Evolving 4G Networks to 5G

Globally, telco operator business models are facing many challenges. The total mobile network data traffic is expected to grow at a compounded annual average growth rate (CAGR) of about 32% between 2016 and 2026, while the average revenue per user (ARPU) continues to decline. At the same time, the growing number of connected devices and the increasing consumption of content on mobile handsets are creating potential opportunities for revenue and the need to improve network capacity and network efficiency. Mobile operators are amid a transition as they try to address these market trends and take steps to make a paradigm shift toward virtualization and software defined networking (SDN) in telco networks.

This report reviews key Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) areas of work in LTE and 5G, and it discusses important network upgrade considerations facing operators. It provides an overview of key 5G features and architecture, non-standalone 5G network deployment options, key network upgrade considerations, and the evolution of LTE networks to support 5G. 

Table of Contents

• 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• 2. INTRODUCTION
  • 2.1. 3GPP Standards Overview: LTE to 5G
    • 2.1.1. 3GPP Activities
    • 2.1.2. The Need for 5G
    • 2.1.3. LTE and 5G Standards
• 3. 5G NETWORKS - ARCHITECTURE AND KEY FEATURES
  • 3.1. 5G Key Technologies
  • 3.2. Architecture Overview
  • 3.3. Deployment Scenarios
  • 3.4. Migration to Option
  • 3.5. Key Takeaway
• 4. LTE TO 5G EVOLUTION
  • 4.1. Key Network Upgrade Considerations
    • 4.1.1. Balancing Business Objectives and Resources
  • 4.2. Upgrading LTE Networks
  • 4.3. Global Trends
• 5. VENDOR ECOSYSTEM
  • 5.1. Overview
• 6. CONCLUSION