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GAO-20-412SP 1 (2020-03-26)

handle is hein.gao/gaobaeavd0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Science, Technology Assessment, G A O Iand Analytics SCIENCE & TECH SPOTLIGHT: 5G WIRELESS What is it? 5G is a suite of fifth-generation wireless technologies that has the potential to greatly improve mobile communication in several ways. It may lead to faster and more responsive signals from cell phones and other devices. Moreover, it could deliver more reliable connections, higher energy efficiency, the ability to accommodate more devices, and faster network response times (also known as low latency). These improvements could enable transformative applications such as self-driving vehicles, smart' manufacturing and agriculture, and remote medical treatment. As with 4G, the most important innovations may not be conceived of until the network is fully implemented. Source* GAO. GAO- 20 -412SP F Technologies that could become ubiquitous with 5G. How does it work? 5G is expected to achieve these improvements in part by using more of the radio spectrum. The current 4G network uses radio frequencies less than 2.6 gigahertz (GHz), which are lower on the spectrum. 5G will begin using higher frequencies, including mid-band (up to 6GHz) and high-band, also known as millimeter wave (over 24GHz). Higher frequencies can support higher data rates, potentially enabling 5G to be over 20 times faster than 4G. However, as a signal's frequency gets higher, its range and ability to penetrate walls and other barriers decreases. To help overcome this obstacle, one approach is to use smaller, more numerous cell antennas, along with advanced technologies. For example, researchers are developing approaches that would enable each installation to use more antennas and to aim signals to and from antennas, potentially resulting in less interference and more energy efficiency. Each spectrum band will be best suited to different applications. For example, mid-band's combination of range and data capacity makes it suitable for what is called ultra-reliable and low-latency communication, which is required for applications like self-driving vehicles. High- band, because of its data capacity, will be best suited for dense urban environments or public gathering places like stadiums. How mature is it? In the United States, telecommunications companies have begun deploying some 5G capabilities within existing 4G networks. The resulting hybrid network can support a class of applications enabled by enhanced mobile broadband, which basically means improved speeds. Further improvements are expected to become available throughout the 2020s, as companies upgrade from hybrid networks to stand-alone 5G networks. Some of the technologies and specifications for other purposes-including ultra-reliable, low latency communications-remain in development. Additionally, telecommunications companies will need to upgrade their 4G network infrastructure to transition from hybrid networks to stand-alone 5G networks to facilitate a greatly expanded number of devices connected to the internet and mission-critical communications for applications like self-driving vehicles. Enhanced broadband applications. Faster connections and higher throughput could enhance applications like cloud services, video streaming, gaming, and virtual and augmented reality. Internet of Things. 5G could connect massive numbers of devices, such as sensors in systems for intelligent transportation and logistics, smart factories, and smart cities. For example, traffic light and road sensors could help reduce car accidents. Source: GAO. GAO-20-412SP 5G is expected to create more reliable and faster connections across a variety of applications. Revised March 25, 2020 to correct the product number in the page footer and images to read 'GAO-20-412SP'. GAO-20-412SP 5G Wireless

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