How 5G Advanced Will Affect RAN

The jump from 4G LTE to 5G is monumental. With 5G networks, consumers gain never-before-seen access to high-speed data, and sectors all across the country are developing innovations that leverage that impressive speed and connectivity. Now, there is a stronger and faster network in the works. 5G Advanced is in the early stages of rollout in the USA, with major carriers beginning to deploy the technology. Carriers focus on improving coverage, network capacity, and performance in key urban areas. Continued expansion and upgrades are expected throughout the rest of the decade. 

The Radio Access Network (RAN) is central to the functioning of any wireless network. It connects mobile devices to the core network through radio frequency signals. The introduction of 5G Advanced in cellular networks will impact its efficiency, coverage, reliability, and ability to support advanced use cases. From optimizing resource allocation to facilitating higher data speeds and integrating edge computing, the RAN is poised to undergo substantial shifts in its operations.

This article will explore how 5G Advanced affects the RAN, examining its impacts and what we might see in the future. 

Radio Access Network (RAN)

Whether streaming your favorite show or making an important call, staying connected in today's fast-paced world is essential. At the heart of every wireless network lies the Radio Access Network (RAN), a crucial element that ensures seamless data transmission and reliable connectivity for your devices. Explore the intricacies of RAN, its fascinating history, and how it delivers the high-speed, low-latency communication you rely on daily.

What is RAN?

The Radio Access Network (RAN) is a vital part of a wireless telecommunications network that connects user devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, to the core network. The RAN consists of base stations and other infrastructure facilitating communication between the network and user devices using radio frequencies. It plays a central role in managing the wireless transmission and reception of data, including handling signal quality, interference, and handovers. The RAN is essential for delivering fast and reliable wireless connectivity to customers.

Signal Quality

The Radio Access Network (RAN) manages signal quality through adaptive modulation and coding, adjusting these parameters based on the strength of the connection to optimize data rates while ensuring reliable communication. It also controls the transmission power of both user devices and base stations to maintain strong signal quality without causing excessive interference. Beamforming techniques focus radio signals in specific directions to enhance signal strength and quality for targeted users.

Interference

To handle interference, the RAN employs careful frequency planning to minimize overlap and interference between neighboring cells and other sources. Dynamic spectrum allocation allows for efficient use of spectrum resources by adjusting allocations as needed to avoid interference and maintain performance. Coordination among base stations helps manage interference and optimize the use of available resources.

Handovers

The RAN performs seamless handovers to maintain a stable connection as users move between cells or base stations. By monitoring signal strength and quality, the network can determine the optimal time to initiate a handover, minimizing user disruptions. Handover execution involves coordinating with the core network to ensure the connection remains uninterrupted, providing a smooth and reliable user experience.

RAN: A Brief History

The development of the Radio Access Network has evolved alongside cellular technology. Early networks, such as 2G and 3G, used relatively simple RAN structures focused on voice communication. As wireless technology advanced, 4G LTE introduced major data transmission and coverage improvements through enhancements like MIMO and OFDM. The current 5G era has brought further advancements in the RAN, including massive MIMO and beamforming, which offer greater spectral efficiency and higher data speeds. This evolution has paved the way for more sophisticated RANs that support a wide range of applications and use cases.

There are three major networks in the United States, each with thousands of cell towers and nodes. At the end of 2022, there were 142,100 cell towers and 452,200 outdoor small cell nodes across the country. For a network to deploy meaningful change, it must change thousands of towers and nodes, updating the RAN and associated technology. 

Mobile carriers also have a big task in the simple maintenance of their existing networks. If a carrier has around 50,000 towers and 150,000 nodes across the continental United States, well, they have a lot of work ahead of them. 

Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output

Multiple-input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) is a wireless communication technology that uses multiple antennas at the transmitter and receiver to improve performance. MIMO can transmit multiple data streams over the same frequency band by utilizing multiple antennas, increasing data rates and network capacity. This technology enhances signal reliability and quality by leveraging spatial diversity and multiplexing, which helps combat interference and fading. MIMO is a key enabler of modern wireless standards such as 4G LTE and 5G, supporting higher data throughput and efficient spectrum use.

