Why consumers undervalue 5G? It's time to embrace a networked society brought by the 5th Generation
Mobile communication has long ceased to be just phone calls and SMS. Now the main task of mobile networks is wireless data transfer and internet connection. Daily, we hear about 3G, 4G, 5G, however, few individuals know that G is denoting the word Generation and all mobile networks are divided into different generations.
For instance:
3G = has a network data transfer rate 3.6 Mbit/s, allows voice and video calls over the Internet, listening to music and watching videos online.
4G = has a speed of 1 Gbps, increased Wi-Fi coverage, and a faster file transfer
5G = has a speed of 20 Gbps, the working principle of mobile devices is "always online", has low power consumption and is an alternative to wired internet
Where does the story start?
1G networks were introduced in 1984. The first generation, from which it all began, was analog and did not even involve data transmission, focusing on voice calls. Despite the fact that this generation of Internet connection became “massive” for mobile communications, the demand for the mobile Internet has been low. The reasons were the high cost and the low quality of the connection, in contrast with cable internet.
The 2G technology was the result of the digital boom of the 90s and allowed mobile communications to compete with the wired one. The United States and Europe did not agree on the same technology and continued to develop in different directions. The Americans promoted their own D-AMPS and early versions of CDMA, on the other hand, Europeans relied on GSM.
The key difference between these standards is the way of working with frequency resource. It can be stated that the early stages of the CDMA format were more advantageous than GSM.
Benefits for a subscriber in a CDMA network:
· Better voice quality
The large frequency band is resistant to interference
· Communication security
CDMA signal looks like noise pattern that is why it is difficult to isolate an individual subscriber from it
· Lower power consumption of communication device
To process the signal, devices need to use less battery power.
For operators, the advantages of the CDMA format were in the larger capacity of the base stations, their range, simpler network setup, resistance to overloads, and adaptability for specific tasks.
Despite its advantages, in Europe and Asia, the CDMA format has not become widespread. The reasons are pretty simple. At the time of the creation of CDMA, the GSM format already existed; there was a choice of ready-made solutions for both carrier equipment and consumer equipment. A more sophisticated CDMA required large computing power, the creation of new solutions for less common technologies and, for instance, ordinary phones cost more than their GSM counterparts and were incompatible with already spread GSM devices.
In addition, there was a problem of convenience for the user. In the GSM network, the subscriber's identifier is a SIM-card, the information necessary for the operator is stored on it. The user who wants to change the old mobile phone to a new one just rearranged the SIM card. At the same time, to work in CDMA networks, the necessary data was written (flashed) into the phone itself - there was no SIM card slot in it. Therefore, the change of mobile phone carried needed a visit to the operator's store, also the phone could not be used in other countries, for example, in roaming.
CDMA’s alternative for SIM card appeared in 2002 and was named R-UIM. Phones working both in CDMA and GSM began to appear, the problem of the limited choice of devices was gradually solved as American operators became the engine of the standard development.
Nowadays, CDMA operators continue to exist but occupy a noticeably smaller share in contrast to GSM operators in the European and Asian markets.
Back to the 90s digital boom. The second generation of mobile communications (both GSM and CDMA) allowed the world to open the era of full wireless data transmission. It all started with SMS and amazing CSD format. This technology was the first to allow the transfer of digital data at higher speeds - 14 kbps, which at that time was just an incredible breakthrough.
1997 was a turning point in the history of mobile communications. GPRS technology has emerged, which provided a continuous stream of data transfer and “modeled” modem CDS. The speed could theoretically reach 100 kbit/s (at 14 kbit / s earlier) and allowed operators to create tariff plans based on the speed of the mobile Internet. GPRS appeared extremely on time - the craze for e-mail provided the new technology with huge popularity. Hypothetically, such an innovation attracted the third generation of communications but did not reach it due to the limited speed, which did not allow using the mobile Internet in full force.
3G
In the 1990s, the 3G standard was developed based on the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) method; it was introduced only in the 2000s. The key factor was the data transfer rate, which reached 2 Mbit/s. Since that time, speed becomes the main engine of change.
3G is the generation of communication that combines three standards - FOMA, UMTS, and CDMA2000. The first is used by Japan, the other two are developing in equal proportions in the USA and Europe. UMTS (alternative name 3GSM) is a standard that was developed in Europe and is the next stage in the development of GPRS / EDGE technologies. In fact, it was a new add-on in GSM networks (which were originally created mainly for voice only), which made it possible to significantly increase the speed of data transmission. But with CDMA2000 there was an interesting incident. With the fact that it was certified as 3G, the connection speed hardly overtook GPRS and was only 100 kbps (in the first generation).
The main feature of 3G communication was the ability to use both batch digital data transfer and a channel connection. This meant that it was possible to speak on the phone without losing contact with any site. 2G did not allow this luxury.
