Frequently Asked Technical Questions and Responses for 5G Interviews

Frequently Asked Technical Questions and Responses for 5G Interviews

Qn 1: What are the benefits of 5G?

Ans: Faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, greater capacity, and supports new use cases like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and virtual and augmented reality.

Qn 2: What technologies are used in 5G?

Ans: 5G uses advanced technologies such as millimeter waves, massive MIMO, beamforming, and small cell networks.

Qn 3: What is latency in 5G?

Ans: Latency in 5G is as low as 1 millisecond (ms), which means there is very little delay in transmitting data over the network.

Qn 4: What is network slicing?

Ans: Network slicing in 5G is a technology that creates virtual networks with customized performance characteristics to meet the needs of different users or applications.

Qn 5: What is beamforming?

Ans: Beamforming in 5G is a technique that focuses the wireless signal in a specific direction, improving coverage and reducing interference.

Qn 6: How does 5G use small cell networks?

Ans: 5G uses small cell networks to improve coverage and capacity in areas where there is high demand for wireless connectivity, such as urban centers.

Qn 7: What is EN-DC?

Ans: EN-DC (E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity) is a technology used in 5G networks that allows for simultaneous connections to both 4G and 5G networks.

Qn 8: What are the benefits of EN-DC?

Ans: The benefits of EN-DC include improved coverage, reduced latency, and faster data speeds, as well as the ability to use 5G-specific features and applications.

Qn 9: What is the maximum data speed supported by EN-DC?

Ans: EN-DC can support data speeds of up to 2 Gbps, depending on network conditions and device capabilities.

Qn 10: What is the role of the 4G LTE network in EN-DC?

Ans: The 4G LTE network in EN-DC provides the control plane signaling and anchor point for the dual connectivity with the 5G NR network.

Qn 11: Can EN-DC work with other technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

Ans: Yes, EN-DC can work in conjunction with other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for seamless connectivity across different networks and devices.

Qn 12: What are the different deployment models for 5G architecture?

Ans: The different deployment models for 5G architecture include non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) modes. NSA mode uses existing 4G LTE networks for certain functions, while SA mode is a completely independent 5G network.

Qn 13: What is the role of network slicing in 5G architecture?

Ans: Network slicing is a key feature of 5G architecture that allows network operators to divide the network into virtualized slices, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. This allows operators to tailor the network to specific use cases and applications.

Qn 14: What is the role of edge computing in 5G architecture?

Ans: Edge computing is a key feature of 5G architecture that enables data processing and storage to occur closer to the end user, reducing latency and improving overall network performance.

Qn 15: What is 5G NR (New Radio)?

Ans: 5G stands for Fifth Generation and NR stands for New Radio. This technology is evolution to LTE-advanced and LTE-advanced Pro. The standard is published with 3GPP release 15 and above.

Qn 16: What is the difference between 5G NR and 4G (LTE)?

Ans: 4G LTE and LTE-advanced follows 3GPP Rel.8 and Rel.12 respectively. 5G follows Rel 15 and above. 4G operates below 6 GHz where as 5G NR operates at various frequency bands viz. Sub-1 GHz, 1 to 6 GHz, above 6 GHz in mm wave bands (28 GHz, 40 GHz etc.). 5G supports higher data rate than 4G. 5G delivers about 10 Gbps where as LTE-a pro delivers 3 Gbps. 5G offers latency of less than 1 ms where as LTE-adv pro delivers less than 2 ms.

Qn 17: Explain 5G NR network architecture, its elements and its network interfaces ?

Ans: There are three elements in 5G NR architecture viz. UE (User Equipment), RAN and Core Network. NG RAN houses gNB radio (i.e. base station), Control Unit and data Unit. Here AMF stands for Access and Mobility Management Function and UPF stands for User Plane Function.

Qn 18: Explain difference between TDD and FDD in 5G NR ?

Ans: In FDD mode, both uplink and downlink can transmit at the same time at different spectrum frequencies. In TDD mode, both uplink and downlink use the same spectrum frequencies but at different times. 5G FDD is used where both uplink and downlink data rates are symmetrical. Interference is less in FDD topology where as it is more in TDD topology. 5G TDD is used where both uplink and downlink data rates are asymmetrical.

Qn 19: Define use cases of 5G NR viz. eMBB, mMTC and URLLC.

Ans: This 5G FAQ judge knowledge of 5G QoSs such as eMBB, mMTC and URLLC. eMBB refers to Enhanced Mobile Broadband which is used to support peak data rate of 10 to 20 Gbps. mMTC refers to Machine Type Communications which is used to support low data rates (1 to 100 Kbps) in M2M applications. URLLC refers to Ultra Reliability and Low Latency Communcations which is used for ultra responsive connections with latency of less than 1 ms. URLLC offers low to medium data rates.

Qn 20: What are the different types of handover in 5G NR? Explain each in brief.

Ans: There are two types of 5G NR handovers viz. network controlled and UE controlled. The other types mentioned in the standard are 5G NR Inter gNB handover and 5G NR intra RAN handover (C-Plane Handling).

Qn 21: What are the functions of MIB and SIB in 5G?

Ans: 5G Master Information Block (MIB) includes system information transmitted on xBCH transport channel and xBCCH logical channel. The IE (Information Element) XSystemInformationBlock contains RRC (radio resource configuration) information which is common for all UEs. It is transmitted on xBCCH logical channel and xBCH transport channel.

Qn 22: What is 5G numerology?

Ans: Its refers to the way in which data is organized and transmitted in the 5G network. This includes parameters such as subcarrier spacing, symbol duration, and frame structure, which determine the overall data transfer rate and efficiency of the network.

Qn 23: Explain 5G deployment models?

Ans: 5G deployment models include both centralized and distributed architectures. Centralized architectures use a centralized baseband unit (BBU) to process all traffic from multiple remote radio heads (RRHs), while distributed architectures have the processing functions distributed among multiple RRHs.

Qn 24: What is the 5G attached procedure for NSA and SA?

Ans: The 5G attached procedure is the process by which a device connects to the 5G network. Two different types of attached procedures in 5G: Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA).

In the NSA attached procedure, the device first connects to an existing 4G/LTE network and then establishes a secondary connection to the 5G network. This allows for faster deployment of 5G technology, but may result in slower data transfer rates.

In the SA attached procedure, the device connects directly to the 5G network without relying on an existing 4G/LTE network. This allows for faster data transfer rates, but requires more extensive network infrastructure.

Qn 25: What is 5G system connection management?

Ans: 5G system connection management refers to the process by which a device establishes and maintains a connection to the 5G network. This includes procedures such as cell search, synchronization, random access, and connection establishment, as well as ongoing management of the connection to ensure optimal performance.

Qn 26: When does the AMF provide a new GUTI in 5G?

Ans: The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) in the 5G network provides a new GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier) for a device when it moves from one tracking area to another. This ensures that the device can continue to communicate with the network even as it moves between different cells or base stations.

Qn 27: What is the 5G and LTE GUTI mapping procedure?

Ans: The 5G and LTE GUTI mapping procedure is used to ensure that a device can maintain a continuous connection to the network as it moves between different generations of cellular technology. This involves mapping the device’s 5G GUTI to a corresponding LTE GUTI so that it can maintain a connection to the LTE network when necessary.

Qn 28: What are the 5G identifiers (SUPI, SUCI)?

Ans: The 5G network uses two different types of identifiers for devices: the SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier) and the SUCI (Subscription Concealed Identifier). The SUPI is a unique identifier that is assigned to each device and remains constant throughout the device’s lifecycle, while the SUCI is a temporary identifier that is used to protect the device’s identity and privacy.

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