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5G eMBB for Improved Mobile Broadband Speeds

Published Date
Author Cadence PCB Solutions

Key Takeaways

  • Different use cases supported in 5G technology are eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC. 

  • 5G eMBB helps deliver high-quality internet access even when environmental conditions are challenging and prohibitive.

  • 5G eMBB is popular, as it provides 100X traffic capacity with latency reduced to 1/10 th of that achieved with 4G technology.

5G

Back in 2017, among the interim set of specifications approved for 5G communications, 5G  New Radio (NR) was the first set defined in non-standalone operation. In 2018, specifications were completed for 5G NR in standalone operation, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine type communications (mMTC). Developments in 5G eMBB were the focus during 5G non-standalone deployments. 5G eMBB provides increased data bandwidth and helps incorporate AR/VR media applications, 360° streaming video, and ultra HD videos into mobile broadband services. 

5G Technology

5G is a cellular wireless technology used for realizing voice and data calls. It is defined in 3GPP NR specifications and operates under licensed and unlicensed bands. Right from its initial specification (published in 2017), 5G NR is utilized for non-standalone and standalone operations. There is a dependency on the existing 4G LTE network when 5G is employed for non-standalone operations. In the case of 5G standalone deployments, it is independent of 4G LTE. 5G technology is popular for its uplink and downlink rates of -10 Gbps and 20 Gbps, respectively.

There are different use cases supported by 5G technology: eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC. These three categories are the key building blocks that specify the requirements for 5G networks. In the upcoming section, we will dive into the details of 5G eMBB. 

5G eMBB

5G eMBB evolved from LTE. 5G eMBB provides a gigabit range of mobile broadband speeds. It is the use class that sets the 5G peak download speed target higher than 4G advanced. 5G offers peak download speeds of 10 Gbps rather than the 3 Gbps offered by 4G LTE advanced. 5G eMBB offers higher data bandwidth, with improvements in latency on both 5G NR and 4G LTE.

5G eMBB is the first 5G category to bring the benefits of 5G to the general public. 5G eMBB helps deliver high-quality internet access even when environmental conditions are challenging. 5G eMBB, combined with mMTC and URLLC, helps new wireless networks meet their requirements. 5G with eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC facilities has the potential to aid massive IoT and mission-critical projects, especially in the healthcare, defense, and industrial sectors. 

The Role of 5G eMBB

5G eMBB helps users explore a new level of mobile broadband speeds. The requirements for eMBB are:

  • Achieve high data rates exclusively within 5G standalone capacity.

  • Enhance 4G LTE networks for higher data rates with low latency. 

The responsibilities of 5G eMBB include:

  • Deliver high capacity to densely populated urban areas with string indoor connectivity.

  • Provide a wide network coverage area and support a consistent user experience. 

  • Provide real-time connectivity and communication even when mobile broadband services are accessed from moving vehicles.

5G eMBB Applications

5G eMBB is popular, as it provides 100X traffic capacity with latency reduced to 1/10 th of that achieved with 4G technology. It is the best technology supporting entertainment and cloud-based applications. 5G eMBB applications that are highly dominating in the current market space are:

  • PCs - The connectivity offered by 5G networks among PCs allows users to create and edit while working with collaborators or colleagues. 

  • Head-mounted displays - HMDs that deliver AR content to users require 5G connectivity.

  • Media and video - 5G network connectivity with good speed and capacity is essential for Ultra HD, 360° streaming video, 4K video, and 3D 8K video to run smoothly.

  • XR - The combination of virtual and augmented reality is the foundation of certain games with photo-realistic graphics. Users can enjoy the gaming experience at its full potential seamlessly with 5G and cloud-based services. 

5G eMBB represents the communication capabilities of 5G technology with high data speeds. Cadence’s AWR Design Environment can help you design for future automotive, aerospace, health care, and defense systems using 5G technology.

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