The rapid evolution of mobile networks, driven by the convergence of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is poised to revolutionize the telecom industry. These advancements promise to enhance network efficiency while opening new avenues for operators to meet diverse user needs. This dynamic intersection was a focal point of discussion at the Mobile Broadband Forum (MBBF) in Istanbul, Turkey, where Li Jie, president of Huawei’s 5G & LTE TDD Product Line, shared comprehensive insights into the transformative potential of these technologies.
Meeting the Rising Demands of AI Applications
The proliferation of AI applications across platforms like Apple, Google, and Huawei’s Harmony OS has precipitated a significant increase in network demands. With millions of AI applications in active use, there has been a tenfold surge in network requirements, necessitating an overhaul of current network capabilities. Li Jie underscores the importance of 5G-A technology, which, with its low latency and high bandwidth, is ideally suited to cater to the needs of AI applications, thus ensuring a seamless and superior user experience.
One of the standout features of 5G-A is its ability to provide differentiated and deterministic experience assurance for a variety of applications. Given the growing expectation of highly tailored user experiences, this capability is particularly critical. Li emphasizes that the advanced features of 5G-A make it the optimal choice for enhancing the performance of AI applications. The technology supports the deployment of more sophisticated and data-intensive AI-driven services, which are becoming increasingly integral to both consumer and industrial applications.
Leveraging Time Division Duplex (TDD) Spectrum
A significant portion of the dialogue at the MBBF centered around the utilization of Time Division Duplex (TDD) spectrum. This technology offers substantial spectral resources crucial for improving both downlink and uplink speeds while ensuring deterministic latency for AI applications. Specifically, bands like the C Band, 4.9GHz in China, and mmWave outside China have been identified as foundational components for constructing robust 5G-A networks. Furthermore, the potential future utilization of the 6GHz band has been noted, indicating a continued expansion of spectral resources.
Li Jie provides an in-depth explanation of how the abundant resources offered by TDD spectrum play a pivotal role in delivering optimal performance for AI applications. By contrasting the capabilities of TDD spectrum with the limitations of other spectral resources, Jie illustrates the fundamental importance of building a properly configured TDD network to sustain the high-performance levels required by 5G-A technologies. This strategic utilization of TDD spectrum is essential for achieving the latent potential of 5G-A in revolutionizing network performance.
The Role of AI in Network Efficiency
The integration of AI into telecom networks serves as a major enhancer of network efficiency. AI can be visualized as an intelligent system dependent on the amalgamation of massive computing power and extensive cloud storage, which acts as a centralized brain. This brain communicates with various smart terminals, including smartphones, AI glasses, embedded AI in vehicles, and even robots. The analogy of 5G-A networks functioning as a neural network connecting the brain and limbs poignantly captures the network’s vital role in enabling AI technologies.
Huawei’s continuous endeavors to materialize these advancements focus on embedding intelligence into networks through their cloud network and terminal AI capabilities. An ambitious objective is to upgrade network autonomy to level four, which seeks to simplify the operational and maintenance processes for operators managing multi-band and multi-Radio Access Technology (RAT) wireless environments. This elevation in network autonomy promises to significantly reduce complexities and operational costs, thereby enhancing overall network efficiency.
Enhancing Network Performance with Advanced Technologies
To ensure the seamless performance of 5G-A networks, Huawei is exploring and developing advanced technologies like massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) tailored for the upper 6GHz band to match the coverage levels of the C Band. Aggregating at least three carrier components is essential to meet the speed requirements of 5G-A, with projections suggesting future speeds potentially reaching up to 10Gb/s with the inclusion of mmWave technology. This advancement underscores the substantial speed enhancements that 5G-A could deliver, transforming the user experience across various applications.
Considering that TDD bands typically occupy higher frequencies with more limited coverage, Huawei’s extremely large antenna array (ELAA) technology offers a solution. ELAA enables TDD bands, including mmWave, to achieve coverage comparable to the more traditional C Band. In addition to performance improvements, Huawei is also pioneering innovative energy-saving technologies to address the heightened energy consumption challenges stemming from the support of each band individually. This approach aligns with the global push towards sustainable and energy-efficient network operations.
Innovative Operational Models for Telecom Operators
The transition from the 4G era, which was largely characterized by traffic-oriented data packages, to the 5G era introduces new operational challenges and opportunities. Li Jie highlights that although 4G traffic growth rates once soared to 56%, facilitating a lucrative traffic dividend for operators, the growth rate for 5G has significantly slowed to below 20%. This shift necessitates that operators find new ways to derive value and sustain revenues, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional business models and the development of innovative business optimization strategies.
In response to these trends, China Mobile has launched a diverse range of 5G-A experience packages designed to meet different user needs. These packages include options tailored for business travel, live streaming, gaming, and stadium experiences, each catering to specific use cases. Remarkably, this strategy has led to an over 30% increase in Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), demonstrating the significant potential of customized user experience services to drive higher revenues and sustain growth in the 5G era.
Global Examples of Differentiated User Experiences
The rapid evolution of mobile networks, driven by the convergence of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is set to revolutionize the telecom industry. These advancements not only promise to greatly enhance network efficiency but also open new opportunities for operators to cater to a diverse range of user needs. This dynamic intersection was a primary topic of discussion at the Mobile Broadband Forum (MBBF) held in Istanbul, Turkey. During the event, Li Jie, president of Huawei’s 5G & LTE TDD Product Line, shared comprehensive insights into the transformative potential of these emerging technologies. He highlighted how the integration of AI with 5G-A is expected to optimize network performance, improve data handling, and provide more personalized services to users. The combination of AI and 5G-A technology marks a significant step forward, setting the stage for a new era in telecom where innovation and efficiency lead to enhanced user experiences and more robust, adaptable networks.
