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March 2019
5G Implementation Guidelines
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5G Implementation Guidelines
Overview
Introduction taskforce members for their contribution and
review of this document:
5G is becoming a reality as early adopters
have already commercialized data-oriented 5G AT&T Mobility
networks in 2018 and are planning to launch EE Limited
consumer mobile 5G in 2019 and beyond. Ericsson
Whilst early adopters do not necessarily Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
require guidance, there are still majority of the Hutchison 3G UK Limited
operator community that are yet to launch LG Electronics Inc.
commercial 5G services. This document MediaTek Inc.
intends to provide a checklist for operators that
Nokia
are planning to launch 5G networks in NSA
NTT DOCOMO
(non-standalone) Option 3 configuration.
Softbank Corp.
Syniverse Technologies, Inc.
Scope Telecom Italia SpA
Telefónica S.A.
This document provides technological,
Telia Finland Oyj
spectrum and regulatory considerations in the
United States Cellular Corporation
deployment.
Utimaco TS GmbH
This version of the document currently Verizon Wireless
provides detailed guidelines for implementation ZTE Corporation
of 5G using Option 3, reflecting the initial
launch strategy being adopted by multiple
operators. However, as described in “GSMA Abbreviations
Operator Requirements for 5G Core Term Description
Connectivity Options” there is a need for the 2D 2 Dimensions
industry ecosystem to support all of the 5G 3D 3 Dimensions
core connectivity options (namely Option 2,
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
Option 4, Option 5 and Option 7) in addition to
5GC 5G Core
Option 3. As a result, this document will be
AMBR Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate
updated during 2019 to provide guidelines for
all 5G deployment options. Access and Mobility Management
AMF
Function
Editor’s note: The topics listed in this document AN Access Network
is not exhaustive and is open to
APN Access Point Name
suggestion/contribution by any company.
AR Augmented Reality
Please contact futurenetworks@gsma.com
ARD Access Restriction Data
AVP Attribute-Value pairs
Acknowledgements The Body of European Regulators for
BEREC
Electronic Communications
Special thanks to the following GSMA
BPSK Binary Phase Shift Keying
Checklist for Non-Standalone 5G Deployment
BW Bandwidth
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Contents
Overview .................................................. 3 2.14 Outlook .................................................... 28
Introduction ........................................................3 Annex A Document Management ....... 30
Scope ..................................................................3 A.1 Document History ............................... 30
Acknowledgements ...........................................3 A.2 Other Information ................................ 30
Abbreviations .....................................................3
References .........................................................5
Contents .................................................. 6
1. Commercialisation of 5G .................... 8
1.1 Fixed Wireless Access ................................8
1.2 Enhanced Mobile Broadband .....................8
2. Prerequisite for initial 5G NSA Option
3 launch ................................................. 11
2.1 Introduction ............................................... 11
2.2 Spectrum ................................................... 12
2.2.1 Bands earmarked for 5G and their
possible utilisation ......................................... 12
2.2.2 Amount of spectrum needed ............... 13
2.3 4G Radio network updates ...................... 13
2.3.1 Number of sites needed ...................... 13
2.3.2 LTE upgrade to support EN-DC (Option
3) ................................................................... 14
2.4 4G Core network updates ........................ 14
2.4.1 Option 3/3a/3x Networking Comparison
...................................................................... 14
2.4.2 Impact Analysis on 4G Core Network
Elements ....................................................... 15
2.4.3 4G Core Network Upgrading Strategy . 15
2.5 5G deployment .......................................... 16
2.5.1 Massive MIMO Selection ..................... 17
2.5.2 Coverage Enhancement ...................... 18
2.5.3 Synchronisation Configuration ............. 20
2.5.4 NSA and SA Strategy .......................... 20
2.5.5 5G Network Deployment Strategy in
initial stage .................................................... 21
2.6 Transmission / backhaul .......................... 22
2.7 Devices ...................................................... 22
2.8 Network Sharing ....................................... 23
2.8.1 Benefits of Sharing .............................. 24
2.8.2 Obligations and challenges ................. 24
2.9 Testing ....................................................... 24
2.10 Features ................................................... 24
2.11 Migration to virtualized network/Network
Transformation [12] ........................................ 27
2.12 Roaming .................................................. 28
2.13 Services (IMS – Voice) ........................... 28
2.13.1 Roaming with VoIMS ......................... 28
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Commercialisation of 5G
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1. Commercialisation of 5G
1.1 Fixed Wireless Access
FWA (Fixed wireless access) refers to a the other hand, can provide a cost
wireless link that provides connectivity to effective and easy connectivity solution
objects that are stationary or nomadic (i.e. to such demands.
almost no movement when connectivity is Internet of Things: cheaper connectivity
used). This concept has already been frequently solution enables cost effective
used as a substitute to wireline connection in the connectivity for Internet of Things
last mile. Therefore, it is often compared with applications, which tend to require
other last mile connectivity solutions such as cheap connectivity with less stringent
FTTx (Fibre-to-the-x) and xDSL (x Digital requirements than that of the mobile
Subscriber Line). 5G, in all its deployment broadband.
options, enables the FWA to be competitive
substitute to FTTx with its superior radio In addition to the monetary benefits, the mobile
capabilities and therefore offers business operators will be able to provide social benefits
opportunities for the mobile operators to the nation by bridging the digital divide gap
between unconnected and connected.
