The ABCs of 5G New Radio Standards
eBooks
INTRODUCTION
A Primer on 5G Standards and Conformance
5G New Radio (NR) is very different from the previous generations of wireless standards. It introduces a new end-to-end network architecture that promises high data throughput and ultra-reliable low latency connections that will create new usage and business models.
Delivering the kind of wireless speed, responsivity, and reliability promised by 5G requires a series of technical advancements, as well as a significant overhaul of the entire cellular network. These factors will drive a disruptive shift in design, test, and measurement techniques. Some are visible, like the move from conducted test methods to overthe-air (OTA) testing with the advent of mmWave. There is a demand for testing much higher network speeds in fiber-optic systems and higher digital data speeds to support faster mobile and base station designs. 5G also requires the use of complex coverage and capacity improvement concepts like massive multiple-input/multiple-output (massive MIMO) and beamforming that drives new test requirements for the industry.