The inaugural standard release of 3GPP 5G-Advanced specifications will boost network efficiency and effectiveness, as outlined by Qualcomm’s VP of engineering Juan Montojo to Mobile World Live (MWL).
Improving sustainability in new and evolving technologies is one of the key objectives in both the mobile and wider technology sectors. The evolution of 5G will drive significant investments in energy, and so the industry is continuing to take steps to boost network efficiency as part of Release 18. This is particularly important in the context of 5G-Advanced, as it enables innovation and new efficiencies before the arrival of 6G. It also highlights the important role that the 3GPP plays as the global standards body. Plans the 3GPP is considering for Release 18 include sleep modes for base stations when not transmitting, power amplifier improvements, and the use of AI and machine learning to enhance data collection and inter-node communication to optimise network savings. Other Release-18 goals include enhancing the performance and efficiency of 5G massive MIMO; improving mobility for devices operating in sub-7 GHz and mmWave frequencies; expanding the capability for integrated access and backhaul on cars and trains; and using smart repeaters which amplify signal but not noise.