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Roads to 5G Communications: Technologies, Applications and Markets Assessment

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    Report

  • 251 Pages
  • April 2021
  • Region: Global
  • PracTel Inc
  • ID: 5009172

The goal of this report is to address several current technologies (as well as their markets, applications, and other characteristics) that, according to the ITU classifications, are transitioning to the 5G communications era.

Though based on the industry insiders statistics, in 2019 market share of 4G networks was not more than 7%-12% on the global scale, the industry is already (2018-2020) supporting commercial 5G introduction in several market regions and applications.

This new radio access generation will be built on the existing infrastructure, which will be modernized and expanded with new technologies.

The 5G wireless communication system will be a converged system with multiple radio access technologies integrated together. It will be able to support a wide range of applications and services to comprehensively satisfy the requirements of the information society by the year 2020 and beyond. From the technology perspective, 5G will be the continuous enhancement and evolution of the present radio access technologies, and also the development of novel radio access technologies to meet the increasing demand for the future. 5G can be characterized as data, connectivity and user experience.

There are two main views on 5G that exist today, which are frequently mixed together to form the basis of the 5G definition:

View 1 - The hyper-connected vision: In this view, 5G is seen as a blend of existing technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, and others) that can deliver greater coverage and availability, higher network density in terms of cells and devices, and the ability to provide the connectivity that enables machine-to-machine (M2M) services and the Internet of Things (IoT).

View 2 - Next-generation radio access technology: This perspective outlines 5G in ‘generational’ terms, setting specific targets that new radio interfaces must meet in terms of data rates (faster than 1Gbps downlink) and latency (less than 1ms delay).

The first view is connected with a gradual transition of 3G/4G (and other) technologies to the 5G era with appropriate enhancements and extensions. Some of such technologies are the subject of this report analysis.

In particular, the following technologies, their markets, industries, and applications are addressed in connection with their transition to 5G (they are being bundled under the title of 5G despite the fact that they are already being brought to market by vendors and deployed by operators):

CR/SDR - Cognitive Radio/Software Defined Radio


  • Though the concept of CR/SDR is well known and the industry supports these techniques for a number of years, the 5G era will bring new requirements to network characteristics that can be easy to fulfill with CR/SDR.
  • The 5G “Network of Networks” needs further development of the CR/SDR concept responding to particulars of 5G and using the existing base of smart radios.

Small Cells


  • It is expected that small cells will prevail in the 5G infrastructure due to advanced features that satisfy 5G requirements.

mmWave Radio


  • mmWave Radio will play an important role in the 5G RANs, allowing us to explore the vast amount of free spectrum.

MIMO


  • Complex smart antenna systems such as MMIMO expected to be used extensively.

Visible Light Communication


  • VLC open several important applications, which were difficult to utilize in other spectrum windows.

The report also addresses general requirements to 5G networking and surveys current 5G standardization activities. It also contains the author’s survey of recently approved patents related to VLC and MIMO technologies.

The report is intended for a wide audience of technical and managerial staff involved in the development of advanced wireless communications.


