Our 5G world in 2025:

what to expect,
how to make it happen
Dr. Konstantinos Stavropoulos
Solution Marketing Lead, EXFO

white
paper
Executive summary
There has been a lot of noise around 5G recently. But what about the future? What about the 5G
use cases realistically expected, say, by 2025? And what about the approach necessary for 5G to
deliver on its promise by then? This white paper tries to address the above questions.

What 5G is, what 5G will be

5G should be seen as an end-to-end ecosystem that will enable exciting use cases across multiple
consumer and enterprise verticals. Interestingly, 5G builds upon the fiber and 4G infrastructure
as well as IT concepts, from network cloud/virtualization to service-based architecture.
More importantly, 5G is a catalyst for change, not just for the mobile/telecoms industry but
(potentially) for our world in general.

5G: Five years from now. . .

We expect: one network, many service providers (including new entrants, using a common
“infinite” infrastructure); the smart interconnected world (with devices becoming active “living”
parts); the rise of robots (not limited to Industry 4.0); the next step (or leap) in personalization (and
our “me”-centric experience); a new reality (in our experience of the virtual and real worlds). How
5G deals with energy efficiency will remain an open topic, while some exciting use cases may just
about start changing our world (e.g., autonomous vehicles, internet of senses, remote surgery).

Challenges for 5G
Complexity, investment and regulation are the key high-level challenges for 5G to deliver on its
promise by 2025. Complexity wise, new (mainly IT) concepts, the fiber infrastructure, 4G, and
5G-specific features have created a challenging multi-layer puzzle for 5G and for its defining
concept of end-to-end network slicing.

AIM for 5G success

On top of the high-level—verify, deploy, operate—network lifecycle approach, the 5G success
depends on three interrelated key themes: automation, a multi-faceted concept relevant to simpler
tasks and more intricate or ad-hoc activities; intelligence, including the “right” data and insights
(e.g., in understanding the network and service topology) as well as AI; mindset, required by the
B2B (and B2B2C) nature of 5G and by the fading demarcation lines between telecoms and IT or
between wireless and wireline communications.

Will the AIM approach suffice for 5G to deliver by 2025? Will challenges we have not foreseen
arise on the way? Que sera sera (whatever will be, will be). . .

Note: For a more detailed discussion on 5G—from its challenges to relevant solutions and lessons learned from
deployments—please contact EXFO.
 white paper

Introduction
There has been a lot of noise around 5G recently, with many network operators launching
(or about to launch) 5G, prioritizing services for their initial 5G rollout, sharing the 5G
challenges they have been facing, etc.

But what about the future? What about the use cases that 5G is realistically expected to
support, say by 2025? And what about the actions and approach necessary for 5G to deliver
on its multifaceted promise by then?

This white paper tries to address the above questions. We start by looking into the perception
and definition of 5G, followed by the 5G use cases likely to change our world by 2025. Next,
we discuss the 5G challenges (focusing on complexity) that worry network operators. Last
but not least, we look at what is required to ensure that 5G fully delivers by 2025, if not earlier.

What 5G is, what 5G will be

2019 was a great year for 5G with 50 service launches by network operators in 27 countries
If in the future we worldwide a. But how is 5G perceived after this pivotal year?
stop a 5G network, Following its non-standalone (NSA) launches, 5G may be regarded today as the latest mobile
we will be stopping network standard/generation, a high-band wireless technology for ultra-high throughput

society. focusing on fixed wireless access (as an alternative to fiber/cable), and/or a hotspot
technology (to ease the data demand/pressure on 4G).
Telefonica CTIO Enrique Blanco
(October 2019) In reality, 5G is much more than any of the above. 5G should be seen as an end-to-end
ecosystem b that will enable exciting use cases across multiple consumer and enterprise
verticals. The “ultra” 5G—throughput/capacity, latency and reliability—capabilities are indeed
impressive. And it is these capabilities, together with network slicing, that are expected to
make 5G standalone (SA) a critical part of the world’s connectivity backbone. So critical that,
as stated by the CTIO of a leading service provider (see quote), 5G performance issues will
affect the “hospitals, cars and industry”, not just mobile users.

a. Based on the GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) “5G Market Snapshot” (October 2019). The number of launches refers to
commercially available, 3GPP-compliant 5G services.
b. As per the NGMN (Next Generation Mobile Networks) 5G White Paper (2015) definition of 5G.

