multiple-input multiple-output. While it involves multiple technologies, MIMO can
essentially be boiled down to this single principle: a wireless network that allows the transmitting and
receiving of more than one data signal simultaneously over the same radio channel.
What is massive MIMO?
Standard MIMO networks tend to use two or four antennas Massive MIMO, on the other hand, is a MIMO
system with an especially high number of antennas.
There’s no set figure for what constitutes a Massive MIMO set-up, but the description tends to be applied
to systems with tens or even hundreds of antennas. For example, Huawei, ZTE, and Facebook have
demonstrated Massive MIMO systems with as many as 96 to 128 antennas.
Because MIMO systems need to physically pack more antennas into a small area, they require the use of
higher frequencies (and hence shorter wavelengths) than current mobile network standards.
What are the advantages of Massive MIMO?
The advantage of a MIMO network over a regular one is that it can multiply the capacity of a wireless
connection without requiring more spectrum. Early reports point to considerable capacity improvements,
and could potentially yield as much as a 50-fold increase in future.
The more antennas the transmitter/receiver is equipped with, the more the possible signal paths and the
better the performance in terms of data rate and link reliability.
The greater number of antennas in a Massive MIMO network will also make it far more resistant to
interference and intentional jamming than current systems that only utilize a handful of antennas.

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Massive MIMO networks will utilize beam forming technology, enabling the targeted use of spectrum.
Current mobile networks share a single pool of spectrum with all users in the vicinity, which could result
in a performance bottleneck in densely populated area. With Massive MIMO and beam forming this is
handled more efficiently, so that data speeds are uniform (almost!) across the network.

Normal MU-MIMO vs. Massive MIMO

Six key differences between conventional MU-MIMO and Massive MIMO are provided below.
Relation between number of
BS antennas (M) and users
(K)
Duplexing mode
Channel acquisition
Link quality after pre-
coding/combining
Resource allocation
Cell-edge performance
Conventional MU-MIMO
M ≈ K and both are small (e.g.,
below 10)
Designed to work with both
TDD and FDD operation
Mainly based on codebooks
with set of predefined angular
beams
Varies over time and frequency,
due to frequency-selective and
small-scale fading
The allocation must change
rapidly to account for channel
quality variations
Only good if the BSs cooperate
Massive MIMO
M ≫ K and both can be large
(e.g., M=100 and K=20).
Designed for TDD operation to
exploit channel reciprocity
Based on sending uplink pilots
and exploiting channel
reciprocity
Almost no variations over time
and frequency, thanks to
channel hardening
The allocation can be planned in
advance since the channel
quality varies slowly
Cell-edge SNR increases
proportionally to the number of
antennas, without causing more
inter-cell interference

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Massive MIMO gives a three dimensional beamforming, which can be seen from the picture.

Unified Air Interface

Key Features of 5G Unified Air Interface
Utilize Optimized Common and Flexible Support Advanced Flexible Duplexing
OFDM-like Frame Structure Processing Management
wavesforms (Multiplexing variety (Massive MIMO (Self-contained TDD)
(Scalable Numerology: of services and mmWave)
TTIs, Symbol Duration, features, forward
Subcarrier Spacing) compatible)
Key UAI Requirement – Scalable PHY and MAC to cover extreme variations of requirements

With the development of wireless communications, a consensus has been reached that the future 5G system
should be a unified network adaptable to different scenarios.
5G scenarios can be divided into three groups: mobile broadband (MBB); massive connection (mMTC:
Massive MTC); and high reliability, low-latency communication (cMTC: Critical MTC). MBB provides
high capacity and high speed, but it is relatively insensitive to the number of connections and reliability.
mMTC provides energy efficient, low-cost access for a mass number of nodes, but the data transfer rate is
not high. cMTC is mainly designed to decrease delay and increase the reliability of data transmission, but
it is not designed to accommodate a mass number of nodes or provide a high data transmission rate.
Compared with previous generations of WANs, the 5G access network needs to be flexible and open. It
must be adaptable to individual demands and provide external standardized interfaces that enable users to
accomplish specific tasks through the 5G access network platform. Therefore, the priority is designing
unified air interfaces so that the 5G access network can efficiently support different services.
The structure of 3G and 4G air interface protocol stacks mainly supports mobile broadband data
transmission (of which voice transmission can be considered a part). However, this single structure cannot
meet the requirements of different services provided by 5G air interfaces. Tests have proven that 3G and
4G air interface protocol stacks support mobile broadband data transmission. The design of the 5G unified

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air interface protocol stack should be based on this, properly expanding on the 3G and 4G air interface
protocol stacks.
The 5G unified air interface protocol stack introduces the L1 layer, which is the abstract physical layer.

