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Pasternack Blog
The planned technical expectations of 5G services are extreme in many ways. One of the most extreme use cases is the planned enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, which are being designed to meet users growing demand for high speed data. The main features of eMBB are a massive increase in beak data rates, the ability to accommodate much more traffic, and complete coverage or populated areas and transit paths.
Main eMBB Features
• Peak data rates to 20 Gbps
• Universal data rates around 100 Mbps
• Tens of thousands of simultaneous users
Initially, 4G LTE services are being upgraded with integration of new 5G services is key metropolitan areas. The first realization of eMBB will be derived from 3GPP’s Release 15, the non-standalone (NSA) 5G New Radio (NR). The goal of these standards is an enhancement of 4G LTE with boosted throughput and decreased latency goals. Additional cellular bands were also added in the 3 GHz spectrum, along with new NSA millimeter-wave frequencies.
Early 5G handsets are reliant on sub-6 GHz technology with millimeter-wave (high-band) handsets coming the next few years. Currently, fixed wireless access (FWA) is the main high-band application being deployed and developed. There have also been several 5G prototype installations in large public venues, such as sports stadiums and conference centers, and this will likely continue as a prime area of investment for early 5G installations.
To achieve peak data rates and ubiquitous coverage, the network infrastructure for most regions, including of growing metropolitan areas, will need to be upgraded. This includes facilities to include backhaul throughout a service area. As metropolitan areas are planned to benefit the most from high-speed services, there will likely be a further development of the infrastructure to support millimeter-wave 5G. The new 5G infrastructure will include small cell deployments throughout metropolitan areas, with new antenna and 5G radio technology.
Specifically, there have been large investments in developing antenna and transceiver technologies that support massive multi-input-multi-output (MIMO), beamforming, and carrier aggregation features introduced by the new cellular standards. MIMO and beamforming systems require a large matrix of transceivers and antennas, while carrier aggregation systems require multi-band capabilities, which usually involve a complex set of filters and switching systems.
Due to the large numbers of elements used in 5G radio complex testing systems are required to test each components and a complete 5G radios.
Useful Enhanced Mobile Broadband Related Product Links
• Pasternack Phase Stable (VNA) Coaxial Cables
• Pasternack Cable Generic Test Cable Assemblies
• Pasternack Precision Coaxial Adapters
• Pasternack Antennas
• Pasternack 60 GHz Development Systems