© 2020 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. 3

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Massive IoT Enhanced experience Critical IoT

(mMTC) (eMBB) (uRLLC)

Smart UHD/3D AR/VR Work/play

home in cloud

Smart Robots
buidings

Smart Autonomous
cities vehicles

In effect, 5G is a
catalyst for change, Smart
agriculture
Digital
health
not just for the
mobile/telecoms Transport Industry
& logictics automation
industry but
(potentially) for the
way we live, for our 1M
nodes/km2
10+
years life
10+
Gbit/s
1
ms
<10-5
outage
density energy data rate latency reliability
world in general.
Figure 1. 5G will enable exciting use cases and support diverse verticals with its impressive capabilities c

Interestingly, the 5G “ecosystem” builds upon a variety of existing and new concepts/
technologies as well as infrastructure. In addition to fiber and 4G (the foundation for 5G NSA),
concepts from network cloud/virtualization to service-based architecture are relevant d to 5G.
Even WiFi (including its latest version of WiFi 6) and satellite networks could be seen as
belonging to this wide “ecosystem” of 5G.

In effect, 5G is a catalyst for change, not just for the mobile/telecoms industry but (potentially)
for the way we live, for our world in general. 5G promises optimal network resource efficiency,
service agility, and better user experience as well as increased relevance to new verticals
(manufacturing, media and entertainment, health, automotive, transport, logistics, utilities,
etc.) and new business models for network operators.

On top of these high-level promises, 5G is expected to accelerate consolidation in the

telecoms space while helping render the distinction between mobile and fixed-line
communications even less pronounced. Many telecoms industry observers also expect
the introduction of 5G to coincide with, if not facilitate, the emergence of a global telecoms
landscape with a few prominent global players but a myriad of local, use-case/country
focused companies.

c. 3D: 3-dimensional. eMBB: enhanced mobile broadband. mMTC: massive machine-type communication. UHD: ultra-high definition.
uRLLC: ultra-reliable low latency communication.
d. Relevant mobile network and IT concepts/technologies include: cloud (and cloud-native) and resource centralization (e.g., C-RAN,
cloud/centralized radio access network), service-centric operations (e.g., SBA, service-based architecture), virtualization (e.g., NFV,
network function virtualization), softwarization (e.g., SDN, software-defined networking), edge computing (e.g., MEC, multi-access/
mobile edge computing), etc.

© 2020 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. 4

 white paper

How much of that will happen by 2025? The period of five years from now is neither very
long nor short. It allows us to expect certain trends, such as the rise of mega cities or the
growth in video consumption, which may still be reversible. 2025 is also a landmark year,
for which estimates abound. For example, there will be 1.2 billion 5G connections worldwide
according to GSMA e, while the planet’s population will reach 8.1 billion. But estimates are
just that: estimates. And as seen with IoT in recent years, numbers will have to be revised,
more often than not.

So, what do we expect 5G—following also its SA launch enabling end-to-end network slicing—
to bring by 2025? Will it be the “infinite-capacity” network or the network that “never” fails?
Will it pave the way for the Amazon or Apple network to be launched, following upon the
steps of Rakuten? Will it help radically transform workplaces and jobs?

Well, wild guesses aside, we can still discuss what we realistically expect—rather than
prophesize about—will happen by 2025. Or how the mobile/telecoms world—which is now
embracing transformation and adopting the IT vocabulary and architectures of open, intent-
The mobile/telecoms and service-focused, data abstraction and reusable module-based networks—will evolve.
world—now embracing And how the mobile/telecoms world will impact our world in general.

transformation and
adopting the IT Important note
vocabulary and As per the 5G “ecosystem” definition, it is essential to point out that many 5G use
cases will be supported by a dynamic mix of enabling technologies that includes, but
architectures is not limited to 5G. Take the example of the new era of industry or latest industrial
of open, intent- and revolution—denoted as Industry 4.0. In addition to 5G, non-public or private networks,

service-focused, the industry-related discussion revolves around advances in sensors (including

wearables), actuators, robotics, machine learning, deep learning, and artificial
data abstraction intelligence (AI) as well as advances in gesture, voice and eventually brain control
and reusable module- of machines.

based networks—will
evolve. So, let’s travel in time to 2025 and see how 5G will change our world. Are you ready?

e. GSMA (GSM Association) is a trade body that represents the interests of mobile network operators. Note that, 5G connections wise,
other estimates anticipate higher numbers of connections by 2025.

© 2020 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. 5

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5G: Five years from now. . .

