5G-Advanced

- Overview 

5G Advanced (also known as 5.5G) is the next evolution of 5G technology, defined by 3GPP Releases 18-20, designed to bridge the gap toward 6G. 

5G-Advanced integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) across networks to deliver 10x higher capacity, lower latency, enhanced energy efficiency, and faster, more reliable, and intelligent connectivity. 

1. Key Features and Improvements: 

• AI/ML Integration: 5G Advanced embeds AI directly into the radio access network (RAN) and core network, allowing for real-time, self-optimizing network performance. 
• Enhanced Performance: It offers increased speeds (up to10Gbps downlink and 1Gbps uplink) and lower latency, improving overall efficiency.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: By using smarter, AI-powered systems, 5G Advanced reduces power consumption in the network, supporting sustainability goals.
• High-Precision Positioning: It offers accurate indoor and outdoor positioning, allowing for better tracking and location-based services.
• Extended Reality (XR) & IoT: Enhanced support for immersive XR experiences and massive IoT deployments (including passive IoT).

2. Why 5G Advanced Matters:

• Bridging to 6G: It acts as a stepping stone to 6G, building on 5G to enable new use cases.
• Advanced Use Cases: It empowers applications like self-driving vehicles, smart manufacturing, industrial IoT, and the industrial metaverse.
• Better User Experience: Provides a more reliable and seamless, high-performance experience, reducing user frustration.

3. Deployment Timeline: 

The 3GPP Release 18, the first standard for 5G-Advanced, was finalized in mid-2024, with subsequent releases (19 and 20) expected to further advance the technology through 2025 and beyond.