How can you use RAN technology to ensure ultra-reliable low-latency communications?

1 What is URLLC?

URLLC is a term that describes a set of requirements and capabilities for wireless communication systems that need to support applications that are sensitive to reliability and latency. For example, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, remote surgery, and virtual reality are some of the applications that require URLLC. URLLC aims to achieve a reliability of 99.999% and a latency of less than 1 millisecond for these applications, which is much higher than the current standards of 4G and 5G networks.

2 How does RAN technology enable URLLC?

RAN technology enables URLLC by using various techniques and features that improve the performance and efficiency of the radio interface between the mobile devices and the base stations. These include flexible numerology, which allows the network to adapt the subcarrier spacing and symbol duration of the radio signals according to channel conditions and application requirements. Mini-slots provide smaller, more frequent transmission opportunities for mobile devices, reducing latency and increasing reliability of data transfer. Additionally, grant-free transmission allows mobile devices to transmit data without waiting for permission from the network, reducing latency and signaling overhead. Lastly, multi-connectivity enables mobile devices to connect to multiple base stations simultaneously, increasing reliability and communication diversity.

3 What are the challenges of URLLC?

URLLC poses several challenges for RAN technology, such as interference management, scheduling and resource allocation, and feedback and control. Interference management requires avoiding or mitigating the negative impact of co-channel or adjacent-channel interference on the quality of radio signals. Scheduling and resource allocation involves assigning the appropriate radio resources to mobile devices according to their service level agreements and quality of service requirements. Feedback and control provides timely and accurate information about the channel state, network status, and user preferences, but also consumes radio resources and generates overhead. All of these challenges must be balanced with the conflicting objectives of reliability, latency, and resource efficiency.

4 What are the trends and opportunities of URLLC?

URLLC is a promising and emerging field of research and innovation for RAN technology, offering new possibilities and opportunities for wireless communication systems. Edge computing, which involves moving some of the computing and processing functions from the core network to the edge, can reduce latency and improve reliability. Artificial intelligence can also enhance reliability and latency, as well as enable applications and services that require intelligent and adaptive behavior. Network slicing is the concept of creating multiple virtual networks on a shared physical infrastructure, each with different characteristics and requirements. This can allow the network to provide customized services for different applications and users that require URLLC.

5 How can you learn more about URLLC?

If you want to learn more about URLLC, there are several options. Reading books and articles that cover the fundamentals and state-of-the-art of RAN technology and URLLC, such as RAN Essentials for URLLC: Principles, Technologies, and Solutions by Zhengmao Li and Hui Li, is a great way to gain an understanding of the topic. Additionally, online courses and webinars that offer interactive and practical learning experiences on RAN technology and URLLC, such as 5G RAN Technology and URLLC by The 5G Academy, can be beneficial. Finally, joining online communities and forums that provide opportunities to exchange ideas and insights with other professionals and experts on RAN technology and URLLC, such as RAN Technology and URLLC Group on LinkedIn, is a great way to stay informed. URLLC is a fascinating and challenging topic that requires a deep understanding of RAN technology and its principles, as well as a constant update of the latest developments and standards.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?