A Comprehensive Study of 5G as a partial fulfilment of Business &
Technology Subject
Submitted To
Dr. Jasmin Padiya
Submitted By
Group Member Name Enrolment Number
Pandya Het 202400620010358
Patel Ami 202400620010379
Patel Yashik 202400620010415
Rana Mahir 202400620010448
Rana Vishnu 202400620010452
Raval Ronak 202400620010460
Sharma Bhavya 202400620010528
Sindhi Bhoomi 202400620010541
Tomar Dhananjay 202400620010591
GLS UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT
MBA PROGRAMME
Class - F6
Date Of Submission
15th February 2025
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Preface
This project, A Comprehensive Study of 5G, explores the latest mobile network
technology—5G. It explains what 5G is, how it works, its benefits, and how it
will change industries like healthcare, business, and entertainment.
As part of our MBA studies, this project helped us understand how 5G will
improve internet speed, connect more devices, and support new technologies
like smart cities and self-driving cars. We have also discussed the challenges of
using 5G and what the future holds for this technology.
We hope this project gives useful insights into 5G and its role in the future
of communication.
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Acknowledgement
We are very thankful to Dr. Jasmin Padiya for him guidance and support in
helping us complete this project. Him advice and knowledge made our research
easier and more effective.
We also thank GLS University and the Faculty of Management for providing us
with the resources to complete our study.
A big thank you to all our group members for their hard work, teamwork, and
dedication. Each one of us played an important role in gathering information
and putting this project together.
Lastly, we appreciate all the books, research papers, and online sources that
helped us understand 5G better.
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Table Of Contents
Preface…………………………………………………………………………..2
Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………3
1. Introduction to 5G…………………………………………………………….5
1.1 Definition & Overview……………………………………………………...5
1.2 Evolution of Mobile Networks……………………………………………...6
1.3 Key Features of 5G………………………………………………………… 9
2. Technical Aspects of 5G…………………………………………………….11
2.1 Architecture of 5G Networks………………………………………………11
2.2 5G Spectrum and Frequency Bands………………………………………..14
2.3 Challenges in Implementing 5G…………………………………………...16
3. Business Implications of 5G………………………………………………...18
3.1 Impact on Various Industries………………………………………………18
3.2 Economic Benefits…………………………………………………………21
4. Future Possibilities of 5G…………………………………………………...23
4.1 6G Development & Next-Gen Innovations………………………………. 23
4.2 5G & Space Technology…………………………………………………..27
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….30
References…………………………………………………………………….31
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1. Introduction to 5G
1.1 Definition & Overview
What is 5G?
A 5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard
after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is
designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including
machines, objects, and devices.
5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds,
ultra low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased
availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher
performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and
connects new industries.
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1.2 Evolution of Mobile Networks
Let’s look at a simple 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G comparison chart of mobile
network generations:
Generation Network Speeds Key Feature
1G (1980’s) 2.4 Kbit/s Basic analogue voice calls
2G (1990’s) 14.4 to 217.6 Kbit/s Digital voice calls & SMS
3G (2000’s) 384 Kbit/s to 336 Mobile internet access & smartphones
Mbit/s
4G (2010’s) 100 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s Fast data speeds for streaming and
browsing & VoLTE
5G (2020’s) 2 Gbit/s to 20 Gbit/s Advanced connectivity with low
latency, IoT support
1G: The beginning of the mobile revolution
Before the advent of 1G, telephone calls went through manual switchboards, as
shown in the“Cable Girls” series. This first generation of mobile networks,
introduced in 1979 by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in Tokyo,
marked the beginning of a new era. With 1G, the first network of
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communication cells was established, covering geographical areas with low-
power radio transmitters, enabling communication without the need for a
physical connection between devices.
2G: The birth of digital communication
In 1991, the arrival of 2G with the GSM standard marked the first great leap
towards digitalization. This new generation enabled higher bandwidth and
speed, making possible the introduction of text messaging (SMS) and the first
accesses to internet services via WAP. 2G laid the foundations for mobile
communication as we know it today, enabling more efficient and widespread
connectivity.
3G: Smartphones take off
3G arrived in Spain in 2002 with the UMTS standard, based on WCDMA, a
breakthrough that allowed users to share time and frequency more efficiently.
