How do you overcome 3GPP challenges and gaps for 5G performance?

1 5G requirements and use cases

5G is not just a faster version of 4G. It is a transformative technology that enables a wide range of new use cases and applications, such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication, and network slicing. To support these diverse and demanding scenarios, 5G has to meet stringent requirements in terms of speed, capacity, reliability, latency, security, and flexibility. Therefore, 3GPP has to constantly evolve and update its standards to address the emerging needs and challenges of 5G.

2 3GPP release cycle and roadmap

3GPP follows a release cycle and roadmap that defines the scope, timeline, and milestones of its standardization work. Each release consists of a set of specifications that cover different aspects of 5G, such as radio access, core network, service layer, security, and interoperability. The current release is Release 16, which was finalized in July 2020 and includes features such as ultra-reliable and low-latency communication, vehicle-to-everything communication, industrial IoT, and enhanced security. The next release is Release 17, which is expected to be completed by mid-2022 and will focus on areas such as 5G in unlicensed spectrum, integrated access and backhaul, satellite communication, and network automation.

3 3GPP challenges and gaps

Despite its efforts and success, 3GPP encounters various issues and gaps in providing optimal 5G performance. The complexity and fragmentation of 5G, a complex and heterogeneous system, makes it difficult to coordinate the standardization process and guarantee the interoperability of different 5G solutions. Additionally, 3GPP's rigid and lengthy release cycle may not meet the market demand or customer expectations. Moreover, the standards may not address all the needs of different regions, sectors, and industries. Furthermore, 3GPP has trouble ensuring the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and validity of its documents and outputs. Additionally, testing, verifying, validating the standards for compliance and conformance is a challenge.

4 How to overcome 3GPP challenges and gaps

To address the 3GPP challenges and gaps, you should adopt a proactive and collaborative approach that involves monitoring and analyzing the 3GPP release cycle and roadmap. You should also participate and contribute to the 3GPP standardization process, offering feedback, input, and suggestions on the 3GPP standards. Finally, you should implement and optimize the 3GPP standards and specifications into your 5G solution, ensuring their interoperability and compatibility with other 5G components. Additionally, you should optimize your 5G performance and functionality based on the 3GPP standards and best practices.

5 Best practices and tips for 3GPP

To make the most of the 3GPP standards and specifications, you need to stay updated and informed, learn and educate, and collaborate and network. This means accessing and reviewing the latest 3GPP documents and resources, subscribing to mailing lists, forums, and social media channels, constantly learning and improving your knowledge of the 3GPP standards, educating yourself and team members on the benefits of the 3GPP standards, and networking with other 3GPP members. Furthermore, you should join and support relevant 3GPP working groups, projects, and initiatives that align with your 5G goals.