(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/mel-nik)
Researchers at Ericsson are developing technologies that will shape the next generation of mobile networks, and one of the most promising innovations is “Multipoint Connectivity with Distributed MIMO,” which the company showcased recently.
This approach enables devices to connect simultaneously to multiple base stations, maintaining multiple data streams for improved throughput and reliability. In initial demonstrations, Ericsson’s team reported peak data rates reaching up to 10 Gbps while maintaining low latency, highlighting the potential for significant performance gains compared with current standards.
Beyond raw speed, the method also promises much greater energy efficiency than today’s LTE networks. As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, networks must support exponentially more connected devices while minimizing energy consumption. Techniques that reduce power usage per connection will be vital to sustainably scaling future networks.
At this stage the work remains a proof of concept, and commercial 5G deployments were not expected until around 2020. Ericsson is one of several organizations racing to define 5G—each bringing different priorities and capabilities to the field.
For example, Samsung has reported significant mobile test speeds of its own: up to 7.5 Gbps in stationary scenarios and up to 1.2 Gbps while traveling at 110 km/h. Academic teams have also pushed limits: the University of Surrey in the UK demonstrated experimental throughput on the order of 1 Tbps in specialized conditions. These demonstrations illustrate the range of approaches and the rapid pace of progress in next-generation wireless research.
As 5G moves from research to real-world networks, key questions remain about priorities: should the focus be on maximizing peak speeds, or on delivering consistent, reliable connectivity and energy-efficient operation for vast numbers of devices? Industry players and standards bodies will need to balance these goals as they develop the technologies and deployment strategies that enable the next wave of connected services.
Do you think speed or reliability should be the priority with 5G? Let us know in the comments.
Learn more about the Internet of Things and related technologies at IoT Tech Expo Europe, held in London’s Olympia on December 2–3, 2015.