Which 5G use cases are likely to change our world by 2025? Instead of far-fetched predictions,
the following subsections cover what is likely to happen in the next five years. While still
prone to error due to human subjectivity and inability to foresee what is coming f, these
subsections should depict at least some aspects of our future, including the role of 5G. The
section also comprises a few 5G-related comments on what is less likely to happen by 2025.

One network, The smart The rise The next step A

many service interconnected of (or leap) in new
providers world robots personalization reality

∞
me
me
me
Prediction is very Figure 2. What 5G is expected to enable by 2025

difficult, especially
One network, many service providers
about the future. The traditional notion of network operators who build and operate their own network
Niels Bohr infrastructure to provide service offerings is already under attack. By 2025, the move away
from network centricity to service focus, based on features such as network slicing, will
have transformed the mobile industry. In practice, this should mean more service providers—
including new entrants, potentially even well-known names in the IT or retail space—making
use of a common “infinite” network infrastructure. This should also, hopefully, mean more
choice for consumers and enterprises.

The smart interconnected world

Smart wearables, smart appliances, smart home, smart office, smart city, smart world. . .
5G will strengthen the fabric of connectivity to enable people and devices to communicate
better. For devices in particular, the ability to share not just gathered data but also
AI-generated insights (e.g., predictions) and even to act will transform isolated passive
modules into active “living” parts of a truly interconnected world. By 2025, the long-awaited
IoT—and IoE—impact is likely to have started materializing.

The rise of robots

5G has been linked with the proliferation of automation, for example in industrial applications.
Discussions around Industry 4.0 typically highlight 5G as a critical requirement for the factory
of the future. Indeed, the ability to support ultra-low latency and ultra-high numbers of devices
(e.g., factory robots) as well as private networks make 5G a key enabler for Industry 4.0. By
2025, we are likely to see robots elsewhere too, from parking valets to home companions
to delivery drones.

f. Our “bets” on future developments would be safer if we focused on what is already being considered in one way or another. For
example, based on the 5G support for enhanced mobile broadband in conjunction with the expected further increase in video and
data consumption, “standard” use cases such as better video and internet or app experience would constitute such a “bet”. Private
networks have also become a hot topic of discussion (not limited to 5G), especially in the context of factory automation. That said,
even popular 5G use cases such as autonomous vehicles may be further away than many of us think today.

© 2020 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. 6

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The next step (or leap) in personalization

Today, we are more-or-less accustomed to our handsets and apps providing relevant data
based on our interests, prior internet searches, etc. Privacy issues—a hot topic in itself—
aside, 5G is expected to help make our experience even more personalized. In addition to
routine daily activities, such as contextual information received in real time as we walk in a
commercial district, 5G may enable a shift in data utilization, for example in how we monitor
our health and how we confirm health issues.

A new reality
5G promises to transform our experience of the virtual and real worlds. Cloud gaming and
UHD (4K, 8K) video are expected to become commonplace by 2025. On the other hand,
virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are likely to change the way we watch sports
(including our stadium experience), visit historical sites or travel as tourists, shop, learn, work
and live. To a different extent, the 5G promise for a new “extended” reality should be more
than just a promise by 2025.

A note on the energy efficiency paradox of 5G

The energy efficiency profile of 5G has a “Janus g” quality. On the one hand, 5G is
more (radio and network) resource-efficient than 4G. It also enables applications that
should make us all more productive, for example in using energy (due to less time
driving around to find a parking space, smarter use of lighting, etc.). On the other
hand, and without counting the environmental cost of deployment and operation, the
5G reliance on cloud (data centers) means that energy consumption is certain to go
up. This is why energy efficiency has become a key topic in the evolution of 5G, and
even 6G, and is expected to remain so by 2025.

The previous subsections describe use cases that we are likely to see 5G enable by 2025.
So what about those that are less likely to occur?

g. The (ancient Roman) god of duality, beginnings and endings, usually depicted as having two faces (one looking left, and one right).
Expression also used to denote contradiction (and duplicity).

© 2020 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. 7

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What may not happen by 2025

There are a number of exciting 5G use cases that may just about start changing our world
by 2025, for example:

− Autonomous vehicles
While self-driving (free-moving) vehicles are expected to show up on some roads, five
years may not suffice for wide adoption and acceptance by skeptics and authorities.
Even more time is likely to be required for self-flying vehicles, including taxi drones.