4G
4G generation networks began to be developed in 2000 and introduced in many countries in 2010. The fourth generation of communication is based on IP-protocol, which united individual computer networks into the worldwide Internet with separate IP-addresses. It is IP (Internet Protocol) that unites network segments into a single network, ensuring the delivery of data packets between its nodes.
The main advantage of 4G is the speed exceeding the 3G indicators by 200-500 times. Unlike its predecessor, fourth-generation networks do not use the channel for voice transmission but work only with digital data. This means that calls are transferred to the VoIP (Voice over IP) format, which in the future may lead to the demise of classical cellular communication in favor of Internet telephony. The VoIP format implies all options for voice transmission on the network, including those that have no relation to telephony and people communication. For example, VoIP technology is used to transmit audio in video surveillance systems, alerts, when webinars are broadcasted and also watching movies online.
At the moment, the 4G family consists of two standards - WiMAX and LTE. The first is the evolution of Wi-Fi with an increased coverage area, and the second is the next evolutionary embodiment of GSM.
5G
The fifth generation of mobile networks - 5G - promises to be particularly breakthrough. Due to this technology, driverless cars, virtual reality and the Internet of things will actively enter our daily life. At the moment, fifth-generation communication technology is being actively tested around the world. The mass launch is expected in 2020.
5G (fifth generation) is the fifth generation of mobile communication technologies with a huge data transfer rate - several gigabits per second. Recently, another record was set in Sweden - 15 Gbit/s. It is 40 times faster than the existing wireless networks.
Also, 5G reduces the signal delay (depending on the propagation medium and the frequency used, the signal will arrive at the receiver with some delay) to one millisecond - against 10 milliseconds in 4G networks and 100 milliseconds in 3G.
Each new generation of cellular communication significantly increases the speed of data transmission. This is how new services and new content formats are born. People get new entertainment and new quality of life.
5G will have a great impact on the following domains:
· Driverless cars = the transmissions of the signal will level up
· Industry = unified urban infrastructure and upgrade of industrial robots
· Agriculture and farming = remote control and monitoring of the processes for machinery, crops, and livestock. The Chairman of the Moldova - Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Victor Durlesteanu at Huwaei headquarters in Shenzhen.
· Education = teaching by means of VR technology
· Telemedicine = remote control live surgeries
· Communication = interactive virtual reality: real-life experience for users
· Entertainment = fast wireless transmission of broadband (4K, 8K); live stream with VR effects
· Gaming Industry = multiplayer games with advanced VR technology
TESTING 5G
China
The first 5G test network was launched on April 23, 2018, in the Chongqing metropolis in Southwest China.
The work of the test network began in the new district of Liangjiang and will gradually be expanded throughout the city.
South Korea
Rate features and speed 5G in South Korea appeared during the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Mobile operator CT in cooperation with Ericsson provided the 5G-network, Intel - 5G = platform, and Samsung - 5G-tablets for video demonstration in multiple places and separate pavilions.
One of the programs tested during the Winter Olympics was the video demonstration called Interactive Time Slice, which used 100 cameras at the same time, located around the PyeongChang ice arena. The video could be "twisted" 360 degrees and instantly zoomed in.
The developers used the concept of replays from video games and made it a reality: for instance, looking at the skater's jump, you could pause and see the jump under a hundred different angles.
South Korea plans to allocate 5G frequencies in 2018 and give the green light to deploy the fifth generation network across the country. KT has become the only mobile operator that will universally introduce 5G technology in Korea starting by mid-2019.
Japan
Huawei and NTT DoCoMo successfully conducted a joint test of the 5G network in Yokohama, one of the largest commercial areas in Japan. The data was transmitted to the subscriber terminal installed on the roof of the car, which was moving at a speed exceeding 20 km/h.
A new compact antenna with a focal lens based on metamaterials with beamforming technology was used in the project. The companies recorded a 5G network bandwidth above 3 Gbit/s using a fixed subscriber terminal at a distance of 1.5 km and over 2 Gbit/s at a distance of 1.8 km.
The tests have opened up new opportunities for the use and deployment of 5G networks in the millimeter range. The mobility in the transmission of data over long distances in this range will make it possible to realize the possibility of mobile high-speed broadband access in 5G.
San Marino
The Republic of San Marino became the first country in Europe, and among the first in the world, to have a 5G mobile network. The basic agreement, which was signed between Telecom Italia Mobile and the Republic of San Marino, proposed to begin commercial testing with a launch by the end of 2018. 5G allowed a download speed of 20 Gbit/s in a mobile network at 4 milliseconds of delay (depending on the propagation medium and frequency used, the signal arrives at the recipient with a certain delay; the 4G communication generation worked at 10-50 ms delay).
Estonia
Back in September 2017, Intel has teamed up with European network and telecommunications companies to show off some of the first 5G commercial networks in Europe.
As part of one test, a 5G-based connection was established for 2,000 passengers of a cruise liner moored in the port of Tallinn (Estonia). Another test demonstrated how you can remotely control a huge construction excavator over a 5G network. This is an example of remote control equipment in hazardous environments.
