Top 10: Tips for Scaling 5G Networks

Scaling 5G networks is important across multiple industries. It can enable greater connectivity and capacity, which in turn can transform business operations. 

As countries around the world look to bolster their connectivity, 5G will continue to play a critical role moving forward. Notably, it stands to enable superfast broadband, ultra-reliable low latency communication, a significant improvement in communications and more efficient energy usage.

Mobile Magazine takes a look at some of the leading ways to scale 5G networks. By implementing these strategies, network operators are able to more effectively scale their 5G networks to meet growing demands, while simultaneously managing complexity and costs.

10. Optimise backhaul and transport networks

5G stands to enable both human-centered communication and machine-type communication. It is therefore important to ensure that backhaul and transport networks are upgraded to support increased traffic demands as 5G networks scale. 

Backhaul refers to the transport infrastructure used to connect the radio access network (RAN) back to the core of a mobile network. The advanced technologies with 5G backhaul contribute to improved network capacity and connectivity, whilst supporting a large number of connected devices in a given era to enhance network performance.

9. Automate network operations

Network automation is becoming a critical part of 5G network design and operations, mostly because it helps to ensure high-quality service performance for users. It can help with reducing costs for businesses, reducing human error, improving reliability of service and delivering faster time-to-market.

Automation can also help operators identify potential issues across the network before they arise. It also enables 5G infrastructure to continuously monitor network performance and traffic conditions in real-time, whilst allowing the efficient allocation of network resources.

8. Implement virtualisation

NFV is working to transform how telcos manage their network infrastructure. By virtualising functions like routing and firewalls, operators can reduce reliance on proprietary hardware. As a result, the strategy allows for more flexible network management and the faster deployment of disruptive services like 5G. 

Benefits associated with this strategy include a reduction in operational costs and improved network scalability. However, telcos can still face challenges in integrating NFV with legacy systems, as they will have to manage the complex nature of virtualised networks across wide geographic areas.

7. Deploy small cells strategically

Small cells are low-powered cellular radio access nodes. When it comes to scaling 5G, small cells have been touted as a cost-effective method of extending coverage and filling coverage gaps. Likewise, they can be crucial for the development of fully-fledged 5G networks so that operators can provide high-capacity and increased coverage, in addition to high connection speeds.

Small cells are vital for expanding 5G networks and providing targeted coverage in specific spaces. Unlike larger macrocells, small cells use little power and provide high-band high-speed 5G service to smaller areas.

6. Optimise spectrum usage

Implementing advanced spectrum sharing and aggregation techniques can help to maximise the efficient use of available spectrum resources as 5G networks are scaled. The GSMA recommends that regulators and government agencies that control 5G spectrum allocation make 80-100 MHz of contiguous spectrum available per operator in prime 5G bands and about 1 GHz per operator available in millimeter wave bands.

5G spectrums are designed to provide a more unified interface to offer unmatched reliability for the wireless links between radio and client devices, with much higher speeds.

5. Adopt cloud-native architecture

Cloud native is the software approach of building, deploying and managing modern applications in cloud computing environments. With cloud adoption growing, businesses are now turning more towards these frameworks in order to optimise their operations and enhance their services moving forward.

Transitioning to a cloud-native network architecture can enable more flexible and scalable deployments across distributed cloud environments. When it comes to 5G, the cloud can be leveraged to enhance processing and storage capabilities. It also supports scalable on-demand services to optimise overall performance and 5G network capabilities.

4. Utilise AI and machine learning

AI is currently working to transform the telecommunications sector and is widely being used to optimise operations, improve customer experience and bolster insights for businesses. Telcos can incorporate AI and machine learning technologies to help with predictive analytics, automated network optimisation and intelligent resource allocation to improve scalability.

Whilst AI shows huge potential to enhance mobile networks moving forward, challenges such as data privacy concerns remain for businesses to navigate in this new era of technology.

Read more about how AI supports telco growth HERE.

3. Implement edge computing

Edge computing is a distributed computing framework that brings enterprise applications closer to data sources. It is a booming sector, with the edge data centre market in particular expected to reach US$300bn by 2026, on account of technologies like generative AI (Gen AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) powering its growth. The technology is beneficial for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles (AVs) and automation.

Edge computing is a key technology in 5G networks that can help meet the performance and low latency requirements of 5G networks.

2. Leverage network slicing

Network slicing allows multiple networks to exist on the same physical network. Each network uses a different ‘slice’ of the same spectrum band and aims to provide greater flexibility. The technology is also vital for 5G networks to support a diverse range of applications that have different performance requirements. This allows for more efficient resource allocation and scaling.

For telco service providers, network slicing provides the ability to divide and scale the network on an as-a-service and 'on-demand' basis. This requires an advanced, software-defined infrastructure that allows multiple virtual networks to be created on top of shared physical infrastructure.

1. Adopt programmable infrastructure

Communications service providers (CSPs) are now investigating ways to best monetise their core network capabilities to provide new use cases for 5G services. Network programmability is one of these solutions, which has the potential in 5G core networks to disrupt today’s mobile network business models. 

With this type of infrastructure, those across the industry can create and expose a rich set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) allowing them to become real service enablers and to build an eco-system for 5G innovation.

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