5th Generation Mobile Network — Rel-15, Rel-16, Rel-17 (2018-2022)
5th generation mobile network with 5G Core (5GC), New Radio (NR), mmWave support, network slicing, URLLC for ultra-reliable low-latency, and massive machine-type communications.
5G is the 5th generation mobile network standard. Rel-15 (2018) defined the initial 5G, Rel-16 (2020) completed the IMT-2020 requirements, and Rel-17 (2022) expanded use cases.
The 5G Core (5GC) uses Service-Based Architecture (SBA) with network functions like AMF, SMF, UPF, and NSSF. It supports network slicing for independent logical networks.
New Radio (NR) operates in two frequency ranges: FR1 (sub-6 GHz, up to 100 MHz bandwidth) and FR2 (mmWave 24-52 GHz, up to 400 MHz). It uses flexible numerology with subcarrier spacing from 15 to 240 kHz.
Three usage scenarios: eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband with peak 20 Gbps), URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency with 1ms), and mMTC (massive Machine-Type Communications with 1M devices/km2).
Rel-16 added NR V2X, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), and positioning. Rel-17 introduced RedCap (reduced capability devices), Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN via satellite), and enhanced sidelink.