Rapidly Growing 5G Ecosystem

5G networks ecosystem

From trials to commercial launches - GSA tracks and reports on 5G networks and deployments

The first 5G network deliveries have been Non-Stand-Alone (NSA) configurations based on 3GPP Standards Release 14 (Rel:15) which was completed in late 2017. This means the 5G network is “anchored” in a 4G network. This has some initial advantages and some disadvantages. See Table 1.

NSA deployments will typically be rolled out in 2019 and Stand Alone (SA) deployments are expected to follow based on the 3GPP Release 15 (Rel:15) of the standards.

3GPP placed a great deal of effort in 2018 to complete Rel:15 – which is considered to be the first full set of 5G standards and is part of the agreed 3GPP milestones for 3GPP so submit towards IMT-2020. Rel:15 supports 5G SA deployments.

5G in-building

In-building 5G coverage is vital for the deployment Industry 4.0 as mobile connectivity becomes totally ubiquitous

5G deployments with mmWave spectrum (above 6 GHz) is ideal for in-building and factory applications. Modern buildings are now constructed with glass that is low iron, anti-reflective and incorporates solar-control and acoustic properties creating a Faraday cage that makes it difficult to propagate radio signals from outside to the inside of the building. Older offices or factories are also often difficult to service from outdoors if they are constructed with thick brick walls or have metallic structures or heavy machinery incorporated. Serving underground areas is also problematic. mmWave 5G is therefore a good option for in-building coverage since this spectrum would be more easily contained within the building, especially if it was low power, and would be less likely to cause interference to external networks.