5G is rolling out faster than previous wireless generations and will have a much bigger impact on telecoms infrastructure and the supply chain. As mentioned in my previous post, 5G introduces a new radio specification (5G NR), a next generation wireless core network (NGC) and a modular RAN architecture that directly supports disaggregation and open solutions. 5G NR supports mmWave spectrum that opens up massively increased bandwidths for users but also requires many more radio units of significantly greater complexity. 5G is a huge opportunity for users, carriers and solution providers that will define wireless networks for a least the next ten years.
4G enabled a digital wireless network for voice and high-speed data. Using LTE, 4G networks delivered 2 to 5 times greater spectral efficiency than 3G networks, significantly reducing cost per bit for data traffic. LTE was subsequently enhanced including support for carrier aggregation, high-order MIMO, unlicensed spectrum, vehicle communications and machine type communications for IoT applications. In spite of the fact that the transition to LTE and LTE Advanced was very successful, 5G is expected to deliver a further significant performance and feature uplift.