This generation brought with it the appearance of the first smartphones, devices
that revolutionized the way we interact with the digital world. In addition, the
quality of voice calls improved significantly, matching that of fixed networks,
consolidating 3G as a fundamental technology in the evolution of mobile
communications.
4G: Permanent connectivity
In 2011, 4G ushered in a new era of connectivity. With much higher speeds and
stability that allowed the development of applications such as WhatsApp, 4G
enabled video calls and constant access to the internet from anywhere. This
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generation also boosted the use of online mobile payments, although latency
began to be a challenge for the development of new applications that required
real-time response.
5G: The new technological revolution
5G, which became available in Spain in 2019, promises to change everything
once again. With the ability to connect a huge number of devices
simultaneously, 5G offers much higher data transmission speeds and extremely
low latency. Not only will this make our interactions on the network faster, but
it will also open the door to new applications, from the internet of things(IoT) to
autonomous driving and real-time telemedicine.
Although the full benefits of 5G are still some years away, the technology is
already laying the groundwork for the future.
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1.3 Key Features of 5G
1. High Speeds
5G is designed to deliver faster data transfer speeds than its predecessor
technologies. The maximum theoretical speed of 5G is up to 20 Gbps, which is
20 times faster than 4G.
2. Low Latency
5G reduces the time it takes for data to travel from the sender to the receiver
(latency) to as low as 1 millisecond, which is nearly 100 times faster than 4G.
This ultra-low latency is crucial for applications that require real-time
responsiveness, such as self-driving cars, industrial automation, and remote
surgery.
3. Increased Capacity
5G networks are designed to handle significantly more devices and data traffic
than previous generations. This is made possible through the use of new
wireless technologies and advanced network infrastructure, such as
beamforming, massive MIMO, and network slicing.
4. Higher Frequencies
5G utilizes higher frequency bands, such as mmWave (millimeter wave), which
enables faster speeds and greater bandwidth but also requires more base stations
and infrastructure to cover the same area as lower frequency bands.
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5. Enhanced Security
5G includes advanced security features, such as encryption, authentication, and
privacy protection, to ensure the secure transmission of data over the network.
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2. Technical Aspects of 5G
2.1 Architecture of 5G Networks
5G network architecture refers to the overall structure and organization of a
fifth-generation (5G) cellular network. It defines how different network
components and entities are interconnected to enable the delivery of high-speed
data, low latency, and a wide range of services. The 5G network architecture is
designed to support a diverse set of use cases, including enhanced mobile
broadband, massive machine-type communications, and ultra-reliable low-
latency communications. Here is a detailed explanation of the key elements of
5G network architecture:
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User Equipment (UE):
The User Equipment, also known as the end-user device, represents the devices
used by individuals to connect to the 5G network. These devices include
smartphones, tablets, laptops, IoT devices, and other wireless devices capable of
communicating over 5G.
Radio Access Network (RAN):
The Radio Access Network is responsible for establishing and maintaining
wireless communication between the user equipment and the core network. It
consists of base stations, antennas, and other equipment deployed in a
geographical area to provide wireless coverage. In 5G, the RAN includes two
main components:
a. gNB (Next-Generation NodeB):
b. NG-RAN (Next-Generation RAN):
Core Network (CN):
The Core Network serves as the central part of the 5G architecture, responsible
for handling various network functions, service delivery, and management. The
5G Core Network (5GC) consists of several key components:
a. AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function):
b. UPF (User Plane Function):
c. SMF (Session Management Function):
d. PCF (Policy Control Function):
e. NRF (NF Repository Function):
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f. AUSF (Authentication Server Function):
g. UDM (Unified Data Management):
h. NEF (Network Exposure Function):
Service-Based Architecture (SBA):
5G network architecture adopts a service-based approach, where network
functions are decoupled and organized as modular services. This enables
flexible service composition, scalability, and rapid deployment of new services.
The Service-Based Architecture facilitates network slicing, where multiple
virtual networks are created to cater to specific service requirements.