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a digital signal modulation technique that divides a single data stream into multiple smaller subcarriers, each operating at a different frequency. These subcarriers are closely spaced and orthogonally aligned, allowing them to be transmitted simultaneously without interfering with each other. OFDM is resistant to interference and signal fading, making it well-suited for wireless communication in challenging environments. By enabling efficient spectrum use and high data rates, OFDM has become a foundational technology in modern wireless standards, including 4G LTE and 5G.

Needless to say, RAN leverages impressive technology to deliver lightning-fast speeds to consumers and systems nationwide. 

How RAN Gets Your Data Where It Needs to Be

The RAN plays a critical role in data transmission. It modulates data packets from user devices into radio signals and transmits them to base stations. These base stations then forward the data to the core network for further routing. Conversely, the RAN receives data from the core network, converts it into radio signals, and sends it to user devices. The RAN manages this entire process efficiently, ensuring data moves quickly and reliably. Through advanced techniques, the RAN can focus radio signals and allocate resources dynamically to meet the specific needs of different applications. This enables seamless connectivity and enhances the user experience across various services.

5G Advanced

5G Advanced is the next phase in wireless technology. It will increase the data speeds of our networks even further. This upgraded network offers higher data speeds and lower latency, which are essential for real-time applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and autonomous vehicles. 

This new network also provides more network capacity and reliability. This means there is more space for connected devices to share the bandwidth before it gets congested. With the ever-increasing numbers of connected devices in the Internet of Things and smart infrastructure, this is huge. Networks are already struggling to keep up with the intense bandwidth demand in major metropolitan areas. Along with increased bandwidth, there is an impressive list of additional improvements, which we will break down in this section. 

These improvements allow for an incredible increase in use cases, including smart cities, industrial automation, healthcare, and more. 

Higher Data Speeds and Lower Latency

5G Advanced significantly improves data transmission speeds, surpassing the fast rates provided by standard 5G networks. This increase in speed allows for seamless streaming, smoother downloads, and quick data transfers. You thought 5G was fast? Just wait for 5G Advanced! This will completely revamp how you think about streaming on mobile data.

Lower latency is another critical enhancement in 5G Advanced, reducing data travel time between devices and the network. This ultra-low latency is crucial for applications that require real-time interaction, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences. 5G Advanced will deliver near-instantaneous data to devices on the network, opening up many doors for new applications. 

Combining higher data speeds and lower latency means we will see many new applications across various industries, including healthcare, gaming, and autonomous vehicles. For instance, surgeons can perform precise remote operations, gamers can enjoy lag-free gameplay, and self-driving cars can make real-time decisions to navigate complex road environments. These enhancements pave the way for a more connected and dynamic future across various fields.

Enhanced Network Capacity and Reliability

Alongside the higher data speeds, 5G Advanced delivers increased network capacity. These powerful networks can handle far more devices than standard 5G networks, which is a huge boon for wireless providers nationwide. We are using incredible quantities of data on our smartphones, and the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand alongside it. Increased network capacity is critical for continuing to provide high-speed data to all the devices and people who rely upon it. If you live in a major metropolitan area, you are probably familiar with data deprioritization due to congestion, which is where there is so much data traffic on the network that it needs to slow down all its devices lest it become overwhelmed. 

For us consumers, low data speeds are annoying, but for smart applications, unreliable data speed could spell catastrophe for the application. Take a self-driving car, for instance. It should be evident that it relies heavily on real-time data transmission. 5G Advanced networks can manage increased data traffic and maintain a stable connection even in high-density areas, such as busy city centers or crowded events.

Along with the higher capacity, 5G advanced improves network reliability. This new network will ensure consistent and robust connections across its entirety, including better signal strength and coverage in challenging areas, rural regions, or densely populated urban centers. With enhanced reliability, users can expect fewer dropped calls, more stable internet connections, and a better experience with wireless services.

These network capacity and reliability advancements empower industries to implement advanced use cases with confidence. For example, logistics companies can optimize their operations with real-time tracking and monitoring, while utility providers can maintain stable and secure connections for smart grid management. 5G Advanced is pivotal in driving innovation and supporting a connected world by providing a dependable and high-capacity network, where before, companies might have hesitated to deploy a hyper-new technology, fearing that the network would not hold up. 

