The 5G network has already started rolling out in several countries and it will be available in almost all cities across the globe in the next couple of years. The fifth-generation or 5G mobile communication technology is much more complex than earlier generations such as 4G.
5G technology’s potential applications are thrilling, but the technology’s potential is not possible without taking any challenges. Particularly, the upgrade of 5G globally is creating wave spectrum challenges. There are some companies that are playing a major role to make 5G technology available across the globe and some of them including Samsung, Huawei Technologies, ZTE Corporation, Nokia Networks, Qualcomm, Verizon, AT&T, and Cisco Systems. Mostly, all these companies share the same goal and face the same challenges. So, now let us investigate wave spectrum challenges with Reliable 5g tester, 5G test equipment, 5g network tester tools and Reliable 4G Testing RF drive test software, Cellular LTE RF drive test tools & equipment in detail.
Common purpose
When it comes to 5G, the aim or purpose is to provide the required bandwidth that can be provided by networks such as 5G by using a frequency spectrum above six gigahertz. Further, the purpose of the 5G network is to provide a device that is capable of higher data rates for every user. Hence, researchers across the globe are exploring the new possibilities of spectrum and frequency channels for 5G communications by focusing on the twenty-five and eighty-six gigahertz of the frequency range.
Common problem
There is no doubt that 5G has great potential with a high frequency, but the network comes with common problems such as short range. Due to this reason, trees, buildings, and other such objects cause a significant signal obstruction that enables imposing numerous cell towers to avoid signal path loss. And to address signal path challenges as well as expand the capacity of 5G connectivity, MIMO is an effective technique to consider (known for design simplicity and multiple offered features).
A massive MIMO network is stronger to signal interference and congestion by facilitating a greater number of antennas.
line of sight will still be important for high-frequency 5G with MIMO technology, hence base stations on top of most buildings are likely to remain a necessity.
Present solutions and the progress
An alternative to high-frequency 5G by telecommunication providers is the mid-band spectrum but the drawback is, it does not offer considerable performance benefits compared to 4G thereby not meeting the user expectations. Though there is a frequency challenge currently surrounding 5G, there is a common evolution is there with new technological developments – innovation and advancements provide a clear way over time, and this path is followed by 5G.
There are three types of 5G spectrum bands which include –
Low-band spectrum: Low-band spectrum is a type of spectrum lower than 1 GHz and offers blanket coverage. There was a time when analog cellular wireless networks were deployed in low-band 800 MHz spectrum. A low-band spectrum in 5G is beneficial for CSPs to provide comprehensive coverage. And the speed and latency of the 5G network are better compared to 4G networks (which have smaller bandwidths).
Mid-band spectrum: Mid-band spectrum (1 GHz – 6 GHz) is known for coverage and capacity. This spectrum is considered perfect for 5G because it can carry plenty of data while traveling significant distances and accounts for over 60% of the total frequencies assigned. The GSMA describes spectrum in the 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz range as ideal, and demand for the mid-band spectrum is increasing to satisfy the demand for 5G and 5G-Advanced.
High-band spectrum: Its specialty is to deliver super-fast speeds over short distances. The benefit of high-band spectrum is that users can avail speeds between 1 Gbps to 3 Gbps or even higher even if the signal is agile.
Conclusion
Spectrum will play a vital role in the 5G – with the right spectrum, the 5G rollout can continue flourishing across the world so that every user can access 5G technologies. At the same time, you need to take care of network testing just to provide a stable network all the time. RantCell is one of the mobile-phone-based applications that can be installed in any smartphone to perform network measurement on 5G/4G coverages. Try it and experience the difference!