This layer is designed to extract common points of different services on the physical layer. Common points
are not necessarily exactly the same, but they can be configured to be the same. Therefore, the L1 layer is
transparent to various services and frequency bands. Currently, the identifiable contents of the L1 layer
include waveform and frame structure parameters. CP-OFDM has been widely used in LTE, so the selected
5G waveform should be able to coexist with CP-OFDM very well. That is, CP-OFDM needs to be changed
so that the 5G waveform can suit some scenarios, e.g., in the case of low out-of-band leakage or low time-
and frequency-domain synchronization. A good waveform is FB-OFDM, which filters CP-OFDM at the
sub-carrier level so an efficient polyphase filter can be designed. Also, because each sub-carrier filters the
out-of-band leakage, the waveform has low out-of-band leakage and is robust in terms of frequency domain
synchronization. The CP or stretched symbols after polyphase filtering are more robust to multipath radio
channels. Generally, the only difference between CP-OFDM and FB-OFDM is that FB-OFDM has a
polyphase filter. If the polyphase filter is defined as one beat, then FB-OFDM can roll back to CP-OFDM
smoothly. In the 5G system, different services are carried on different frequency bands, so the frame
structure parameters should be different. It is not good for each frequency band to have independent frame
parameters. An efficient and flexible method involves scalability. Taking the frame structure parameters in
LTE as a starting point, we define a scalable factor S. All other parameters, such as sampling frequency,
sub-carrier interval, symbol length and CP length, are controlled by this parameter. As long as the scalable
parameter is configured properly, different services and frequency bands can be supported by the frame
structure. For example, we generally configure higher scalable parameters at a high frequency to support
larger bandwidth, using a larger sub-carrier interval, shorter symbol length, shorter CP length and shorter
TTI.
In terms of the slice design on L1, L2 and L3, different services have different demands, so these layers
need to be designed accordingly. For MBB service, L1 focuses on Massive MIMO, SVC, and high-
frequency beam tracing. In addition, MBB service has abundant sub-services, so it requires an entire
L1/L2/L3 protocol stack structure. For mMTC service, the L1 layer mainly focuses on supporting mass
access, so the non-orthogonal access mechanism MUSA is a good choice. MUSA can multiplex
connections more than three times on a single time-frequency, so it has an overload rate of more than 300%

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and low complexity. Compared with MBB, mMTC has less service data, so its L2/L3 protocol stack is not
exactly the same as that of MBB. Reconstruction and consolidation are needed to reduce the overhead of
the protocol stack. Low latency is required so that the protocol stack is simplified as much as possible. In
this way, multiple channels are terminated at L1 and do not require a complete L2/L3 protocol stack.
Although high reliability involves diversity and redundancy at different levels, L1, L2 and L3 have different
characteristics. For example, multi-connection is defined on L3; error correction codes are defined on L2;
and frequency, time and space diversity are used on L1.
The 5G unified air interface protocol stack also introduces the L3+ layer, which is the service-perception
layer. Traditional access networks generally do not define services and have weak mechanisms for
controlling data flow. However, in the 5G system, the access network has to support different services and
frequency bands, and it is necessary to introduce a service-perception layer. This layer is designed to carry
on the bearer from the core network to the access network and distinguish different services in the access
network. In this way, each service is carried on a different slice and configured with corresponding
transmission parameters on L1.