Table of Contents

1. Introduction
1.1 General - Basis
1.2 Planning Wireless Technologies: Generations
1.3 Goal
1.4 Structure
1.5 Research Methodology
1.6 Target Audience
2. Efforts
2.1 Organizations
2.2 5G Timetable and Major Tasks (3GPP-ITU)
2.2.1 3GPP Leadership
2.2.2 Requirements
2.2.3 3GPP Structure
2.2.4 5G RAN Development
2.2.4.1 Operation above 6 GHz
2.2.4.2 Coordination between RAN and SA
2.2.4.3 Acceleration
2.2.4.4 Leaders
2.3 5G Activity Survey
2.3.1 EU
2.3.1.1 METIS 2020
2.3.1.2 5G PPP
2.3.1.2.1 5G Norma
2.3.1.2.2 5G Tango
2.3.1.2.3 Phase 2
2.3.2 Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance
2.3.2.1 NGMN and 5GAA
2.3.2.2 5G White Papers
2.3.3 5G Americas
2.3.4 GSMA
2.3.5 ITU
2.3.6 Major 5G Documents
3. Current Developments: 5G Technologies
3.1 Characteristics
3.2 Promising Directions
3.2.1 Requirements
3.2.2 Common Views
3.2.2.1 Spectrum
3.2.3 Future - Starts Today
3.3 Issues
3.4 Use Cases
3.4.1 General - Characteristics
3.4.2 Mobile Broadband
3.4.3 Automotive
3.4.4 Smart Society
4. Software-Defined and Cognitive Radio -5G
4.1 Spectrum Utilization
4.2 Common Goal
4.3 Needs
4.4 Role
4.5 Purpose
4.6 Definition (WIF, FCC, ITU)
4.6.1 CR Types
4.6.2 CR Process
4.7 Versatility
4.8 Organizations and Regulations
4.8.1 Wireless Innovation Forum Position
4.8.1.1 SDR Classifications
4.8.1.2 CR Features
4.8.2 FCC
4.8.2.1 Equipment Type
4.8.2.2    Process
4.8.2.3 Clarifications
4.8.2.4 Application Guide
4.8.3 Object Management Group
4.8.4 ETSI
4.9 Decisions
4.10 CR/SDR Abilities
4.11 Elements
4.12 Commercial Use Cases
4.13 SDR in Military
4.13.1 SCA
4.14 CR/SDR: Applications Benefits
4.15 Impact
4.16 Differences
4.17 Market
4.17.1 Landscape
4.17.2 Trends
4.17.3 Cost
4.17.4 Different Perspective
4.17.5 Drivers
4.17.6 Market Forecast
4.17.6.1 Model Assumptions
4.17.6.2 Estimate
4.18 Industry
  • Aeronix (SDR Components)
  • AirNet Communications (SDR Base Stations)
  • Carlson Wireless (Platform)
  • Cisco (Radio)
  • CRT (CR SW)
  • DataSoft (SDR Design, SW)
  • Etherstack (Software)
  • Green Hills (Software)
  • L3Harris (SDR)
  • Huawei (Platform)
  • NI (mmWave CR/SDR)
  • Nokia (Base Station)
  • Nutaq
  • Rockwell Collins (Radios)
  • SELEX ES (A Leonardo Company)
  • Thales (Radio)
  • TI (Chips)
  • Wind River (Software)
  • ZTE (Platforms)
4.19 5G: Needs CR/SDR
5. MIMO and 5G Communications
5.1 History
5.2 Concept: MIMO in Wireless Communications
5.2.1 Major Techniques
5.3 Types of MIMO
5.4 5G - MIMO Specifics
5.4.1 MMIMO Definition
5.4.2 MMIMO Properties
5.5 MIMO Benefits
5.6 Industry
  • Blue Danube
  • Beecube (NI Company)
  • Nutaq
  • ZTE
6. mmWAVE Wi-Fi
6.1 Goal
6.2 General
6.3 60 GHz Band Spectrum Specifics
6.3.1 Frequencies Allocation
6.3.1.1 FCC 60 GHz Band Extension
6.3.2 Oxygen Absorption
6.4 Antenna
6.5 Radiation Limiting at 60 GHz
6.6 Combined Effect
6.7 Progress in Chip Technology
6.7.1 Challenges and Efforts
6.7.2 Modulation
6.7.3 Specifics
6.7.3.1 Indoor Behavior
6.8 Summary
6.9 Prospectus: 60 GHz Wi-Fi
6.9.1 Benefits and Issues
6.9.2 WiGig Alliance
6.9.2.1 Use Cases
6.9.2.2 Union
6.9.3 IEEE 802.11ad - 60 GHz Wi-Fi
6.9.3.1 5G and 802.11ad
6.9.3.1.1 5G Spectrum Extension
6.9.3.2 Status
6.9.3.3 Coexistence
6.9.3.4 Scope
6.9.3.5 Channelization
6.9.3.6 PHY
6.9.3.7 MAC
6.9.3.8 Specification Features
6.9.3.9 Summary
6.9.3.10 Extended 60 GHz Band
6.10 Industry
  • Blu Wireless
  • Intel
  • Nitero (acquired by AMD in 2017)
  • Qualcomm
  • Peraso
  • Samsung
  • Tensorcom
  • TP-Link
6.11 Market Considerations
6.11.1 Market Drivers
6.11.2 Usage Models
6.11.3 Market Estimate
6.12 IEEE P802.11ay
6.12.1 Purpose and Time Frame
6.12.2 Scope
6.12.2.1 Channelization
6.12.2.2 PHY Specifics
6.12.3 Industry
  • Blu Wireless
  • Qualcomm
7. Visible Light Communication - 5G Technology
7.1 General
7.1.1 Drivers
7.1.2 Industry Activity
7.1.2.1 UC-Light Center
7.1.2.2 Europe
7.2 VLC Standards Development
7.2.1 IEEE 802.15.7-2018 Standard
7.2.1.1 Considerations
7.2.1.2 Project
7.2.1.2.1 Coexistence
7.2.1.2.2 Essence
7.2.1.2.3 Base
7.2.1.2.4 Use Cases
7.2.1.2.5 Physical Layer
7.2.1.2.5.1 General
7.2.1.2.5.2 Responsibilities
7.2.1.2.5.3 Types
7.2.1.2.5.4 Error Protection
7.2.1.2.5.5 Rates
7.2.1.2.5.6 Frequency Plan
