All Quiet on the 5G Front

an update on the 5G standardization efforts and other 3GPP-related activities

12/21/2015 | 21 pages
Price: $725.00

Just recently we returned from the 3GPP RAN#70 Plenary, which was held it Sitges, Spain. Conventional wisdom suggests that the 5G standard is baked and resting on a hot plate, given all of the operator claims about forthcoming trials, not to mention commercial launches and anticipated vendor demos at MWC 2016. The reality, we believe, is entirely different with much work to remain – starting with RAN Plenary Group Study Items on the next-generation wireless network that have yet to begin.

Topics Discussed in this Report Include the Following:

• We take a look at where the 3GPP RAN and SA working groups are with respect to standardizing the next-generation network (aka 5G).

• We examine the current and yet-to-be approved Study Items to provide an extremely preliminary view of what is in store.  Unlike earlier technical requirements (TR) documents, the 5G TR is shaping up to be entirely different.

• Speaking of TRs, we take a trip down memory lane and revisit the initial TR documents for UMTS (3G) and LTE (Evolved UTRAN) to see if the proposed requirements were achieved, and, if so, when they were achieved.

• Given the equal focus being given to LTE and its evolution (LTE-Advanced Pro), we highlight and discuss many of the Work Items being considered within the RAN Plenary.  If nothing else these Work Items provide great insight into near-term and future operator strategies.