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2.2 5G Spectrum and Frequency Bands
5G operates across different spectrum bands categorized into three main ranges:
1. Low Band
Low-band 5G is designed to provide blanket long-distance coverage. This is the
base layer of 5G that covers hundreds of square miles and operates within the
600–850MHz range. While the low band offers slower speeds compared to the
mid and high band, it provides a superior range. Speeds within the low band fall
between 50–250 Mbps, making it faster than most 4G connections. Long-
distance transmissions and rural areas lacking infrastructure will benefit from
low-band 5G access.
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2. Mid Band
The mid band is designed to balance both speed and distance, making it suitable
for towns, small cities, and suburban areas.The mid band uses the 2.5–4.2GHz
portion of the 5G spectrum and can deliver practical speeds ranging from 100–
900 Mbps for a single connected wireless client. Mid-band spectrum access will
be the most popular across enterprises due to its flexibility and availability for
private spectrum use.
3. High-Band
High-band 5G travels on the millimeter-wave spectrum at a frequency of 25–
39GHz. Speeds in the high band are the fastest, reaching up to 3 Gbps. The
trade-off is that the range is limited—about 1,500feet from the small cell tower.
The good news is that highly dense cities use the high band to serve their large
populations.
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2.3 Challenges in Implementing 5G
Here are some of the challenges of 5G implementation:
1. Limited Availability of 5G Devices
One of the significant challenges of 5G implementation is the limited
availability of 5G devices. While some smartphone manufacturers have already
launched 5G-enabled devices, they are still relatively expensive and not widely
available. This limited availability of 5G devices could slow down the adoption
of the technology.
2. High Cost of 5G Technology
Another challenge of 5G implementation is the high cost of the technology.
Building the necessary infrastructure for 5G networks requires significant
investment, and this cost may be passed on to consumers. Moreover, the higher
cost of 5G-enabled devices could be a barrier to adoption for some consumers.
3. Spectrum Availability
5G networks require a large amount of spectrum to operate effectively.
However, spectrum availability is limited, and there is fierce competition among
telecommunications companies for access to it. This competition could slow
down the deployment of 5G networks in some regions.
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4. Security Concerns
As with any new technology, 5G networks present security challenges that need
to be addressed. The increased connectivity of 5G networks could make them
more vulnerable to cyber attacks, and the security protocols used by 5G
networks need to be robust and effective.
5. Infrastructure Challenges
Building the necessary infrastructure for 5G networks presents a significant
challenge. 5G networks require a denser network of small cell sites, which need
to be installed in urban areas and along highways. This installation process
could face opposition from local communities, who may be concerned about the
aesthetic impact of these sites.
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3. Business Implications of 5G
3.1 Impact on Various Industries
Some key industries impacted by 5G include:
1. Healthcare
• Remote Surgeries – 5G enables real-time remote surgeries using robotic
technology and ultra-low latency.
• Telemedicine – High-speed, reliable connections improve virtual
consultations and remote patient monitoring.
• Smart Wearables – 5G enhances health monitoring through connected
devices that track vital signs.
2. Manufacturing (Industry 4.0)
• Smart Factories – AI-powered automation and IoT sensors improve
productivity and efficiency.
• Predictive Maintenance – Machines equipped with 5G sensors predict
breakdowns, reducing downtime.
• Autonomous Robots – 5G allows seamless operation of AI-driven robots
in factories.
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3. Automotive & Transportation
• Autonomous Vehicles – Real-time data transfer between vehicles (V2X
communication) improves safety.
• Traffic Management – 5G-powered smart traffic lights and vehicle
tracking optimize traffic flow.
• Connected Car Services – Enables real-time infotainment, navigation,
and over-the-air updates.
4. Retail & E-Commerce
• Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping – 5G allows customers to virtually
try products before purchasing.
• Smart Checkout – AI-powered checkout systems reduce waiting times
and enhance customer experience.
• Supply Chain Optimization – 5G-enabled IoT improves logistics and
warehouse automation.
5. Entertainment & Media
• Ultra-HD Streaming & Gaming – 5G enables seamless 4K/8K
streaming and cloud gaming with no lag.
• Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR) – Enhances
interactive experiences for gaming, concerts, and live events.
• Metaverse Expansion – High-speed networks power immersive digital
worlds and virtual collaboration.
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6. Financial Services
• Faster Transactions – 5G improves mobile banking, online payments,
and blockchain transactions.
• AI-Powered Fraud Detection – Real-time data processing enhances
security against cyber threats.
