R17 adds native MEC support by defining an edge app architecture
The 3GPP R15 specifications completed in 2018 provided the not only the foundations for 5G architecture, but also the basics for 5G MEC deployment as well. R16 provided features and functionality aimed at...
The MDT solution taps user equipment (UE) to collect field measurements
Introduced in 3GPP Rel-10, Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) is a standardized mechanism designed to enable operators to use user devices in a network to collect mobile network data, and thus, reduce the need...
ENDC has been described as a bridge between 4G LTE and 5G cellular technologies
ENDC, or E-UTRAN New Radio - Dual Connectivity, is a Non-Standalone (NSA) feature that makes it possible for mobile devices to access both 5G and 4G LTE networks at the same...
Proximity Services (ProSe), first introduced in Release 12 of the 3GPP specifications, is a D2D (Device-to-Device) technology that allows LTE devices to detect each other and to communicate directly.
In comparison to existing D2D and proximity networking technologies, ProSe offers a number of distinct benefits...
'More than 30% of overall traffic is leveraging C-band,' says Verizon SVP and chief engineer
On January 19th 2022, Verizon — along with AT&T — turned on its C-band networks, and in doing so, finally shook up the dynamic in which T-Mobile was the...
Cellular positioning was first introduced in the mid-nineties to meet regulatory requirements of emergency call positioning; since then, the possibilities for this feature have drastically expanded to address the needs of industrial verticals and use cases such as logistics, smart factories, autonomous vehicles, digital...
One of the new capabilities that is being introduced in 5G is integration of terrestrial networks with non-terrestrial networks (NTN), whether those are High-altitude Platforms (HAPS) flying the stratosphere, or satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary orbit (GEO).
The ability to provide 5G...
As the 5G standard continues to evolve, one of the important aspects for increased sustainability, as well as prolonging device battery life, is power efficiency.
The recently frozen Release 17 builds upon previous releases in enabling 5G power saving features. That 5G power saving...
5G is becomes more broadly deployed across the planet, but the technology may also eventually end up in the skies. 3GPP has established, and is continuing to build upon, standards that will enable 5G services to be delivered over satellite infrastructure, otherwise referred to...
Coverage performance is key for mobile operators when commercializing 5G New Radio (NR) networks. Compared with LTE systems, NR systems operate at higher frequency bands, resulting in higher path loss and worse coverage performance.
According to Ericsson, the direct impact that coverage has on service...
5G is now mainstream, with more than 200 commercial 5G networks having already launched around the world and close to 1,000 5G devices already shipping—of which about half are non-smartphone devices, according to figures from the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA).
Those 5G New...
Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm will demonstrate the technology at CABSAT conference in May
One of the use cases being explored for 5G systems is that of remote media production. But the 5G standard also offers a built-in broadcast function, called 5G Broadcast/Multicast.
A broadcast or...
According to 5G Americas, NR sidelink relay is the use of device-to-device communication as a way to extend the network coverage outside the area directly covered by the network infrastructure
NR sidelink relay was included as a working item in the 3GPP Release 17 to...
Qualcomm noted that further enhanced massive MIMO was one of the key areas of improvement in Rel-17
According to a report by Ericsson, Rel-17 MIMO enhancements address four areas: Beam management; multiple transmission and reception points (mTRP) for ultra-reliable, low-latency communication (URLLC); mTRP for enhanced...
Multimedia priority service (MPS) allows priority access to system resources to Service Users, creating the ability to deliver or complete sessions of a high priority nature
According to the 3GPP, the response to emergency situations (e.g., floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks) depends on the communication...
As 5G use cases have evolved, new studies and new features are needed for the safe operation of UAVs, 3GPP said
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are increasingly integrating into today’s airspace, providing different capabilities such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data for both civil and...
While typically associated with TDD systems, enabling both TDD and FDD reciprocity is important to achieving 5G Advanced capabilities
Time Division Duplex (TDD) and Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) are two different spectrum usage techniques employed by mobile operators. While FDD requires two separate frequency bands...
Multi-SIM devices enable use of multiple subscriptions, potentially for different networks, in one device
Multi-SIM is a type of service offered by mobile carriers for users with multiple connected devices. Multi-SIM is a service in which carriers give users a second or several SIM cards...
Release 17 completion dates were initially expected in 2021 but the process was delayed due to the pandemic
Together with enhancements aimed at existing use cases such as mobile broadband, industrial automation and vehicle-to-everything, 3GPP Release 17 introduces support for new ones including public safety,...
