As 5G becomes a reality, there are still plenty of questions. ExteNet Systems Vice President and CTO Tormod Larsen answered a few of these questions in a recent discussion with IndustryWeek.
As a shared infrastructure provider, ExteNet plays a meaningful role with the carriers, property owners, enterprises, cities and communities in delivering 5G advanced connectivity by building neutral host networks capable of accommodating multiple carriers.
IW: What are the next steps in rolling out 5G?
Larsen: 5G coverage will typically be delivered via low-band (<1GHz) and mid-band (between 1GHz and 6GHz) spectrum while 5G capacity will be enabled via a mix of mid and high-band (>6GHz) spectrum. While capacity networks will be targeted in concentrated pockets of high usage, we are expecting massive 5G network investment over the upcoming years for both coverage and capacity.
Building out the fiber and mobile network infrastructure is the next important step toward bringing 5G service to most Americans. In many cases, new technology will be installed to deliver connectivity including 5G core network. It’s not as simple as upgrading the 4G technology already in place, although introductory 5G networks are leveraging existing 4G LTE core. High bandwidth, high speed, low latency and reliable 5G connectivity throughout a neighborhood will require a lot more network densification, delivered by small cells and macro networks. Small cells are compact, low-powered base stations that bring networks closer to users and improve the user experience. Small cells are ideal for both outdoor and indoor environments while delivering on the coverage and capacity needs.
Speaking specifically to manufacturing, the requirement is to improve processes, deliver efficiencies and increase profitability via connectivity. There is a lot of talk about IoT – however, we believe that the real IoT is the Infrastructure of Things. This will be delivered via both carrier-owned and private networks. Already many manufacturers are working to install 5G in their factories as it will provide a more granular look at data from various sensors, less latency and support for a much larger amount of IoT devices. This is particularly crucial for high-precision assembly lines and warehouses where robotics also come into play.
IW: From an infrastructure provider’s perspective, how do you see 5G impacting digital manufacturers?
Larsen: Once deployed, 5G will act as a catalyst for digital manufacturers, who will be able to use 5G networks to support industrial IoT devices. Because 5G will significantly reduce network latency, or data transfer delay, manufacturers can use connected sensors and equipment to automate their processes and increase efficiency, with factory workers overseeing and managing the technology.
As manufacturers are looking into connected manufacturing, they should also consider private networks as an option for deploying connected devices in factories. Private networks are not deployed through carriers – manufacturers or corporations can leverage mid-band spectrum for their own network. They can then use the CBRS 3.5GHz mid-band spectrum bands to enable digital manufacturing in a secure, closed network. Private networks could sufficiently support a number of digital manufacturing use cases.
IW: What are the biggest challenges in rolling out 5G?
Larsen: From an outdoor perspective, the biggest challenge remains siting and approvals. While the FCC continues to streamline processes via shot clock and cost framework, much work remains. 5G requires hyper-densification of small cells and we need to move fast using efficient ways to deploy these networks, both for coverage and capacity. Indoor challenges are unique.
One of ExteNet’s value proposition is our ability to deliver 4G LTE and 5G connectivity both outdoors and indoors. We address both building owner and carrier needs indoors while delivering connectivity for the users within the buildings. Connectivity is now universally considered as a building’s 4th utility, leading to the urgency to build these advance networks from within. The biggest challenge within becomes the economics - ie. who pays – and we are seeing increased propensity for shared economics by carriers and building owners.
