3GPP Release 15 specifies the initial 5G standardization framework for the radio access network called 5G New Radio (5G NR). The standard contains a high degree of flexibility in radio parameters, which complicates network measurements. However, Rohde & Schwarz has already conducted measurements in precommercial 5G NR trial networks with its commercially available 5G NR network measurement solution. We gained interesting insights into the new technology’s performance, capabilities and frequency bands.
The mobile communications industry undertook a paradigm shift in defining the next generation of mobile communications. Before discussing new technologies like in all previous generations, the industry researched and assessed the use cases and needs that 5G should fulfill. After general agreement on the use cases, requirements were defined, including data rates, carrier bandwidths, latency values, number of devices, etc.
