Electronic Environment # 4.2021
5G: A Summary of 2021
and What to Expect Going Forward G is a set of improved and updated mobile communication technologies, and new characteristics resulting from the addition of two new high-frequencybands: sub-6 GHz (3.5-7 GHz) and mmWave (>24 GHz). As indicated in the diagram, the low-frequency band has a longer propagation range but restricted bandwidth and long latency, whereas the high-frequency band has the opposite characteristics: a short propagation range but tremendous bandwidth and ultra-low latency. Despite its propagation range limitations, 5G (especially mmWave)'s high throughput and ultralow latency enable it to tap into various high-value sectors such as 3D robotic control, virtual reality monitoring, and remote medical control that earlier technologies couldn't. 5G is positioned as a technology that will redefine and accelerate numerous industries and will ultimately change the way people work and live.
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WHAT IS THE GLOBAL 5G DEPLOYMENT STATUS IN 2021? 5G is recognized as an important infrastructure for both developed and developing countries. By the end of 2021, 79 nations have either commercialized 5G or are conducting 5G trials. Digging further into what frequency is most used - based on IDTechEx's study - it is sub-6 GHz. This frequency band is used in over half of 5G commercial deployments and trails, with just a tiny percentage using mmWave. So far, only 9 countries have commercialized 5G mmWave. However, this is not surprising given that, the main restriction of mmWave transmissions is their low propagation range. Telecom companies would not employ the mmWave frequency band for national coverage. Looking at telecom operators' deployment strategies, we can see that low-frequency bands (for example, 700 MHz) are used for national coverage, whereas sub-6 GHz bands are utilized for city coverage, and mmWave is used for megacity hotspots. What is the important technical development/trend in 5G now? Though 5G is commercialized, there are still a lot of technical developments going on. In this article, IDTechEx discuss the 4 key points:
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