6 Key Questions Channel Partners Should Consider When Migrating to 5G NR

As 5G begins to roll out, the promise of faster speeds, lower latency and increased spectrum efficiency is becoming real. However, the upgrade path from a 4G router to a 5G router involves much more than just swapping out the 4G modem of an existing router in order to reap the full benefits of 5G NR (New Radio).

The reason migrating from 4G to 5G is not simple is due to the major changes implemented in 5G NR networks to deliver all its new capabilities. Delivering on those new features and capabilities requires properly addressing the new demands on hardware and software when making the transition to 5G NR networks. These new demands have a pervasive effect on the hardware and software required to be able to fully take advantage of 5G NR capabilities.

One of the most significant changes with 5G NR deals with new timing constraints. These timing constraints now result in an extension of timing control beyond the just RF interface, and back into a device’s processor and software. This effect on processors and software is due to the requirements of timing intervals becoming more precise and deterministic, often requiring a move to hardware specific timing circuitry or the use of real-time operating systems (RTOS).

Those RTOSs and scheduler software pieces, coupled with 5G NR’s ability to provide for faster data rates, result in the need for a significant increase in the processing speed of most devices. But it’s not only sheer processing speed. Hardware interfaces that move data between processing elements will also need to be changed. For example, in an existing 4G device, a serial port or standard USB interface used to connect to a modem will be woefully insufficient to handle the data rates needed for 5G speeds. There are several other considerations (such as a greater need for parallel processing to obtain throughput levels), but I think you get the gist.

As a result of the above, there are several key considerations channel partners should address when upgrading to 5G so customers can experience the full benefits of 5G NR.

 Key Considerations for Channel Partners Considering 5G

When your customers are considering investing in 5G, they need to ensure that every aspect of the system can deliver the necessary performance.

Here are six key subsystems that enable true 5G operation:

1. Software: Upgradability

With the new changes and requirements from the physical layer (PHY) on up, the ability to reliably support incremental software update becomes critical as 5G NR networks are deployed and evolve.

2. Antennas: 4×4 6GHZ Antenna and Cables

4G LTE antenna modules typically have at most three cellular antenna elements for connectivity, using a 3×3 configuration with 5GHz cables. To achieve the full potential of 5G, a 4×4 antenna configuration with low-loss 6GHz cables is needed.

3. Processing speed: 2 to 4x

Higher data rates, tighter timing and other demands mean a 5G router’s processor may need as much as 2 to 4x the processing speed compared to a typical 4G LTE router. As a result, a 5G router requires a highly capable, high-speed processor that may not be present in that old 4G router.

4. Power: Double the Power

Faster processors and greater software load mean a 5G router may need as much as twice the power compared to a typical 4G LTE router. As a result, a 5G router requires a higher-capacity internal power supply as well as a higher-wattage power cable, and the installation location needs to take that into account.

5. Chassis: Effective Heat Dissipation

With increased power use comes the need to passively dissipate more heat. Reconfiguring the existing device or the installation location may not be possible. Thus, your partners should look for