For mobile operators, the FWA provides cost Furthermore, the broadband connectivity will
effective network deployment solution. As the enable advanced services such as e-learning
wireless links are cheaper to setup and operate, and e-government, contributing to better welfare
the network cost in the last mile will be of the society.
significantly reduced with FWA compared to the
case of FTTx. This means that the broadband
connectivity will be economically feasible with 1.2 Enhanced Mobile Broadband
FWA that would otherwise have been infeasible.
Enhanced mobile broadband refers to the
With FWA, the mobile operators can enjoy the
extension of the data demand that was
following business opportunities.
addressed by traditional mobile broadband. 5G
Broadband demand currently will provide enhance data speeds and
underserved: with cheaper connectivity experience with its superior radio. Although this
solution, traditionally unconnected is not a new business opportunity, the growth
homes that were considered of data demand persists with increasing uptake
economically infeasible can be of multimedia contents (e.g., video) and some
connected, creating additional markets (e.g., North East Asia and North
broadband revenue stream. America that will experience over 20 Exabytes
Fixed market that can be upgraded to per month mobile data traffic in 2023: see
broadband: in places where xDSL or Figure 1) have urgent need to address the
copper lines are hard to be replaced, demand data growth.
FWA can offer broadband upgrade and
As a proven business case, enhanced mobile
therefore provide upselling opportunities
broadband is the priority use case in 5G
for existing fixed internet customers.
deployment. Over 70% of CEOs surveyed by
Time-limited demand: it is economically
GSMA in October 2016 have confirmed such.
infeasible to deploy wireline connection
Although connectivity yields low margin, it
to suit demand that are time-limited
offers stable revenue stream that will be able to
(e.g., seasonal, holiday, etc.). FWA, on
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bankroll the deployment of 5G to suit 5G use broadband will differentiate the early adopter
cases other than mobile broadband. from its competitors. Therefore, although being
Furthermore, as mobile broadband is the key traditional business case, enhanced mobile
value proposition that is offered by the broadband will be an integral part of 5G
operator, excelling in enhanced mobile commercialisation.
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Prerequisite for initial
5G NSA Option 3 launch
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2.3.2 LTE upgrade to support EN-DC variant, it also minimizes excessive signalling
(Option 3) traffic between RAN and core.
For a successful deployment of EN-DC the
4G network needs to support dual 2.4 4G Core network updates
connectivity between E-UTRAN (LTE) and 4G Core network updating considerations
NR. This enhancement allows a device to mainly include option 3/3a/3x networking
consume radio resources provided by both comparison, 4G core network upgrade
4G and 5G. Typically the 4G radio will be strategy, network function upgrading.
used to carry control signalling while NR
and/or LTE will be used for user data. Three 2.4.1 Option 3/3a/3x Networking
variants of the NSA solution have been Comparison
defined each producing a different impact on NSA EPC networking architecture includes
the LTE network. Option 3, Option 3a, and Option 3x.
Option 3 uses the MN (Master Node) In the Option 3 networking mode, the X2
terminated MCG (Master Cell Group) bearer interface traffic between eNB and gNB has
for signalling and MN terminated split bearer NSA user plane traffic. This traffic is huge. The
for user data. The goal of option 3 is to utilize core network needs to increase the bandwidth
existing 4G network as much as possible, so of the S1-U interface to meet the LTE/NSA
impact on EPC is minimal. However, option 3 transmission requirements.
has the highest impact on the LTE RAN, as
In the Option 3a networking mode, there is
eNBs need to be scaled for additional
only control plane traffic in the X2 interface. So
potential capacity demand from 5G NR. while
the X2 traffic is very small.
A variant (Option 3x) uses the MN terminated
MCG bearer for signalling and SN terminated In the Option 3x networking mode, there is a
split bearer for user data, meaning that EPC little LTE user plane traffic in the X2 interface.
is not impacted with the variant. This variant From the perspective of the impact on the
enables data to route directly to the NR gNB existing network, the Option 3x is relatively
to avoid excessive user plane load on the small and has become the mainstream
existing LTE eNB, which was designed for choice for NSA networking. By using 4G as
4G LTE traffic load and not additional NR the anchor point of the control plane, it can
traffic load. As service continuity after loss of meet good service continuity and support
5G radio coverage is more graceful in this rapid network construction in the initial stage
of 5G deployment.