− Internet of senses
Tactile internet is an “ambitious” 5G use case. Although progress will be made by 2025,
we may have to wait for 5G evolution (or 6G) to reliably support the virtual experience of
touch. Taste and smell will probably take longer too.

− Remote surgery
Full implementation (i.e., not limited to video-based remote assistance) heavily depends
on the regulatory framework and not just the performance of the 5G infrastructure. This
is another use case that may need more time to convince its doubters and opponents.

The above 5G use cases only form a small representative list. Who knows, an accelerated
pace of implementing and accepting such use cases may prove expectations wrong. It will
not be the first time!
Any issues with 5G However the future may pan out, one thing is certain: there are a few 5G-related network
NSA could affect the challenges to address first. These are discussed in the next section.

5G deployment plan,
Challenging network domains, concepts,
the launch of 5G
infrastructure
SA, and the overall What is the biggest challenge for 5G? For some, it is to get 5G right the first time. Any issues
success of 5G. with 5G NSA could affect the 5G deployment plan, the launch of 5G SA, and the overall
success of 5G. Others are concerned that extremely high expectations set for 5G may be
hard to meet.

On a high level, the 5G challenges can be categorized as follows:

− Complexity
Albeit promising, 5G is inherently complex. As per the subsections that follow, 5G
entails technical challenges of a different nature or similar but accentuated-complexity
challenges as compared with say, 4G.

− Investment
5G calls for significant investment in new resources—from (licensed) radio spectrum to
network equipment and sites, and from technical expertise to advanced software solutions.

− Regulation
In addition to standard network operation concerns (from spectrum availability and
harmonization to site application and construction), regulation is needed for the new
verticals and use cases that 5G will address h.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the 5G complexity and some of its main aspects. As briefly
commented in the “What 5G is, what 5G will be” section, whenever we talk about 5G, we should
think of distinct but inextricably linked building blocks as well as the end-to-end picture.

h. The versatile nature of 5G and its dependence on the underlying network infrastructure will lead to interesting discussions here
(e.g., regulation of mission-critical applications and SLA responsibility of each involved party). Meanwhile, in the more traditional
spectrum regulation space, licensed spectrum sharing—such as or simpler than Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the
US—is likely to become commonplace.

© 2020 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. 8

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New concepts: the IT “invasion”

It all (arguably) started with NFV. But there are a large number of IT-originated concepts
that have been discussed for a while, and have now made their way into mobile/telecoms.
Interestingly, even the notion of “open” network architectures, which would have been
dismissed as irrelevant if not totally out of the question in the past, is now being considered
by Tier 1 operators. Of course, the popularity and industry acceptance of open RAN initiatives
and solutions does not mean that the consideration of such—new for mobile/telecoms—
concepts will be challenge-free.

Fiber infrastructure: the “fiber” of 5G

Similar to 4G, the performance of 5G depends on the transport network, which in turn relies
on the underlying fiber infrastructure (not everywhere, but to a very large extent). Despite
wireless alternatives, fiber has a fundamental role to play in 5G. And as FTTx i initiatives
intensify worldwide, and novel optical fiber/transport options appear as candidates for
specific use cases, the question is how best to make use of both the existing and soon-to-be-
deployed fiber infrastructure to support 5G.

4G: live “forever”. . .

In addition to its Due to the 5G NSA dependence on 4G, any 5G-impacting 4G network degradation will be seen
as a 5G issue. In addition to its essential role in 5G NSA though, 4G will remain a key part
essential role in of the network infrastructure for many years. Indeed, similar to 3G or even 2G today, 4G will
5G NSA, 4G will continue to support many use cases in 2025. Its optimization, densification and evolution
should therefore be seen as important pieces of the wireless and overall telecoms puzzle.
remain a key part
of the network “Strictly” 5G: new features
infrastructure for Although 5G relies on existing network infrastructure and concepts, there are a number
of features new j to 5G. Such features—new radio (NR) and new core (5GC) or operation in
many years. high spectrum bands (mmWave) with massive MIMO antenna systems—require careful
consideration, testing and monitoring. The defining 5G feature or concept of end-to-end
network slicing could be part of the same discussion, although it merits a subsection of
its own.

i. Refers mainly to FTTH or fiber-to-the-home (x = H). Also, to FTTB or fiber-to-the-business/building (x = B),

FTTP or fiber-to-the-premises (x = P), FTTC or fiber-to-the-cabinet (x = C), etc.
j. For simplification, any 5G features based on incremental changes and the evolution of network features/capabilities are treated
here as “new”. Similarly, mobile network capabilities that may have existed for a while but have not been deployed before
(e.g., massive MIMO) would also be seen as “new”.

