EXata Network Modeling - 5G

5G is the latest technology standard for broadband cellular networks that employs cutting-edge technologies to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, increased reliability, and massive network capacity.

Due to the increased bandwidth, it is expected that 5G networks will not only serve cellphones like existing cellular networks but will also be used as general Internet service providers for laptops and desktop computers, competing with existing ISPs such as cable internet. 5G networks will make possible new applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine to machine (M2M) areas

Modeling of 5G Networks 

Network deployment is challenging. It needs to consider the terrain, channel characteristics, user density, traffic profiles, existing 4G/5G network deployment, and available locations. Traditionally, gathering such information needs extensive field tests and often measurements from past deployments. Modeling and analysis of 5G networks offers a cost-effective, convenient way to obtain metrics that can be used for network planning prior to deployment: 

• Modeling and simulation can be used to determine the optimal layout of base stations (cell towers) to provide adequate coverage over a given geographical area.

• Simulation can be used to uncover any potential capacity and coverage issues and determine whether applications (e.g., voice, video, messaging, etc.) will perform satisfactorily over the mobile network.

• Simulation can shed light on how applications will perform in the presence of other types of traffic which compete for the same resources.

• Simulation can be used to assess the interference between the 5G network and other commercial and tactical wireless networks deployed in the region.

• Simulation can be used to assess the cyber resilience of 5G networks, i.e., the vulnerability of the network to cyber attacks, effectiveness of the security measures to counter and contain attacks, and the ability of the network to deliver services even when subject to cyber attacks.

Benefits of 5G

•Higher Speed: Up to 10 Gbps data rate (10 to 100x speed improvement over 4G and 4.5G networks)

•Higher Capacity: Up to 100x number of connected devices per unit area (compared with 4G LTE)

•Lower Latency: 1millisecond latency •Enhanced Battery life: Up to 10-year battery life for low power IoT devices

•Efficient Spectrum Usage

Keysight 5G Models 

Keysight’s 5G Model Library includes high-fidelity models to help evaluate the performance and behavior of 5G cellular networks. In particular, the 5G models implement features to support the enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) functionality of the 5G standard. The underlying technologies implemented by the Keysight 5G models include:

• Massive Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO)

• Beamforming

• Network slicing

• Edge computing

Keysight’s 5G Model Library supports two modes of deployment: non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA). The NSA mode uses the new 5G frequency spectrums for radio access while using the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) of existing LTE networks that are enhanced to support 5G NSA. This approach allows new 5G services to be introduced quickly while maximizing the reuse of existing 4G networks. The SA mode uses a flexible cloud-based 5G Packet Core to provide Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) capabilities to unlock the full potential of 5G.