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Scenario A is the easiest way, but it has also current stage, based on the 3GPP R15
brought a big drawback. When evolving to 5G standard, 5G network focuses on eMBB
SA, this physical EPC based on dedicated service, so 5G target network needs to meet
hardware cannot be used in a virtualized the typical eMBB service experience
environment. This scenario depends on the requirements.
capabilities of the existing network equipment
3GPP has defined the performance
vendors. Compared to scenario A, scenario B
requirements for high data rates and traffic
can be smoothly evolved to the target
densities as the following table in 3GPP TS
network through the expansion of virtualized
22.261 [7], and 50Mbps at downlink is the
EPC.
basic requirement of eMBB service
experience (see Table 2)
2.5 5G deployment From a business perspective, 4K/8K video
and VR are eMBB typical services. As shown
5G network deployment considerations mainly
in the following table, these services require a
include target network planning, Massive
downlink throughput of 50 to 100 Mbps and
MIMO selection, coverage optimization
an uplink rate of 3 to 5 Mbps (see Table 3).
especially in uplink, time slot synchronization
configuration, NSA and SA strategy and For the 5G network deployment in early
network deployment steps. Target Network stage, downlink 100Mbps and uplink 5Mbps
Planning are required to meet the service experience
requirements.
ITU-defined 5G applications include three
types: eMBB, mMTC and uRLLC. At the
Dense urban 300 Mbps 50 Mbps 750 Gbps/km2 125 Gbps/km2 25 000/km2
High-speed 50 Mbps 25 Mbps [100] Gbps/km2 [50] Gbps/km2 4 000/km2
vehicle
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2K ~10Mbps
4K/ Basic VR/AR 4K ~25Mbps ~50Mbps
8K/Immersive VR/AR 8K ~50Mbps ~100Mbps
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Figure 11: Uplink Coverage difference between C-Band and LTE 1800
3GPP Release 15 introduces the is used for the downlink and a sub-3 GHz
supplementary uplink (SUL). The use of SUL band (for example, 1.8 GHz) for the uplink,
effectively utilizes idle sub-3 GHz band thereby improving uplink coverage. Figure 12
resources, improves the uplink coverage of shows how UL and DL Decoupling works.
C-band, and enables the provisioning of 5G
Field tests show that UL and DL decoupling
services in a wider area. Based on the SUL,
feature can improve both uplink and downlink
the feature Uplink and Downlink Decoupling
experience by 6 times (see Figure 13).
defines new paired spectrums, where C-band
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Data Experience Option3x DC Better Handover Experience, better Peak Rate, 1year earlier than SA DC
DC / SUL SUL
Coverage
NSA/SA DC ensure coverage with service continuity, SUL extends NSA/SA NR coverage.
VoLTE VoNR
Voice
Suitable solution with the experience at same level
DC SUL
Deployment complexity
NSA with mandatory DC needs LTE upgrade; SUL which extends SA Coverage need LTE
upgrade, complexity at same level
DC SUL / Refarming
Relevance with existing
LTE DC, SUL are both relevant to LTE; Coordination after Refarming Legacy LTE is important,
NSA/SA are both closely relevant to legacy LTE.
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Based on above aspects the test-set related antennas/transceivers, base station, backhaul
to the 5G devices should be customized networks and controllers) and core network
based on device functionalities support, (servers and core network functionalities).
considering different sub-set related to NSA, This form can be further classified into
SA, Sub6GHz, mmWave, VoNR. MORAN (Multi-Operator Radio Access
Network), where radio access networks is
shared and dedicated spectrum is used by
2.8 Network Sharing each sharing operator, MOCN (Multi-Operator
Mobile networks operate on a network Core Network), where radio access networks
infrastructure, which is not only limited to and spectrum are shared, and core network
electronic components, but also includes sharing, where servers and core network
passive elements such as physical sites and functionalities are shared.
towers that are required to operate network. Note that passive infrastructure sharing is the
As network have been densified from simplest and can be implemented per sites,
previous generations to 4G, sharing of which enables operators to easily share sites
network infrastructure is becoming more and maintain their strategic competitiveness
popular. This is expected to continue in the depending on the sites shared. Operation is
5G era where networks will be densified even also easier with this form of sharing because
more. Network sharing comes in many forms, network equipment remains separated.
but it is mostly classified according to the However, the cost saving potential of sharing
technological components that are being is limited relative to other forms of sharing.
shared (see Figure 18).
MORAN and MOCN enables greater cost
Passive infrastructure sharing is where non- sharing potential than passive sharing, and
electronic infrastructure at a cell site, such as they can be implemented per sites and
power supply and management system, and enables strategic differentiation. However,
physical elements such backhaul transport operation of network equipment needs to be
networks are shared. This form can be further shared (or at least issues must be shared with
classified into site sharing, where physical participants) and therefore increases the
sites of base stations are shared, and shared complexity of sharing relative to site sharing.
backhaul, where transport networks from radio Core network is complicated to operate and to
controller to base stations are shared. maintain strategic differentiation. It is
Active infrastructure sharing is sharing of important to note that core network sharing
electronic infrastructure of the network has not been popular and only few cases have
including radio access network (consists of been suspected to be so.
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HPLMN
VPLMN
vPCRF
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It is our intention to provide a quality product for your use. If you find any errors or omissions,
please contact us with your comments. You may notify us at 5GNetworks@gsma.com
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