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The end-to-end picture

Network slicing in 5G emphasizes the need for domain-specific as well as end-to-end network
and service visibility. While this visibility is not a new requirement, 5G elevates it to a higher
level. Without such visibility, network slicing would fail to maximize network efficiency or
satisfy SLAs including SLAs for mission-critical applications. And the impact, as commented
earlier in this document, would be that “society stops”.

Radio Edge Core

cloud cloud
UHD video slice
MEC
CU/DU cache vCore

Independant
Telephony slice

slices
CU/DU vCore vIMS
internet
Critical IoT slice
CU/DU vCore
V2X server

The complexity of Transport network

5G exacerbates Figure 3. 5G network slicing relies on optimal domain-specific and

end-to-end (device to external servers) performance k
known challenges
and introduces So, as we move towards 2025, how can we successfully deal with the complexity of 5G
while also taking investment and regulation challenges into account? The next section tries
challenges of a to tackle this question.
different nature to
the network lifecycle How to aim for 5G success by 2025
What do we need to ensure that 5G fully delivers by 2025? Well, the high-level network
approach. lifecycle approach is largely known:

− Verify features/capabilities and relevant equipment/software as early as possible

− Deploy infrastructure and services based on ROI-driven planning and comprehensive testing

− Operate network and services focusing on user/device experience and monetization criteria

As commented in the previous section, the complexity of 5G exacerbates known challenges

and introduces challenges of a different nature to the network lifecycle approach, while the
significance of investment and regulation should not be overlooked either l. In light of these
challenges, the success of 5G depends on three interrelated key themes.

k. CU/DU: centralized/distributed unit. IMS: IP multimedia subsystem. V2X: vehicle to anything. vCore: virtual core. vIMS: virtual IMS.
l. For simplicity, other factors—from 5G device (not just handset) availability to standardization—or the different challenges posed by
greenfield (i.e., new) deployments versus rollouts of 5G on top of legacy (e.g., 4G) infrastructure are not considered in the how-to
discussion here. For more information, you can contact EXFO.

© 2020 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. 10

 white paper

Automation
A popular topic for many years, automation is not limited to 5G. In practice, the 5G discussion
mainly focuses on network complexity to highlight the need for advanced or intelligent
automation. But automation is a multi-faceted concept relevant to simpler or repetitive
tasks (e.g., automated workflows) as well as more intricate or even ad-hoc activities
(e.g., orchestration).

Interestingly, skepticism around the scope and impact of automation persists. In some
cases, this is due to fear that automation will put jobs at risk. In other cases, automation has
not yet proven its potential, especially with regard to complex tasks and activities. Whichever
the reason, the success of 5G depends on the successful, broader and deeper adoption of
automation.

This adoption should be seen in the context of headline telecoms themes such as

The success of transformation. Indeed, the radical change that 5G necessitates in the way that networks are
planned, deployed and operated—to address and monetize new use cases—should abide by
5G depends on the the same “rules”. For example, sensitivity to the current organizational culture inside service

successful, broader providers is of paramount importance, and linked to the 5G need for a different mindset.
At the same time, automation has a key prerequisite.
and deeper adoption
of automation. Intelligence
For 5G to fully deliver on its promise, intelligence is fundamental. Intelligence (or analytics)
can be seen as a multilayer term. It implies a smarter approach to 5G deployment, which
prioritizes network areas based on identified (e.g., geolocated) customer needs and selected
use cases. It also refers to insights related to end-to-end 5G network and service visibility,
which can be used for troubleshooting and optimization purposes.

5G emphasizes the need for data and insights of finer detail/resolution, for example provided
in real time so as to react to issues in seconds if not milliseconds. In addition, to utilize data
in a faster and more cost-effective manner (e.g., in terms of equipment footprint), there is
now a need not for “big” but for “right” data. The 5G “right” data reference encompasses
requirements for better accuracy (e.g., in our knowledge of the network infrastructure) and
better understanding of the topology or links connecting network elements, services and
devices/users/customers.

