Maximizing 5G today is the key to 6G tomorrow

During the global transition from 4G to 5G, operators initially adopted a Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture, which relied on the existing 4G LTE core network. This approach was cheaper and faster to deploy, although with known functional limitations.

The 5G standard supports both Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures:

• Non-Standalone leverages the 4G LTE core, restricting access to the full capabilities of 5G.
• Standalone, by contrast, introduces a dedicated 5G core network. This enables advanced features such as ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), network slicing, multi-access edge computing (MEC) and voice over new radio (VoNR). These capabilities are not fully supported in NSA deployments.

It was widely assumed that migration to SA would occur rapidly, yet fewer than one-third of networks have made the transition. Industry leaders such as Ericsson and Nokia remain optimistic about broader adoption happening soon.

However, upgrading legacy networks and committing to new investments takes time, and cost has been the primary barrier. Moving to 5G SA requires investment not only in radio access but also in core network infrastructure. 

Broader commercial uptake has also been slow due to the limited availability of compatible devices for consumers and enterprises.

One reason for the slow transition is that many of the new features specific to standalone 5G provide limited value to consumers, but are essential for sectors such as defense, energy, and manufacturing. 

Currently, around one-third of global operators offer 5G SA connectivity. Numerous pilots and trials are underway, with growth expected in the coming years. China, India and the United States have progressed faster than European operators. Feature deployment remains market-driven: capabilities are not introduced until there is clear demand.

At present, many valuable functionalities are still in the demo phase. Although 5G and its Advanced variant include features such as low latency and network slicing, these have not been widely implemented. 

Most operator networks currently provide enhanced mobile broadband, but not URLLC, which is essential for critical automation. Performance improvements rely on carrier aggregation, combining multiple frequency bands to increase speed and capacity.

As user density rises, existing bandwidth may become insufficient. Prioritisation mechanisms will be vital – for example, emergency communications or mission-critical systems could take priority. 5G SA enables dynamic spectrum allocation, allowing flexible distribution of radio frequencies based on demand. This can include selecting which bands to expand for additional bandwidth or increasing capacity on specific carriers during periods of peak usage.

Energy efficiency and automated power management will also be key future developments. 5G SA networks can optimise energy consumption dynamically, saving energy and reducing environmental impact.

In sectors such as manufacturing, network reliability and flexibility are paramount. Consequently, multiple radio technologies are often deployed in parallel – for example, 5G, Wi-Fi (6 & 7), DECT and other wireless systems. Such diversity enables robust connectivity, with traffic rerouted across networks as needed. 

The 5G core network is designed to support this interoperability. For example, Wi-Fi and DECT can be integrated into a unified infrastructure, ensuring smooth interoperability and enabling the selection of the most appropriate technology for each specific use case. 5G SA enhances this capability through flexible configuration and scalability.

Combining technologies is particularly advantageous for high-performance local broadband (e.g. XR applications, automation, remote control). 5G SA already delivers sufficient broadband, and its URLLC capabilities are essential for applications such as factory and port automation. In addition, cloud-based edge and RAN solutions, together with network slicing, allow networks to be tailored to specific use cases. Using multiple networks together lays the groundwork for future industrial ecosystems that are both intelligent and highly adaptive.

5G enables a wide range of compelling solutions across different industries. Here are a few examples of what is already being implemented – and what could be done:

Industry

In port automation and mining operations, network resilience and speed are critical for remote machine control.

In ports, remote crane operation requires extremely reliable, low-latency data transmission to ensure safe and efficient handling. One of the key requirements is rapid fault localisation within the communication network. This demands continuous monitoring and intelligent analytics capable of detecting anomalies and guiding fault identification.

Another major development area is predictive maintenance. The goal is to identify potential failure points before actual disruptions occur. This may involve systems analysing both device and network performance to detect early indicators of faults. In such cases, traffic can be rerouted through functioning connections, or an isolated network slice can be created to guarantee continuity of critical operations.