Who else is testing?
The 5G technologies are being tested by Google, Facebook, Samsung, and Huawei, and the first networks appeared in early 2019, and most will launch in 2020. Operators such as Sprint, T-Mobile, AT & T and Verizon are building a 5G network and some are ready to launch.
The network of the American Apple Corporation will be different from others since the manufacturer intends to reduce the wavelength and increase the frequency to 28 GHz and 39 GHz. These are millimeter waves that operate in a range, which will reduce the size of the antennas of the gadget brand.
The first platforms for testing 5G by Apple will be created near the company's office in California by August 2019.
The first in the world CE type-examination certificate for fifth-generation mobile communication products were received by one of the largest Chinese telecommunication companies Huawei. This certificate gives official approval for commercial use of 5G in Europe.
The test network is open to companies and individuals intending to jointly innovate in the field of 5G, including such areas as Internet vehicles, automatic driving of vehicles, smart cities, as well as augmented and virtual reality online.
The test period will last until the official commercial introduction of 5G technology, which is expected in 2020.
T-Mobile, one of the largest American telecom operators, has agreed with the Swedish manufacturer of equipment Ericsson to launch in 2018 a new standard of cellular communication in several US cities - New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Later, the national 5G-coverage will appear in 30 US cities.
Ericsson will provide T-Mobile network equipment that will operate at 600 MHz radio frequencies, as well as at 28 GHz and 39 GHz millimeter frequencies. This is the range of frequencies that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been approved for 5G.
Key Steps needed in order to implement 5G
Develop standards
new generation communication standards are needed to be designed for the 5G architecture. 5G NR (New Radio) is a new radio access technology (RAT) developed by 3GPP for the 5G (fifth generation) mobile network. It is supposed to be implemented as the global standard for the air interface of 5G networks.
Select frequency (Using the frequencies in a smart way)
· New radio frequencies [The air interface defined by 3GPP for 5G is known as New Radio (NR), and the specification is subdivided into two frequency bands, FR1 (below 6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave), each with different capabilities]
· Frequency range 1 (< 6 GHz) [The maximum channel bandwidth defined for FR1 is 100 MHz, due to the scarcity of continuous spectrum in this crowded frequency range. The band most widely being used for 5G in this range is around 3.5 GHz. The Korean carriers are using 3.5 GHz although some millimeter wave spectrum has also been allocated]
· Frequency range 2 (> 24 GHz) [The higher the frequency, the greater the ability to support high data transfer speeds without interfering with other wireless signals or becoming overly cluttered. Due to this, 5G can support approximately 1,000 more devices per meter than 4G]
· FR2 Network coverage [5G can use higher frequencies than 4G, and as a result, some 5G signals are not capable of traveling large distances (over a few hundred meters), unlike 4G or lower frequency 5G signals. This requires placing 5G base stations every few hundred meters in order to utilize higher frequency bands. Also, these higher frequency 5G signals cannot easily penetrate solid objects, like cars, trees and walls, because of the nature of these higher frequency electromagnetic waves]
Upgrade infrastructure
5G will not replace 4G but will work in parallel with the existing infrastructure.
5G networks are designed to work in conjunction with 4G networks using a range of macro cells, small cells, and dedicated in-building systems. Small cells are mini base stations designed for very localized coverage typically from 10 meters to a few hundred meters providing in-fill for a larger macro network. Small cells are essential for the 5G networks as the mmWave frequencies have a very short connection range.
5G smartphones
Devices have to be smarter and more powerful.
Qualcomm, a company developing and implementing wireless communications, stated that the first smartphones with support for mobile networks of the fifth generation (5G) will appear "towards the end of 2018, after the launch of the first segments of commercial networks of the fifth generation."
But nevertheless, the company ZTE was ahead of these forecasts. At the MWC2017 exhibition in Barcelona, the first “5G generation smartphone” was officially presented, which will support the data exchange rate of more than 1 Gbit/s. It is considered to be the first in the world announced 5G-smartphone.
5G smartphones are dominating 2019: we've seen big-name phones like the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, the Huawei Mate X, the Xiaomi 5G Mi MIX 3, Oppo Reno 5G, and the LG V50 ThinQ show off their 5G capabilities, and plenty more are on the way.
Here comes the money
It is planned that by 2035, the infrastructure of 5G-networks will support 22 million jobs around the globe, and its contribution to global GDP for the period from 2020 to 2035 will be comparable to the current size of the Indian economy, which is USD$ 2.4 trillion.
With the development of 5G, the revenues of the Internet of Things (IoT) will increase significantly. In 2020, they can reach USD$ 1.7 trillion. The commercial launch of a new generation of mobile communications, denoted as 5G, is scheduled for 2020.
According to the “10 years rule”, the appearance of 6G networks should be expected by 2030. It is expected that the data transmission rate of the next generation of mobile Internet will be 10-11 Gbit/s, and the delay - 1-10 milliseconds.
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