RAN Evolution in 5G.1 Presentation By Eng AI Ali Khalaf

The evolution of the 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) is characterized by increased flexibility, efficiency, and support for diverse use cases. Here’s a summary of its key stages:

1. Initial 5G NR (New Radio) Deployment (Rel-15 & Rel-16):

• Non-Standalone (NSA) Mode: Early deployments relied on existing 4G LTE infrastructure as an anchor for control signaling, while 5G NR provided higher data rates. This allowed for faster initial rollouts.
• Standalone (SA) Mode: This phase introduced a new 5G Core (5GC) network, enabling end-to-end 5G architecture with lower latency and enhanced capabilities.
• New Frequency Bands: 5G expanded into new spectrum ranges, including sub-6 GHz for broader coverage and millimeter-wave (mmWave) for ultra-high bandwidth in dense areas.
• Key Technologies: Massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) for increased capacity and beamforming for targeted signal transmission were introduced.

2. Advancements and Feature Enhancements (Rel-17):

• NR-Light (RedCap): Introduction of reduced capability (RedCap) devices, balancing performance and complexity for mid-tier IoT applications like wearables and industrial sensors.
• Enhanced Support for Verticals: Further development for specific industry needs like Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) for industrial automation.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: Enhancements aimed at reducing power consumption in both devices and the network.
• Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): Initial integration of satellite communication for broader coverage and new use cases.

3. 5G-Advanced (Starting with Rel-18 & Rel-19):

• Further Performance Enhancements: Focus on optimizing data rates, latency, and reliability for demanding applications like eXtended Reality (XR).
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Integration of AI/ML for intelligent RAN automation, resource management, and improved performance.
• Evolution of Open RAN (O-RAN): Increased disaggregation of RAN components (Centralized Unit - CU, Distributed Unit - DU, Radio Unit - RU) with open interfaces for multi-vendor interoperability and greater flexibility.
• Advanced Mobility Features: Enhancements to improve handover performance and reduce interruption times.
• Sidelink Evolution: Improvements for direct device-to-device communication.
• Further NTN Evolution: Expanding capabilities and use cases for satellite-based 5G.
• Indirect Network Sharing (INS): Allowing operators to share a single RAN while maintaining independent core networks, improving resource utilization and coverage.

Looking Ahead (Rel-20 and Beyond):

• Continued 5G-Advanced Evolution: Further refinements and new features to meet evolving commercial needs.
• Towards 6G: Initial research and studies are underway, focusing on new radio requirements, KPIs, and potential technologies for the next generation of mobile networks.

In summary, the evolution of the 5G RAN is a continuous process driven by the need for higher performance, greater flexibility, support for diverse applications, and improved efficiency. Open RAN and the integration of AI/ML are key trends shaping its future.