TL;DR:
- AI and ML are set to play a pivotal role in the future of 5G networks, with a focus on 5G-Advanced.
- These technologies are already used for network automation and SON solutions in 5G systems.
- In 5G-Advanced, AI and ML will be further integrated into the RAN and radio interface.
- Benefits include improved radio performance, reduced power consumption, and an enhanced user experience.
- 5G-Advanced’s first release, Release 18, is expected in the first half of 2024, with a commercial launch in 2025.
- It will enable simultaneous delivery of services with high data rates, low latency, and massive device connectivity.
- New use cases include XR, RedCap, NTN, UAV, positioning, synchronization, and more.
- 5G-Advanced may reduce IoT and wearable device costs, expanding its business potential.
- This evolution lays the foundation for future 6G systems, particularly in AI/ML integration and IoT.
Main AI News:
In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is set to be a pivotal force in shaping the future of 5G networks. According to Peter Merz, head of Nokia Standards, in an interview with RCR Wireless News, AI and ML are poised to revolutionize the 5G ecosystem.
Currently, AI and ML are integral components of 5G systems, primarily applied to network automation and proprietary self-organizing network (SON) solutions. However, as we venture into the realm of 5G-Advanced, a more advanced implementation of AI and ML within the Radio Access Network (RAN) and radio interface is on the horizon.
Merz emphasizes that these AI and ML capabilities will eventually extend their reach to the RAN, core, and devices themselves. This expansion will lay the groundwork for future releases, including the highly anticipated 6G. The potential benefits of AI and ML in the network are substantial, promising to enhance radio interface performance, reduce power consumption, and greatly elevate the end-user experience. Furthermore, AI and ML will play a pivotal role in 5G-Advanced data collection and management, streamlining the process of optimizing network parameters.
Looking ahead to the next steps in 5G-Advanced technology, Merz reveals that the first release of the 5G-Advanced Standard, known as Release 18, is slated for completion by 3GPP in the first half of 2024. Commercial launch of 5G-Advanced is expected from 2025 onward, with a StandAlone architecture being a prerequisite to harness all the business and technical advantages it offers.
Merz envisions that 5G-Advanced will usher in substantial enhancements, unlocking the full potential of 5G. These enhancements will facilitate the simultaneous delivery of services requiring a blend of high data rates, low latency, or the ability to connect a massive number of devices.
The adoption of 5G-Advanced technology will enable a wide range of new use cases, particularly those demanding high data rates, low latency, and massive connectivity. These use cases span across XR (Extended Reality), RedCap (Reduced Capex), NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), positioning, and synchronization. 5G-Advanced will elevate the XR experience by expanding the reach of Virtual Reality (VR), immersive Augmented Reality (AR) applications, and cloud gaming. Additionally, it will enhance cellular-based positioning for both indoor and outdoor scenarios, enabling precise asset tracking with 5G-connected tags.
Moreover, 5G is poised to become a viable alternative or supplement to GNSS/GPS for providing time synchronization to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) or any well-defined time domain. This capability will support a plethora of applications, ranging from industrial automation to real-time financial transactions and smart grids. Furthermore, 5G-Advanced is set to evolve 5G RedCap, potentially reducing user equipment costs for IoT and wearable devices, expanding the business potential of large 5G NR coverage investments.
Peter Merz also highlights how 5G-Advanced will lay the foundations for future 6G systems. Notably, areas such as AI/ML integration in air interface and network domains, Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISC), and Ambient IoT (Internet of Things) are under scrutiny and specification within 5G-Advanced. These functionalities will serve as the basis for subsequent 6G planning and implementation, bridging the path to a transformative era in telecommunications.
Conclusion:
The integration of AI and ML into 5G-Advanced networks, as outlined by Nokia, signifies a transformative shift in the telecommunications market. This development promises not only improved network performance but also opens the door to a wide range of innovative use cases. The imminent commercial launch of 5G-Advanced in 2025 is poised to accelerate the monetization of 5G investments, setting the stage for a dynamic and competitive telecommunications landscape. It also paves the way for the future adoption of 6G systems, ensuring continued growth and innovation in the industry.
