“5G-Advanced Overview” explores the pivotal developments of Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Releases 18 through 20 and outlines the strategic path toward 6G. This report offers a critical look at how 5G-Advanced is reshaping the wireless landscape with integrated AI capabilities, enhanced IoT scalability, energy-efficient networks, and expanded service potential.
The white paper delves into key innovations driving the 5G-Advanced era, including:
- AI-Native Networking: Integration of machine learning into RAN and core infrastructure enables zero-touch automation, predictive maintenance, and intent-based Self-Organized Networks, cutting fault detection time by 90 percent and reducing false alarms by up to 70 percent.
- Energy Efficiency Breakthroughs: Features such as cell sleep modes, antenna switching, and discontinuous transmission deliver energy savings up to 56 percent, while new ambient IoT technologies pave the way for battery-less device ecosystems.
- Enhanced XR and IoT Readiness: Latency innovations like Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable throughput (L4S) and new QoS frameworks allow networks to support immersive XR and real-time industrial automation with unprecedented reliability.
- Spectral Efficiency and NTN Integration: Advanced MIMO techniques and Non-Terrestrial Network support extend high-performance 5G to underserved regions, achieving uplink speeds exceeding 500 Mbps and enabling satellite-based coverage.
“The transition to 5G-Advanced unlocks transformative potential across industries—supporting digital twin applications, private networks, and AI-driven automation for enterprises and governments alike,” said Andrea Brambilla, Head of RAN Evolution, Device Partnership at Nokia and group co-leader of the white paper.