The introduction of a carrier-class operating system has been a long-term goal for the 5G unified air
interface protocol stack. To make the access network more open, it necessary to build a carrier-class
operating system platform that is connected to each of the layers of the 5G unified air interfaces. Moreover,
standard APIs are provided for operators, equipment manufacturers, third-party developers, and even
individuals to develop and customize on-demand.
The above describes several aspects of the unified air interface design of 5G access network from the
perspective of protocol stack. Unified, flexible, open 5G air interfaces are possible. 5G unified air interfaces
provide a unified access mechanism for various services and frequency bands and meet the long-term
requirements of operators and customers for future 5G networks.

Flexible Radio Frame Design

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5G PHY Frame Numerology
Aspect/Parameter Details/Value
Waveform/Multiple Access DL: OFDMA
UL: OFDMA & SC-FDMA
Subcarrier Spacing (SCS) 15, 30 & 60 KHz for Sub6GHz, 120 and 240 KHz
for Super 6GHz
Cyclic Prefix (CP) Normal (for all SCS), Extended (for SCS 60KHz)
Frame Duration 10ms
Subframe 1ms
Slot 14(normal CP), 12(extended CP) OFDM Symbols
Duplexing FDD and TDD
Physical Resource Block 12 Subcarriers
Max Number of PRM Per Component Carrier (CC) 275 PRBs
Channel Bandwidth per CC 5-100 MHz for Sub6GHz, 50-400 MHz for Super
6 GHz
Max Number of CCs 16

Application – Layered Tailored Radio Stack

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5G Access Network
(R)AN Architecture
Hidden from
other gNBs
and SGC PDCP
and
RLC and Above
Below

Logical Interface
Supporting:

- F1 Interface
management
- UE ctx
management
- RRC message
transfer
- UP Data
Transfer

Access Network architecture is more general when supporting a specific radio. In the images, the gNB are
base stations. They are connected to each other with Xn interface which is actually the access network.
Base stations having eNB in the title, enhanced node b, as we used to call our base stations in 4G. Now they
are not any more called purely eNB, they're called NG-eNB and the reason is because whilst these are 4G
base stations towards the mobile terminal, they are 5G base stations towards the core network. So if a base
station is able to connect to a 5G core while they're still using a 4G interface, we refer to it as an NG-eNB
and it is equally connected to my 5G base stations.
The distributed unit split on the right of the picture, is known as the cloud run. Central Unit: Main
processing takes place. Heavy processing in the Central Cloud Environment saves energy.

Rate Implications of RAN Split

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The data rate increases from left to right in the image, which implicates the processing in the central unit.
Some functionalities in antenna specifically helps the massive data rate reach the Central Unit. We do the
FFTs and maybe some of the coding, decoding, in the antenna and the rest goes by a front hauling into my
central unit.

5G Core and Architecture

Service Based System Architecture
Everything is connected to a data bus.

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The figure denotes the difference between the legacy networks and the modern networking system.

The above figure denotes the software features of 5G.

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Network Slicing

Network slicing is a type of virtual networking architecture in the same family as software-defined
networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) — two closely related network
virtualization technologies that are moving modern networks toward software-based automation. SDN and
NFV allow far better network flexibility through the partitioning of network architectures into virtual
elements. In essence, network slicing allows the creation of multiple virtual networks atop a shared physical
infrastructure.
In this virtualized network scenario, physical components are secondary and logical (software-based)
partitions are paramount, devoting capacity to certain purposes dynamically, according to need. As needs
change, so can the devoted resources. Using common resources such as storage and processors, network
slicing permits the creation of slices devoted to logical, self-contained, and partitioned network functions.
5G Network Slicing
According to 5G Americas, a clear benefit of 5G network slicing for network operators will be the ability
to deploy only the functions necessary to support particular customers and particular market segments.
“This results directly in savings compared to being required to deploy full functionality to support devices
that will use only a part of that functionality. And a derivative benefit is the ability to deploy 5G systems
more quickly because fewer functions need to be deployed, enabling faster time-to-market.”
Some vendors — such as Ericsson — believe that 5G network slicing will be the key ingredient necessary
for 5G to meet its technical requirements. The new era of 5G connectivity will be characterized by its wide
diversity of use cases and their varied requirements in terms of power, bandwidth, and speed. According to
Ericsson, “The greater elasticity brought about by network slicing will help to address the cost, efficiency,
and flexibility requirements imposed by future.”
Network Slicing Is Essential to 5G

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GSMA Intelligence estimates that there will be 1.2 billion 5G connections by 2025, accounting for 40
percent of the global population, or approximately 2.7 billion people. It hypothesizes that the coming 5G
network architecture is “a real opportunity to create an agile network that adapts to the different needs of
specific industries and the economy.” And a key enabler of that 5G reality will be network slicing.

