3GPP Release 18 and how VIAVI is enabling it
3GPP Release 18, what is it?
3GPP Release 18 is the 4th release of 5G and recognized as the first release of 5G Advanced. Overall, it marks the mid-point of 5G standardization.
Significant Updates from Release 17
5G Non-Terrestrial Networks
Work was carried out in Release 17 to define the first standardized solutions for 5G Non-Terrestrial Network support in New Radio and the NG-RAN. This included transparent payload-based geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) network scenarios addressing at least 3GPP UE power class 3 with GNSS capability in both fixed and moving cell configurations. Release 18 builds upon the Release 17 foundation and defines a range of enhancements including optimized performance for handset terminals, mobility and service continuity enhancements considering NTN characteristics such as large propagation delay and satellite movement, and support for new scenarios to cover deployments in frequency bands above 10 GHz.
For NB-IoT and eMTC NTN, Release 18 also specifies further enhancements to improve throughput, optimize GNSS operation for power efficiency and long-term connectivity, and further enhance support for discontinuous coverage.
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning for the Air Interface and NG-RAN
Release 18 marks the beginning of standardization efforts to study the use of AI/ML at the Air Interface, considering the performance, complexity, and potential specification impact for CSI feedback enhancement, beam management and position accuracy enhancement use cases. Interoperability and testability are key aspects at the heart of this study. Furthermore, following an initial study phase in Release 17 on the application of AI/ML to the NG-RAN for network energy saving, load balancing and mobility optimization use cases, Release 18 contains the first normative work item to define the necessary Xn interface messaging and procedures.
Use Cases and New Applications
NTN can enable IoT operation in remote areas with low or no cellular connectivity for many different industries including but not limited to transportation (maritime, road, rail, air) and logistics; solar, oil and gas harvesting; utilities, farming, environment monitoring and mining. Release 18 specifies the performance requirements applicable to the Release 17 specifications for NB-IoT and eMTC operation over NTN.
For AI/ML, Release 18 specifies the data collection enhancements and signaling support within the existing NG-RAN interfaces and architecture (including non-split architecture and split architecture) considering energy saving, load balancing and mobility optimization as initial use cases.
Where VIAVI fits – how are we enabling Release 18?
VIAVI has deep expertise in 5G RAN technology and has already delivered test solutions to satellite manufacturers to validate communications prior to space launch NTN. Our solutions are purposely designed to handle the improvements made in 3GPP standards for Release 18 and beyond.
Furthermore, as the standards begin to further define AI/ML features for the RAN, VIAVI is well-placed to incorporate the required capabilities into its existing test solutions and lead the way in a new era of AI/ML validation.