7.2.1.2.5.7 PHY Services
7.2.1.2.5.8. Regulations
7.2.1.2.6 MAC Layer
7.2.1.2.6.1 Responsibilities
7.2.1.2.6.2 Functionalities
7.2.1.2.6.3 Channel Access
7.2.1.2.7 Security
7.2.2 IEEE 802.15.13 Standard
3.2.3 IEEE 802.11bb Standard
7.2.4 VLCA
7.2.4.1 General
7.2.5 Jeita
7.2.6 Li-Fi Consortium
7.2.6.1 Optical Mobility Technology
7.2.6.2 Li-Fi Network
7.2.7 ITU G.9991
7.3 VLC Channel Specifics
7.3.1 General
7.3.2 Communications Channel Structure
7.3.3 Transmitter
7.3.4 Receiver
7.3.4.1 Image Sensors
7.3.4.2 LED as Receiver
7.3.5 Major Characteristics
7.3.5.1 General
7.3.5.2 Modulation
7.3.5.3 VLC Channel: Characteristics Summary
7.3.5.4 Emerging Areas
7.3.5.5 Limiting Factors
7.3.6 Major Challenges
7.4 Companies and Organizations
  • Casio
  • Firefly
  • Fraunhofer IPMS
  • LVX
  • LightBee
  • Nakagawa Laboratories
  • NEC
  • Oledcomm
  • Outstanding Technology
  • PureVLC-PureLi-Fi
  • Qualcomm
  • Supreme Architecture
7.5 Market
7.6 5G View
7.6.1 Attocell
7.6.2 Cell Structures
7.7 Major Applications
7.7.1 Intelligent Transportation Systems
7.7.1.1 Abilities
7.7.1.2 Major Areas
7.7.2 Optical Wireless LAN
7.7.3 Healthcare
7.7.4 Localization
7.7.5 City-Wide Wireless Network
7.7.6 Underwater Communications
7.7.7 Summary
8. 5G and Small Cells Development
8.1 Rational
8.2 Nomenclature
8.2.1 Group
8.3 Background
8.4 Applications
8.4.1 Indoor Use Cases
8.4.2 Outdoor Use Cases
8.4.3 Public Safety Communications
8.4.4 Summary
8.5 Benefits and Issues
8.6 Small Cell Market
8.6.1 Market Geography
8.6.2 Estimate
8.7 Standardization
8.7.1 Organizations
8.7.1.1 Small Cell Forum
8.7.1.2 3GPP
8.7.1.2.1 First Standard
8.7.1.2.2 Interfaces - 3GPP
8.7.1.2.3 3GPP Rel.12 and SCs
8.7.1.3 Other
8.8 Small Cell Industry
  • Airspan
  • AirHop Communications
  • Alpha Networks
  • Argela
  • Broadcom (acquired by Avago in 2015)
  • Cavium
  • Cisco
  • CommScope
  • Contela
  • Ericsson
  • Fujitsu
  • Huawei
  • ip.access
  • Intel
  • Gilat
  • Juni
  • NEC
  • Nokia
  • Qualcomm
  • Radisys
  • Samsung
  • Spider Cloud (Corning)
  • Tektelic
  • TI
  • Xilinx
  • ZTE
9. Conclusions
Attachments:
Attachment I: Patents Survey: LTE - MIMO (2017-2020)
Attachment II: VLC - related Patents Survey (2017-2020)
List of Figures
Figure 1: Mobile Technologies Generations
Figure 2: Time - Mobile Generations/Rates
Figure 3: OSI Layers - 4G and 5G
Figure 4: Global Mobile Data Traffic
Figure 5: ITU-R Schedule for IMT-2020
Figure 6: 3GPP - Tentative Timeline - 5G Standardization
Figure 7: Current View: Transition to 5G
Figure 8: 5G Spectrum
Figure 9: 5G Technologies Directions
Figure 10: 5G Use Cases-General Illustration
Figure 11: Use Cases - Rate of Transmission and Latency
Figure 12: SDR and OSI Reference Model
Figure 13: SDR - Structure
Figure 14: Estimate: Global Sales - SDR-based Equipment ($B)
Figure 15: SDR Market Geography (2019)
Figure 16: Major Antennas Configurations
Figure 17: MIMO Concept (2x2)
Figure 18: Illustration - Beamforming
Figure 19: MU-MIMO - Downlink
Figure 20: SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO
Figure 21: MIMO
Figure 22: 60 GHz Network Scenarios
Figure 23: 60 GHz Frequencies Plan
Figure 24: 60 GHz Spectrum Details
Figure 25: Signal Attenuation in 60 GHz Band
Figure 26: Absorption Details - 60 GHz Signal
Figure 27: Bands Features Comparison
Figure 28: Wi/Gig Protocols/Planes
Figure 29: Use Cases - WiGig Alliance
Figure 30: Exploring IMT Spectrum
Figure 31: 802.11ad MAC Structure
Figure 32: Summary: 802.11ad Properties
Figure 33: Estimate: 802.11ad Chipsets Shipping - Global (Bil. Units)
Figure 34: Estimate: 802.11ad Chipsets Global Shipping ($B)
Figure 35: 802.11ay - Proposed Timeline
Figure 36: VLC - Comparison
Figure 37: Illustration-VLC Channel
Figure 38: VLC Market Categories
Figure 39: Estimate: VLC Market - Global ($B)
Figure 40: VLC Market Geography (2019)
Figure 41: mmWave Advantages
Figure 42: Macro vs Small BS - Shipped (Ratio)
Figure 43: BS: Characteristics and Classification
Figure 44: BS Types and Parameters
Figure 45: SC Use Cases
Figure 46: Estimate: SC Global Shipments (Mil. Units)
Figure 47: Estimate: Global SC Shipments ($B)
Figure 48: 3GPP Rel. 12 SC Enhancements
Figure 49: Scenario 1
Figure 50: Scenario 2

