Andrew Aroh

5G brings three new aspects to the table: greater speed [to move more data]; Lower latency [to be more responsive]; higher capacity (the ability to connect a lot more smart devices and sensor at once).

There will be slow but responsive 5G.

There will be also fast 5G with limited coverage.

Spectrum-wise 5G runs in three kinds of airwaves: Low–Frequency bands networks; Mid–Frequency bands networks; and high–Frequency bands networks.

Low –Frequency bands 5G networks use existing cellular band and Wi-Fi band [5 GHz] by taking advantage of more flexible encoding using OFDM [better spectral efficiency, data reliability and effective range].The resulting bigger channel sizes thus created achieves speeds 25 to 50 percent better than 4G [2Gbps].

This yields about 3.5Gbps which is better than existing 54 Mbps for Wi-Fi.

These networks can cover the same distances using existing cellular networks and generally won’t need additional cell sites/Access points (AP).

Thus, even with existing macro cells 5G will be able to boost capacity by four times better than current systems by leveraging wide bandwidths and advanced antenna technologies [Multi beam with massive MIMO].

The goal is to have far higher speeds available and far higher capacity per sector, at far lower latency than 4G [20-30ms].

The standards bodies involved are aiming at 20Gbps speeds and 1ms Latency, at which point very interesting things begin to happen.

The first applications for 5G includes fixed wireless access for homes and enhanced mobile broadband [eMBB] services using new 5G phones, tablets, wireless access modems and  HOTSPOTS.

High –speed wireless links tend to be deployed in conjunction with wireless access technologies, namely:

• LMDS/WLL base/earth stations
• Mobile Voice and Data base/earth stations
• Hotspot [Wi-Fi] base/earth stations

Hotspot access network is one in which wireless access is enabled by 802.11-based Wi-Fi technology.

This allows very high–speed roamable access to: Portable computers, PDAs, video games, services terminals of various types [e.g. IPAD], warehouse/industrial equipment, office computers, hand/personal wireless phones i.e. GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite).

Hotspots have been vigorously deployed to primarily serve the travelling business community with the current applications being corporate LAN access.

Hotels, airports, conferences centers, restaurant centers and shopping malls are the current deployment targets intended to serve these markets.

The low cost of the user terminals coupled with the pseudo-mobility of this technology will see it in wide spread HOME INDOOR and OUTDOOR deployments with virtually unlimited applications and services.

This technology has found its way into a merger of sorts with the existing mobile voice networks, providing much sort after integrated mobile voice & data networks with widespread ubiquitous coverage provided via satellite.

Larger Hotspots are constructed using a number of short range Access Points [APs] operating in unlicensed band allocations at 2.4, 5.2 or 5.8 GHz.

Each AP can provide access rates of 11Mbps or 54Mbps using highly standardization 802. 11a/b/g/n using COFDM technology for large and scalable Networks.

The Hotspots within a given metropolitan networks can then be linked using wire line/cable or wireless technologies.

Like other cellular networks, 5G networks use a system of Cell Sites/APs that divide their territory into sectors and send encoded data [using OFDM] through radio waves. Each site must be connected to a network backbone. High speed wireless links operating above 50Mbps can be operated in unlicensed bands or licensed bands depending upon the services and perceived interference immunity of the links, whether through a wired or wireless backhaul connection.

• When considering, wireless inter Hotspot, links, the use of unlicensed technology is attractive since the entire 802.11 user access layer is unlicensed.
• However, once aggregation in the Hotspot has occurred, the interference prone nature of the unlicensed bands makes them unstable choices for backhaul except for bands like 24GHz and 60GHz in which there is a high degree of natural or regulated interference immunity.
• As a result, the aggregation of the data from these access cells tend to be focused on high-speed, highly reliable and predictable links constructed using fiber [If available] or licensed high-speed wireless using satellite technology or microwave links. Frequencies such as 18, 23, 26 and 28 GHz are often candidates for these licensed links. Care must be taken when considering unlicensed operation in the 5.8GHz band since this band is highly prone to interference .The 24 GHZ allocation does allow only highly directive PTP links and 60 GHz offers very highly natural attenuation against undesired interferences. Ultimately, the best reliability and predictability are offered by licensed links.
• 5G over satellite catches on much faster than unexpected:
• Satellite must be inserted into the global virtualized architecture
• Industrial companies have demonstrated the use of satellite communications capabilities integrated and interoperable in the 5G environment, achieve interoperability of networks and demonstrate the functionality, performance and benefits brought by the use of satellite. The first phase leveraged existing space and ground segment assets and new development enables the high efficiency, high performance, virtualization and multi service capability paramount for the main 5G use cases.
• These activities drives the full integration of satellite in 5G through open and standard solutions, facilitated primarily through 3GPP standardization.

SATELLITE PROVIDERS LOOK TO EXPAND ROLE IN BOOMING Wi-Fi MARKET:

• Increasing demand for broadband internet access anytime, anywhere is what is fueling the growth of Wifi services.
• Satellite services providers are moving into the booming market for wireless communications by offering satellite links for Wi-Fi [Short for Wireless Fidelity] hot-spots.
• The market is substantial as Wi-Fi hot-spots continue to pop up in office buildings and other public and private venues around the world. Indeed, both satellite and terrestrial service providers are competing to offer the services.
• Just as satellite backhaul has helped expand the reach of mobile telephone networks, it can also expand Wi-Fi access.
• Rural markets in developed countries, such as France, as well as those in less developed area in Africa, are being brought across the digital divide because of such access.
• A particularly interesting satellite application in the U.S.A is to connect temporary Wi-Fi hot-spots used for sporting events and natural disaster relief.

Broadband wireless software and network providers have found that satellite networking can work better than terrestrial lines to connect wide area Wi-Fi hot-spot networks.

Installing a nationwide-network with terrestrial links [Lines] involves complexities that can include the use of multiple vendors, long lead lines, and multiple points of contact for repairs.

Satellite network uses a single vendor.

• A strategic partner and value added reseller can provide an internet portal for truckers with Wi-Fi hot spots at more than 250 truck shops. It can also offer software solutions and a satellite network capable of transmitting data at up to 48 megabits per second.
• When drivers or any other subscribers are in a hot-spot, they have access to a proprietary network that can transmit application data, access the internet and intranets, as well as send and receive-email.
• To enhance cost-effectiveness of its system, service partners can design their networks around hotspot access locations that will be located strategically across the country.
• Wi-fi hotspots provide an excellent avenue for satellite systems to provide broadband access even with traditional-distribution satellites.

Andrew Aroh is President SSPI Nigeria