Overview of 5G Cellular Interfaces
Definition
The Fifth Generation Mobile Communications System (5G) is the next generation of cellular mobile communications technology. 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines three 5G application scenarios: enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC). eMBB further increases the bandwidth based on the existing long term evolution (LTE) mobile broadband (MBB) scenarios to achieve optimal user experience. mMTC and URLLC are two new scenarios.
eMBB implements communication between human beings, and is mainly used in existing MBB scenarios. Compared with LTE, 5G can provide higher bandwidth and better user experience for various applications, for example, ultra-high definition (HD) video, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).
mMTC implements communication between human and things, and is mainly used in high-density Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios with a large number of terminal connections, for example, a smart city and a smart meter.
URLLC implements communication between things, and is mainly used in ultra-low-latency IoT scenarios, such as autonomous driving and telemedicine.
A 5G cellular interface is a physical interface used by a router to implement the 5G technology. The interface provides enterprise-class wireless WAN access services for users, and is mainly used in eMBB scenarios. Compared with LTE, 5G can provide enterprise users with higher-bandwidth wireless WAN access services.
Purpose
The 5G function of routers can meet the wireless broadband access and communication requirements of enterprise branches or small- and medium-sized enterprises. 5G provides enterprises with a flexible, efficient, and fast network deployment solution and functions as a backup for wired WAN links. Compared with LTE, 5G provides higher bandwidth for wireless WAN access and delivers richer services, such as 3D HD videos, cloud desktop, and smart office, to enterprise users.