All releases of 5G: an overview

5G is the fifth generation of mobile communication technology that promises to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, higher capacity and more reliability than previous generations. 5G is not just a single technology, but a collection of features and specifications that are standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a global organization that develops and maintains the technical standards for cellular networks.

3GPP releases are the official documents that define the features and specifications of each generation of cellular technology. Each release consists of several phases, such as planning, development, testing and deployment. Each release also introduces new functionalities and enhancements to existing ones, addressing different use cases and scenarios for mobile communication.

So far, 3GPP has completed four releases for 5G: Release 15, Release 16, Release 17 and Release 18. Each release has its own timeline, scope and highlights. In this blog post, we will provide a brief overview of each release and what it means for 5G.

#Release 15: The First Standard for 5G

Release 15 was completed in June 2018 and marked the first official standard for 5G. Release 15 introduced the following key features and specifications for 5G:

• 5G New Radio (NR): 5G NR is the new radio interface for 5G that uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) as the modulation scheme and supports flexible numerology, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), beamforming and millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies.
• Non-standalone (NSA) architecture: NSA architecture means that 5G relies on 4G as a base, with 5G on top to boost capacity or network speeds. NSA architecture enables a smooth transition from 4G to 5G, as well as backward compatibility with existing devices and networks.
• Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB): eMBB is the use case that focuses on providing high data rates and high-quality user experience for applications such as video streaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, cloud gaming, etc. eMBB targets peak data rates of up to 20 Gbps for downlink and 10 Gbps for uplink.

Release 15 was followed by two minor updates in December 2018 and September 2019 to fix some issues and add some details.

# Release 16: The Second Phase of 5G

Release 16 was completed in July 2020 after several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Release 16 is also known as "5G phase 2", as it builds on the foundation of Release 15 and introduces many new features and improvements for 5G. Some of the most notable features of Release 16 are:

• Standalone (SA) architecture: SA architecture means that 5G can operate independently from 4G, using its own core network and radio access network. SA architecture enables more flexibility, scalability and efficiency for the network, as well as new capabilities such as network slicing and edge computing.
• Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC): URLLC is the use case that focuses on providing high reliability and low latency for applications that require strict performance guarantees, such as industrial automation, autonomous driving, remote surgery, smart grid, etc. URLLC targets reliability of up to six nines (99.9999%) and latency of up to one millisecond.
• Massive machine-type communication (mMTC): mMTC is the use case that focuses on providing connectivity for a large number of devices that transmit small amounts of data periodically or sporadically, such as sensors, meters, trackers, etc. mMTC targets scalability of up to one million devices per square kilometer.
• Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication: V2X communication is the feature that enables vehicles to communicate with each other, with infrastructure, with pedestrians, and with the network. V2X communication can improve road safety, traffic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and user experience.
• Dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS): DSS is the feature that allows operators to use the same spectrum for both 4G and 5G services, without requiring separate hardware or network upgrades. DSS enables efficient utilization of spectrum resources and faster deployment of 5G.

Release 16 also addresses the needs and challenges of different industry verticals, such as manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, energy, etc.

# Release 17: The Third Phase of 5G

Release 17 is planned to be completed by June 2022 (subject to change due to COVID-19 impact). Release 17 is also known as "5G phase 3", as it further enhances and expands the capabilities and performance of 5G. Some of the expected features of Release 17 are:

• Non-terrestrial networks (NTN): NTN are networks that use satellites or aerial platforms (such as drones or balloons) to provide coverage and connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks are not available or feasible. NTN can also complement terrestrial networks by providing additional capacity or resilience.
• Integrated access and backhaul (IAB): IAB is the feature that allows the same radio interface to be used for both access (connecting devices to the network) and backhaul (connecting base stations to the core network). IAB can reduce the cost and complexity of network deployment, especially in areas where fiber or microwave links are not available or affordable.
• Unlicensed spectrum operation: Unlicensed spectrum operation is the feature that allows devices and networks to use spectrum that is not licensed or regulated by authorities, such as the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands used by Wi-Fi. Unlicensed spectrum operation can increase the capacity and availability of the network, as well as enable new services and business models.
• Enhanced device-to-device communication (D2D): D2D communication is the feature that enables devices to communicate directly with each other, without relying on the network infrastructure. D2D communication can enable new applications such as proximity services, social networking, public safety, etc.
• Enhanced multicast-broadcast service (eMBMS): eMBMS is the feature that enables efficient delivery of the same content to multiple devices simultaneously, such as live video streaming, software updates, emergency alerts, etc. eMBMS can improve network performance and user experience.

Release 17 will also introduce new frequency bands for 5G, such as sub-1 GHz and above 52.6 GHz.

# Release 18: The First Release of 5G-Advanced

Release 18 is the next release for 5G that is planned to be completed by June 2023 (subject to change due to COVID-19 impact). Release 18 is also known as "5G-Advanced", as it marks the start of the next generation of mobile communication technology that will succeed 5G. Release 18 will introduce many new features and improvements for 5G, covering various aspects such as:

• Space communications: Space communications are the feature that enables connectivity between terrestrial and space-based systems, such as satellites, rockets, space stations, etc. Space communications can enable new applications such as global coverage, remote sensing, navigation, exploration, etc.
• Drone networks: Drone networks are the feature that enables connectivity and coordination among multiple drones, as well as between drones and other systems. Drone networks can enable new applications such as delivery, surveillance, inspection, mapping, entertainment, etc.
• Holographic communications: Holographic communications are the feature that enables transmission and display of three-dimensional images that appear realistic and lifelike. Holographic communications can enable new applications such as immersive telepresence, education, entertainment, advertising, etc.
• Quantum cryptography: Quantum cryptography is the feature that uses quantum physics principles to secure data transmission and encryption. Quantum cryptography can provide higher security and privacy than conventional methods, as well as resistance to quantum computing attacks.
• Terahertz communications: Terahertz communications are the feature that uses extremely high frequencies (above 300 GHz) to transmit data at ultra-high speeds. Terahertz communications can enable new applications such as wireless fiber, high-resolution imaging, biomedical sensing, etc.

Release 18 will also address the needs and challenges of new domains and scenarios, such as underwater, underground, indoor, etc.

These are just some of the highlights of each release of 5G. Each release contains many more features and enhancements for different domains and scenarios. Each release also enables new use cases and applications for 5G that can benefit users and society.