The above figure denotes the migration towards 5G from 4G.

5G Use Cases
Deployment Modes
Cell Centric Networking User Centric Networking

- Each user communicates with a specific
seving cell provided by a specific node.
- Cell Change/ Handover procedure is required
when user moves
- Differences between user experience in cell
center and at cell Edge.
- DL/UL coupled to one link
- Multiple sites/ nodes/ TRPs cooperate for
every transmission with the user.
- The network constantly adds/releases the
serving nodes by measuring signal level /
quality when user moves.
- No cell edge/ cell boundary – user experience
almost constant over the area.
- DL can be assignerd to a different set of
nodes than UL (Separate optimization)

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Basically in 5G, we are migrating from Cell Centric Networking to User Centric Networking.
Device-to-Device Networking
D2D Connectivity Applications and
Benefits –
1. Devices Communicates with each
other without intermediate nodes.
2. D2D and D2N Share the same
resources (use cellular spectrum)
3. Network controls the use of
resources for D2D and D2N
D2D Discovery Phase
1. Devices can discover the presence
of others
2. Proximity discovery triggers direct communication
D2D Communication Phase
1. Network manages resource allocation
2. Users exchange data and control signaling
Applications
The rollout of 5G will provide benefits in three major areas, also known as the “5G triangle”:
- uRLLC: Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication use cases
- mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communication (IoT) use cases
- eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband – high speed use cases

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- uRLLC – High availability, Low Latency Use Cases for 5G
Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRLLC) will be one of the biggest game changers once
5G is fully deployed. Here, we will see new applications that require response in fractions of a second.
- Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are one of the most anticipated 5G applications. Vehicle technology is advancing
rapidly to support the autonomous vehicle future. Onboard computer systems are evolving with levels
of compute power previously only seen in data centers.
5G networks will be an enormous enabler for autonomous vehicles, due to the dramatically reduced
latency, as vehicles will be able to respond 10-100 times faster than over current cellular networks.
- 5G IoT in Smart City Infrastructure and Traffic Management
Many cities around the world today are deploying intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and are
planning to support connected vehicle technology. Aspects of these systems are relatively easy to install
using current communications systems that support smart traffic management to handle vehicle
congestion and route emergency vehicles.
- 5G IoT Applications in Industrial Automation
The key benefits of 5G in the industrial automation space are wireless flexibility, reduced costs and the
viability of applications that are not possible with current wireless technology.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
The low latency of 5G will make AR and VR applications both immersive and far more interactive. In
industrial applications, for example, a technician wearing 5G AR goggles could see an overlay of a
machine that would identify parts, provide repair instructions, or show parts that are not safe to touch.
The opportunities for highly responsive industrial applications that support complex tasks will be
extensive.
- 5G IoT Applications for Drones
Drones have a vast and growing set of use cases today beyond the consumer use for filming and
photography. For example, utilities are using drones today for equipment inspection. Logistics and
retail companies are looking at drone delivery of goods. The trend will continue, and together with 5G
we will be able to push limits of drones that exist today, especially in range and interactivity.
5G will be transformational and enable many new applications that are not viable today, particularly in
urban areas and cities. 5G use cases will not be limited to a particular area: consumers, businesses,
industries, and cities will benefit from one or multiple dimensions of the “5G triangle”:
- uRLLC: Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication
- mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communication (IoT)
- eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband
However, instead of waiting for the fully 5G rollout, we can start building the future now with 4G LTE
technology and validate applications and business models. And then refine and expand when 5G becomes
more widely available.

References
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