5G-Advanced Will Build More Capabilities and Intelligence in Wireless Networks

Since 3G, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has standardized features and specifications for wireless cellular networks around the world. "5G-Advanced enhancements will unleash a diversity of new capabilities for fixed/mobile broadband as well as vertical industries powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and full duplex technologies based on a single platform. Chris Pearson, President of 5G Americas said, "The work done by 3GPP in Release 17 improved 5G New Radio (NR) by adding support for new services, reduced-capability user equipment, non-terrestrial networks, frequency bands beyond 52GHz, and the multicast and broadcast service (MBS). He further added, "The next few years will see initial work on Release18, the 5G-Advanced standard, which will offer a boost to network performance and create even more opportunities." This 5G Americas paper provides a detailed background on 3GPP's work leading into 2025, focusing on the organization's processes, a review of major enhancements and new vertical applications, an assessment of global market trends and use cases, and a developmental timeline for currently active 3GPP releases. It also covers radio access technologies, highlighting 22 new and enhanced RAN features and capabilities.