• Smart ATMs – 5G enables remote-controlled ATMs with biometric
security.
7. Agriculture
• Precision Farming – IoT sensors connected via 5G monitor soil health,
weather conditions, and crop growth.
• Automated Equipment – Drones and self-driving tractors optimize
farming efficiency.
• Livestock Monitoring – Wearable IoT devices track animal health and
movement.
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3.2 Economic Benefits
5G is expected to drive significant economic growth by enabling new business
models, improving productivity, and creating jobs. Here are the key economic
benefits:
1. GDP Growth
• 5G is projected to contribute trillions of dollars to global GDP over the
next decade.
• Industries leveraging 5G will experience increased productivity and
innovation.
2. Job Creation
• The deployment and maintenance of 5G infrastructure will create
millions of jobs worldwide.
• New industries and applications enabled by 5G will generate additional
employment opportunities.
3. Enhanced Productivity
• Faster and more reliable connectivity improves operational efficiency
across industries.
• Automation and real-time data analysis reduce costs and increase output.
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4. New Business Models
• 5G enables innovative services like cloud gaming, AR/VR experiences,
and IoT-based solutions.
• Businesses can offer personalized and immersive experiences to
customers.
5. Global Competitiveness
• Countries investing in 5G infrastructure will gain a competitive edge in
the global economy.
• Early adopters will attract investment and foster innovation.
6. Rural Development
• Improved connectivity in rural areas can bridge the digital divide and
stimulate local economies.
• Enables access to education, healthcare, and e-commerce in underserved
regions.
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4. Future Possibilities of 5G
4.1 6G Development & Next-Gen Innovations
6G
6G (sixth-generation wireless) is the successor to 5G cellular technology. 6G
networks will be able to use higher frequencies than 5G networks and provide
substantially higher capacity and much lower latency. One of the goals of the
6G internet is to support one microsecond latency communications. This is
1,000 times faster -- or 1/1000th the latency -- than one millisecond.
6G roadmap: Growing from 5G to 6G
There is not yet a detailed roadmap for 6G, but based on several years of
research, pre-standardization work is now starting. Research into new
technology areas for 6G will then continue in parallel with the evolution of 5G.
Learnings from live 5G networks and interactions with the user ecosystems will
continuously feed into the research, standardization and development of 6G.
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6G will build on the strengths of 5G, but it will also provide entirely new
technology solutions. Around 2030 is a reasonable time frame to expect the very
first 6G networks to appear.
6G network capabilities
To serve as the platform for a vast range of new and evolving services, the
capabilities of wireless access networks need to be enhanced and extended in
various dimensions. This includes classic capabilities, such as achievable data
rates, latency, and system capacity, but also new capabilities, some of which
may be more qualitative in nature.
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6G will have big implications for many government and industry approaches to
public safety and critical asset protection, such as the following:
• threat detection;
• health monitoring;
• feature and facial recognition;
• decision-making in areas like law enforcement and social credit systems;
• air quality measurements;
• gas and toxicity sensing; and
• sensory interfaces that feel like real life.
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Future scope of 6G network
About 10 years ago, the phrase "Beyond 4G" (B4G) was coined to refer to the
need to advance the evolution of 4G beyond the LTE standard. It was not clear
what 5G might entail, and only pre-standards R&D-level prototypes were in the
works at the time. The term B4G lasted for a while. It referred to what could be
possible beyond 4G. Ironically, the LTE standard is still evolving, and 5G will
use some aspects of it.
Similar to B4G, Beyond 5G is seen as a path to 6G technologies that will
replace fifth-generation capabilities and applications. 5G's many private
wireless communications implementations involving LTE, 5G and edge
computing for enterprise and industrial customers have helped lay the
groundwork for 6G.
6G technologies
Examples of the types of technology that will be needed to deliver 6G use cases
include zero-energy sensors and actuators; next-generation AR glasses, contact
lenses and haptics; and advanced edge computing and spatial mapping
technologies. From our perspective at Ericsson, we have determined that
creating the 6G networks of 2030 will require major technological
advancements in four key areas: limitless connectivity, trustworthy systems,
cognitive networks and network compute fabric.
