5G Moves Forward and Brings New Test Challenges

5G has now become a familiar term to most people through its rollout into the smartphone market. However, what most people do not know is that 5G New Radio (NR) encompasses a broad spectrum of new technologies, applications, and yes, spectrum that will revolutionize multiple industries. This eBook has been developed to provide an accessible introduction to 5G NR for engineers and technologists.

This eBook has been developed to provide an accessible introduction to 5G NR for engineers and technologists.

The first two articles provide insights into the three primary use models covered under the 5G NR specifications:

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) - think better smartphones and consumer apps
Ultra-reliable and Low-latency Communications (URLLC) - mission-critical services like autonomous vehicles and telehealth
Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) - Internet of Things and industrial controls

These articles include a look at the spectrum, modulation formats, and even some of the key technologies that are enabling 5G NR like advanced transistors and massive multi-input, multi-output antennas. We also explain the concepts of non-standalone versus standalone 5G networks.

As the more advanced aspects of 5G are rolled out, they will take advantage of the wider bandwidths, reduced latency, and smaller antennas available in millimeter-wave systems. However, engineers will also need to cope with the many challenges including increased free space loss, diffuse reflections, and limited penetration.