5G-Advanced (5.5G) — Rel-18, Rel-19, Rel-20 (2024-2026)
5G evolution introducing AI/ML for RAN optimization, XR (extended reality) support, Ambient IoT for passive devices, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), and duplex evolution toward full-duplex.
5G-Advanced evolves 5G with AI/ML integration and new use cases. Rel-18 (2024) is the first release, Rel-19 (2025) continues evolution, and Rel-20 (2026) prepares for 6G.
AI/ML for RAN introduces machine learning for beam management, CSI feedback, and positioning enhancement. Models can be trained network-side or device-side with standardized data collection.
XR (Extended Reality) support optimizes the network for AR/VR/MR traffic with power-efficient mechanisms, jitter management, and capacity enhancements for high-bandwidth, low-latency XR streams.
Ambient IoT enables communication with battery-less devices using energy harvesting (backscatter), targeting use cases like logistics, inventory, and environmental sensing.
Duplex evolution explores Subband Full Duplex (SBFD) where the same time slot uses different subbands for uplink and downlink, improving latency and spectral efficiency.