Challenges and Opportunities

The deployment of 5G advanced is exciting but not easy. Creating and maintaining a network that can deliver incredible speeds and low latency comes with great challenges. That being said, the opportunities available with this technology are more than enough for major companies to overcome those challenges. Let’s break down some of the biggest challenges or opportunities of 5G Advanced. 

Challenges

Infrastructure Deployment:

Deploying the necessary infrastructure for 5G Advanced presents significant challenges due to the need for widespread coverage and high-capacity networks. The technology often requires the installation of new base stations, small cells, and other equipment in various locations. This expansion can be hampered by zoning regulations, community resistance, and high costs. Additionally, the integration of 5G Advanced with existing networks adds complexity and requires careful planning to ensure seamless coverage and performance.

Security and Privacy:

As 5G Advanced supports a growing number of connected devices and applications, ensuring the security and privacy of data becomes increasingly important. The technology's enhanced capabilities, such as network slicing and edge computing, introduce new attack surfaces and potential vulnerabilities. Safeguarding against cyber threats, protecting user data, and complying with privacy regulations demand robust security measures and continuous monitoring.

Costs and Return on Investment:

The deployment of 5G Advanced infrastructure involves significant financial investment for operators. The costs associated with acquiring spectrum, upgrading network equipment, and deploying new infrastructure can be substantial. Additionally, operators must ensure a return on investment, which can be challenging given the need to balance competitive pricing and maintain profitability. Strategic planning and the development of innovative services are essential to maximizing the financial benefits of 5G Advanced.

Opportunities

New IoT Applications:

5G Advanced's capabilities in supporting massive machine-type communication (mMTC) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) open up numerous opportunities for Internet of Things (IoT) applications across various industries. In smart cities, it enables intelligent traffic management, efficient energy distribution, and real-time public safety services. In healthcare, it supports remote patient monitoring and telehealth. In agriculture, precision farming is facilitated through real-time data collection and analysis. These advances can lead to more efficient, sustainable, and innovative IoT solutions.

Improved Rural and Remote Connectivity:

5G Advanced can potentially significantly improve connectivity in rural and remote areas. By deploying advanced technologies like dynamic spectrum sharing and cost-effective network infrastructure, 5G Advanced can provide reliable and fast internet access to underserved regions. This improved connectivity can help bridge the digital divide, supporting economic development, access to education, and telehealth services in these areas.

Enhanced Mobile Broadband:

5G Advanced delivers high-speed data rates and low latency, offering users superior mobile broadband experiences. This includes seamless streaming of 4K and 8K video, as well as immersive experiences in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. The higher bandwidth and faster data transfer rates can also support advanced mobile gaming, remote work, and other bandwidth-intensive applications, enhancing user experiences and opening up new possibilities for entertainment and communication.

Key Takeaways

The Radio Access Network (RAN) serves as a vital component in the evolution of 5G Advanced, acting as the bridge between user devices and the core network. RAN's advanced technologies, such as massive MIMO, beamforming, and network slicing, enable 5G Advanced to deliver higher data speeds, lower latency, and enhanced reliability. 

These improvements allow for a seamless and immersive user experience across various applications, from mobile broadband and IoT to edge computing and virtual reality. By effectively managing data transmission, signal quality, and connectivity, RAN empowers 5G Advanced to realize its full potential and drive innovation across multiple industries. As 5G Advanced continues to evolve, the RAN will play a crucial role in shaping the future of wireless communication. 

This technology will take a lot of time to deploy, but people in major metropolitan centers will start to see options to jump to 5G Advanced. And before that, of course, there will be advertisements from major wireless networks that are touting this exciting technology.

Major wireless networks and their MVNOs are no longer the only place to get wireless coverage. Decentralized Wireless networks, like Really, offer a new way to get cell phone service. Really is deploying a network of its own, and you can become a part of it by becoming a host today. You would set up a node at your house, like a miniature cell tower, to create a small circle of Really’s network. As more people join, Really’s network will grow, and the power will be in the hands of all its hosts.