Samples

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Companies Mentioned

  • Aeronix
  • AirHop Communications
  • AirNet Communications
  • Airspan
  • Alpha Networks
  • Argela
  • Beecube (NI Company)
  • Blu Wireless
  • Blue Danube
  • Broadcom (acquired by Avago in 2015)
  • Carlson Wireless
  • Casio
  • Cavium
  • Cisco
  • CommScope
  • Contela
  • CRT
  • DataSoft
  • Ericsson
  • Etherstack
  • Firefly
  • Fraunhofer
  • Fujitsu
  • Gilat
  • Green Hills
  • Huawei
  • Intel
  • ip.access
  • Juni
  • L3Harris
  • LightBee
  • LVX
  • Nakagawa Laboratories
  • NEC
  • NI
  • Nokia
  • Nutaq
  • Oledcomm
  • Outstanding Technology
  • Pure VLC-PureLi-Fi
  • Qualcomm
  • Radisys
  • Rockwell Collins
  • Samsung
  • SELEX ES (A Leonardo Company)
  • Spider Cloud
  • Supreme Architecture
  • Tektelic
  • Thales
  • TI
  • Wind River
  • Xilinx
  • ZTE

Methodology

Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web sites was studied and analyzed; evaluation of publicly available marketing and technical publications was conducted.

Telephone conversations and interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives. In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.

The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the information content.

 

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