Network slicing enables, for example, crane control data to travel within its own prioritised segment of the network, maintaining high quality and reliability even during disturbances.

Similar requirements exist in mining, where remote control and automation depend on robust connectivity. The main challenge in mines is achieving radio coverage, as signals cannot propagate freely underground. Nevertheless, the fundamental needs remain the same as in ports: rapid fault localisation, predictive maintenance and flexible network adaptation to changing conditions.

In the future, autonomous industrial systems will require highly reliable environmental data, making fast fault detection and predictive maintenance key development priorities.

Energy sector

Energy is among the most significant industries where 5G SA technology could be deployed effectively and profitably. Network monitoring and remote control are already feasible, but latency has posed challenges for grid protection.

Building fixed fibre connections is expensive, so utilities are interested in replacing legacy cables with wireless links. Operators, however, have been reluctant to invest, prompting energy companies to develop their own private networks. These private networks are independently managed, closed systems based on 5G SA technology.

Defence and drones

5G technology is particularly important for the future of public safety networks. The current TETRA system used for secure and reliable emergency communications is gradually transitioning towards 5G. It is expected that, in time, public safety networks will fully leverage 5G SA, enabling faster, more flexible and more secure connectivity.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, require substantial uplink capacity for video transmission. At present, 5G networks offer uplink speeds of around 120 Mbps, compared to roughly 30 Mbps on 4G. While carrier aggregation can improve 4G performance, 5G takes this much further.

LTE networks typically provide a maximum bandwidth of 20 MHz, whereas 5G can reach up to 100 MHz in the FR1 band and as much as 800 MHz in FR2. The primary advantage of 5G for drones lies in this expanded bandwidth. In most cases, complex network slicing is unnecessary as long as sufficient spectrum is available. This makes 5G’s wide bandwidth a key enabler for efficient and reliable drone operations without additional measures.

Currently, mobile network coverage is optimised for ground-level use rather than airspace, creating challenges for drones. Guaranteeing the same level of coverage as terrestrial devices is difficult, although technically, upward coverage is already entirely feasible.

Healthcare and emergency services

The greatest opportunities for 5G in healthcare currently involve home care and emergency medical services.

A practical and rapidly deployable solution is home care supported by 5G technology. High-speed, reliable connectivity enables real-time video consultations, remote monitoring and sensor integration, allowing patients to receive safe and effective care at home. This improves patient experience and reduces healthcare costs.

Another concrete example is the connected ambulance. With 5G, routes and traffic can be optimised while transmitting live video and sensor data to hospital specialists, enabling faster and better-coordinated treatment during transit.

Expectations for 6G are high, but it is essential to fully exploit the potential of current 5G before the next technological leap. The evolutionary path to 6G runs through Standalone 5G, which will likely serve as the 6G core network.

At present, the situation resembles a chicken-and-egg dilemma: without a market for new functionalities, they will not be implemented. Bold pilot projects could help break this deadlock.

VTT offers companies the opportunity to pilot and test new solutions safely and in a controlled environment through its test network. This environment can be customised for the needs of different industries, optimise radio and core networks and emulate scalability. It also supports the development of time synchronisation and positioning.

The test network environment is ideally suited for pilots requiring closed and highly secure systems, such as those in the defence sector. The environment can be tailored to customer requirements and used to test performance under normal conditions and radio interference. Within the test environment, data can be collected and utilised in a closed setting, and system-level optimisations can be carried out for both radio and core networks. Furthermore, scalability can be emulated or simulated. Test networks can also integrate with other systems and enable edge and edge AI solutions as sandbox-style, customised services.

VTT test network environment is not limited to a single vendor’s products. The environment includes up to 1,000 configurable parameters, allowing highly versatile and precise development for different use cases and customer needs. In addition to the test network, companies gain access to VTT’s extensive expertise to support product development.

Don’t wait for the future – create it. VTT helps you turn the potential of 5G into reality and build the path toward 6G. Get to know our services and read more about the topic.