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4.2 5G & Space Technology
Future Possibility of 5G
GSMA Intelligence puts 5G growth at 5.5 billion 5G connections by 2030. In
North America alone, GSMA forecasts that by 2030, 90% of mobile
connections will be
5G. 5G Americas, which is a telecommunications industry trade organization,
has a more aggressive forecast, projecting 7.9 billion 5G connections by 2028.
Benefits of 5G
5G can provide high speeds, low latency and massive capacity, offering the
potential to change what you experience with your mobile device, and much
more.
5G should help revolutionize industries and can provide immediate impact for
customers. 5G could help make businesses more efficient and give consumers
access to more information faster than ever before. It can help enable connected
cars and lead to new fan experiences at stadiums. It could allow for new student
experiences to invigorate education and support artificial intelligence (Al) in
public safety. And it can enable advanced gaming and esports experiences.
Space Technology of 5G
5G has arrived, and new equipment is currently being installed in densely
populated cities across the globe. In many cases, the demand for 5G capacity is
exceeding infrastructure improvements, especially in sparsely populated areas
that are difficult to access.
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For years, satellite communication has remained standalone technology,
independent of mobile networking. Now with the next generation of satellites -
built from 5G architecture - they will integrate with networks to manage
connectivity to cars, vessels, airplanes and other IoT devices in remote and rural
areas.
In the near future, 5G signals will beam down from space and support our
'terrestrial' 5G infrastructure on Earth. The end result is a new space race for
satellites - promising to offer customers a seamless wireless experience across
the entire globe.
With that in mind, let's examine the new communication satellites, and how
they contribute to 5G:
1. LEO satellites
Traditional communication satellites are geostationary and have been in orbit
for more than 50 years. GEO satellites weigh more than 1000kg and operate
36,000 kilometers above the earth. These satellites remain in a fixed position
relative to any position. Despite Earth's orbit, this allows ground-based antennas
the ability to point directly at the satellite, in a fixed position.
2. The new space race - private LEO satellites
A new space race is emerging among tech companies to deploy LEO satellite
constellations to deliver high-speed internet service to emerging markets and
business customers. In February, SpaceX launched its fifth batch of 60 Starlink
satellites to orbit. This will bring around 300 Starlink satellites currently in orbit
with a long-term goal of 30,000.
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3. Coverage and integration
In a 5G interconnected world, smart cities will utilize ultrafast speeds and low
latency to connect everything in it. This requires small 5G towers placed in high
traffic areas that demand a lot of bandwidth and have a direct line of sight for
optimal speed and performance.
4. Satellites and IoT
Having billions of IoT devices poses a significant operational challenge. To
combat on-going security vulnerabilities, devices need constant updates and
future 5G devices will require an efficient distribution of data on a global scale.
With wide coverage and broadcast capabilities, satellites are well-positioned to
support IoT. They can offer shared uplink connectivity for a massive amount of
IoT devices and provide data aggregation.
5. Multicast Streaming
The traditional core market of satellite communication is media broadcast. Now,
with the proliferation of mobile devices, media content trends are shifting away
from live linear television broadcasts, to low latency on-demand streaming.
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Conclusion
5G is more than just a faster network—it is a game-changer for businesses. It
improves efficiency, customer experience, and innovation across industries
like healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.
However, challenges like high costs, security risks, and infrastructure needs
must be addressed. Companies that invest early in 5G will gain a competitive
advantage in the digital era.
Looking ahead, 6G and space-based 5G will further transform global
connectivity. Businesses that adapt to these changes will stay ahead and drive
future growth.
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References
https://www.qualcomm.com/5g/what-is-5g
https://www.cloudthat.com/resources/blog/the-evolution-of-mobile-networks-
from-1g-to-5g-and-beyond
https://tecknexus.com/5g-network/5g-networks-know-about-5g/
https://telcomaglobal.com/p/5g-network-architecture
https://www.celona.io/5g-lan/5g-
spectrum#:~:text=High%2DBand,to%20serve%20their%20large%20population
s
http://fastercapital.com/topics/the-challenges-of-5g-implementation.html
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/5g-will-impact-these-10-industries-the-
most/#:~:text=Healthcare.%20In%20the%20healthcare%20industry%2C%205
G%20could,remote%20monitoring%20devices%20to%20improve%20health%
20outcomes.
https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/6G
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