Yes, machine/deep learning and AI m will also play an essential role intelligence wise.
By integrating predictive and, for automation purposes, prescriptive capabilities, 5G will go
beyond proactive troubleshooting and powerful diagnostics to move to a preemptive mode
of network/service operations. But automation and intelligence will not suffice for 5G to
succeed by 2025.

m. The introduction of AI and its impact on not just telecoms but employment and our life in general has a number of practical and
philosophical/ethical connotations. While interesting and relevant to our world in 2025, AI and its implications are not the focus of
this document.

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Mindset
5G may drive the wave of change in the mobile/telecoms industry, but it will also be affected
if that change does not happen as needed. Yes, a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. Take
for example the operational silos created by the divide-and-conquer approach to dealing
with network complexity. For 5G to deliver on its promise, inefficiencies in network/service
operations must be addressed.

Such considerations underpin the requirement for a new mindset. The B2B (and B2B2C)
nature of 5G is one of the main reasons why this different mindset is required. The
fading demarcation lines between telecoms and IT or between wireless and wireline
communications make for another one. And more than ever before, complexity and cost
pressures accentuate the need to collaborate (in some cases even partner with competitors)
and to truly embrace innovation.

For 5G to deliver The seismic change caused by open network architectures—including the most complex
domain of radio access (RAN) and the ability to work with a multitude of vendors and not
on its promise, just well-known NEMs—is a concrete manifestation of a dramatically changing landscape.

inefficiencies in And the gradual transformation of network operators into service providers who no longer
own their network infrastructure should not be overlooked either. For 5G to be successful,
network/service the mobile/telecoms industry must be—literally and metaphorically—open.

operations must
be addressed. Automation

The 5G AIM approach

Intelligence Mindset

Figure 4: The AIM (Automation, Intelligence, Mindset) approach for 5G success by 2025

Automation. Intelligence. Mindset. These three high-level prerequisites combined are

going to be key for the success of 5G. And by taking the first letter of each word, the
easy-to-remember AIM acronym is created n.

Whatever we call this high-level approach, it is required to ensure that 5G delivers on its
promise by 2025, if not earlier. Will such a 5G approach suffice? Will challenges we have not
foreseen arise on the way? Que sera sera o. . .

n. Of course, no term can fully represent the diverse challenges encountered in practice. Furthermore, Tier 1 operators have already
started following such an approach, by gradually increasing their reliance on automation and analytics, and by starting to introduce
a different, more dynamic (DevOps or “try and fail fast”), IT-like mindset in their organization.
o. Meaning “Whatever will be, will be”, this phrase became popular following the success of a 1950s hit song of the same title.

© 2020 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. 12

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Conclusion
For a more detailed
discussion on 5G– 5G is monopolizing headlines, typically with stories about the status of deployments or the
from its challenges to next-year plans of network operators and other companies interested in 5G. But how much
relevant solutions and can 5G actually change our world, not in a year but after a longer time period? Only time
lessons learned from will tell.
deployments–please
contact EXFO. This white paper is a high-level attempt to discuss what the future holds with and for 5G.
The document has looked into the use cases that 5G is realistically expected to support
by 2025, including industrial and extended-reality applications. The white paper has also
focused on key 5G network domain/concept challenges, and has outlined a high-level—AIM
or automation, intelligence and mindset centric—approach to address them.

Acronyms
2G/3G/4G/5G 2nd/3rd/4th/5th generation IoT internet of things
3D 3-dimensional IMS IP multimedia subsystem
3GPP 3rd generation partnership project IT information technology
standards organization MEC multi-access/mobile edge computing
4K/8K UHD-resolution video MIMO multiple input multiple output
5GC 5G core mMTC massive machine-type communication
AI artificial intelligence NEM network equipment manufacturer
AIM automation, intelligence, mindset NFV network function virtualization
AR augmented reality NGMN next generation mobile networks
B2B business to business NR new radio
B2B2C B2B to consumer NSA non-standalone (5G mode)
CBRS citizens broadband radio service RAN radio access network
C-RAN cloud/centralized RAN ROI return on investment
CTIO chief technology and information officer SA standalone (5G mode)
CU centralized unit SBA service-based architecture

DevOps “try and fail fast” IT operations model SDN software-defined networking

DU distributed unit SLA service level agreement

eMBB enhanced mobile broadband UHD ultra-high definition

FTTx fiber to the x uRLLC ultra-reliable low latency communication

GSA global mobile suppliers association V2X vehicle to anything

vCore virtual core
GSM global system for mobile
communications (2G standard) vIMS virtual IMS
GSMA GSM association VR virtual reality
IoE internet of everything WiFi “wireless fidelity”

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