5G

Unlocking the future of 5G with Exynos
5G, the fifth generation of cellular technology, is set to revolutionize our everyday life.
From autonomous driving to IoT and VR to technology we can’t even imagine yet, 5G will open a future of new possibilities.
Equipped with support for 5G NR and all legacy networks, Exynos 5G modem and diverse solutions turn the promises of 5G into reality.
An Illustrative image of a man holding glowing mobile device. An Illustrative image of a man holding glowing mobile device.

Background

5G: The future of
mobile connectivity
By transmitting data through millimeter waves and a large number of small cell stations, 5G can deliver download speeds of up to 20Gbps, which is 10x faster than 4G LTE networks.1 Latency will also be reduced significantly, from 50 milliseconds of our current networks to just 1 millisecond, allowing instant data transfer to and from mobile devices.
An Illustrative image of image of fast moving light streaks towards the center. An Illustrative image of image of fast moving light streaks towards the center.

5G Spectrums

A new wave of

transformation
As mobile devices are now an indispensable part of our lives, radio frequencies current networks rely on are also reaching their limits. Transmitting more data using the same frequencies means slower service and unstable connections. By opening up higher radio frequencies between 24GHz and 100GHz for connected devices, also known as mmWave, 5G will create more room within the mobile ecosystem. Expanding the radio frequency spectrum for mobile devices will allow network speed and capacity to increase significantly.
An infographic of 5G spectrum, including Sub-6 Ghz and mmWave. An infographic of 5G spectrum, including Sub-6 Ghz and mmWave.
5G Spectrum
5G networks operate on frequencies that fall within three key ranges of the mobile spectrum: Sub-1GHz, Sub-6GHz, and mmWave. The sub-1GHz range supports IoT and M2M services with widespread coverage. The sub–6GHz range offers exciting coverage and capacity benefits, and provides the basis for initial 5G services. Finally, the mmWave range above 24GHz is particularly important for fostering the ultra-high broadband speeds that come with 5G.
An Illustrative image shows may layers of radio frequencies. An Illustrative image shows may layers of radio frequencies.

5G Technologies

The road to 5G
In addition to expanding radio frequencies for connected devices, 5G networks also constitutes a whole host of cutting-edge technologies that aim to enhance its accuracy and capacity. To widen coverage and stability of 5G networks, beamforming and beam steering technology controls antennas and focus signals in one direction. This also ensures that the radio frequencies can travel further with less interference. Massive MIMO, which stands for multi-input, multi-output, significantly increases the number of antennas on a radio to boost the overall capacity of the mobile networks. This will enable cellular stations to serve more users simultaneously. Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, or QAM, meanwhile, enables radio waves to transmit more data at the same time, further enhancing the efficiency of 5G mobile networks.
  • An infographic of small cell. Small cells are designed to offer coverage for small geographical areas with obstacles. An infographic of small cell. Small cells are designed to offer coverage for small geographical areas with obstacles.
  • An infographic of beamforming. Beamforming produce a strong, concentrated signal and covers more distance with less interference. An infographic of beamforming. Beamforming produce a strong, concentrated signal and covers more distance with less interference.
  • An infographic of Massive MIMO, including 4x4, 8x8, 16x16. An infographic of Massive MIMO, including 4x4, 8x8, 16x16.
  • An infographic of 5G network slicing technology. It creates virtual data pipelines for individual service. An infographic of 5G network slicing technology. It creates virtual data pipelines for individual service.
  • An infographic of NSA and SA. NAS architecture supports both LTE and 5G. SA architecture only supports 5G. An infographic of NSA and SA. NAS architecture supports both LTE and 5G. SA architecture only supports 5G.

  • Small cells

    Tiny stations for
    big speeds
    Small cells are low-power, short-range mobile base stations designed to offer coverage for small geographical areas. They combine all the basic functionality of conventional base stations into a package that can be mounted unobtrusively to buildings or fixtures. They’re also capable of handling high data rates for spreading high-speed mobile broadband. Small cells are divided into three categories. Femtocells are miniature base stations that can provide cellular service for homes and small enterprises. Pico cells offer a level of coverage that’s suitable for large office buildings and similar environments, while microcells are ideal for locations with a large number of users, like dense urban areas.

  • Beamforming

    Strengthening signals
    Beamforming is a technique that enables an array of antennas to be focused in the same direction to produce a strong, concentrated signal. This technology is important for 5G deployment because it enables more efficient data transmission. Beamforming ensures that signals are directed only where they’re needed – rather than broadcasted in all directions – and enables mmWave (millimeter-wave) frequencies to cover more distance with less interference from other signals.

  • Massive MIMO

    Comprehensive
    connections
    Massive MIMO (multi-input, multi-output) technology works by grouping antennas together in a way that allows multiple data signals to be transmitted and received simultaneously, over the same wireless channel. For users, that means greater spectrum efficiency and better throughput. One of the current limitations of 4G MIMO technology is that it utilizes one-dimensional antenna arrangements that restrict beamforming to the horizontal plane. 5G Massive MIMO addresses this issue by utilizing two-dimensional antenna arrays that offer coverage both horizontally and vertically, and allow more users to connect simultaneously.

  • Network slicing

    Pipelines delivering
    quality
    With 4G, data services such as media streaming, browsing the web and navigation are facilitated through the same pipeline. This makes it impossible for carriers to distinguish between these services, and means that quality of service (QoS) cannot be guaranteed. 5G network slicing technology addresses this issue by letting carriers create virtual data pipelines within a network’s architecture that are dedicated to each individual service. Network slicing not only maximizes 5G networks’ flexibility and opens the door for the implementation of more dynamic services, it also enables QoS to be assured for each and every service including time-sensitive, mission-critical services like connected cars.

  • NSA and SA

    Two tracks
    for early adopter
    Service providers transitioning from 4G to 5G can choose to deploy their new network using either an NSA (non-standalone) or SA (standalone) architecture. Opting for an NSA architecture would enable a carrier to utilize its existing LTE network’s assets as a base for rolling out 5G coverage. A SA architecture, on the other hand, would be purpose-built for 5G utilization and not dependent upon an existing 4G network. While the first wave of 5G deployments will likely be NSA networks, once coverage has been established, standalone networks that unlock 5G’s true power will begin to roll out and start powering incredible services and experiences.
Top view of cityscape with many IoT symbols. Top view of cityscape with many IoT symbols.

5G Benefits

The promises of 5G
The arrival of 5G will revolutionize three core aspects of mobile communication – speed, reliability, and connectivity. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) will offer exceptionally fast data speed between 100Mbps to 20Gbps per user. To put this in context, downloading a 15GB HD movie will take just six seconds on a 5G network.2 This will open new possibilities for services that require high bandwidth, such as VR and AR, as well as seamless HD streaming. 5G will also enable Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), meaning that services that require low latency and prompt responses, including autonomous vehicles and interactive gaming, will become a reality. Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), which aims to create a hyper-connected environment for IoT devices, will further spur the growth of digitization in all aspects of our lives.
  • An illustrative image of a woman using a smartphone. An illustrative image of a woman using a smartphone.
  • An illustrative image of autonomous vehicle with its digital dashboard. An illustrative image of autonomous vehicle with its digital dashboard.
  • An illustrative image of a city connected with data. An illustrative image of a city connected with data.

  • eMBB

    Hyper-fast mobile connections
    For consumers, some of the most exciting prospects of 5G’s adoption are the Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services that will come with it. 5G’s high bandwidth and exceptional speeds will supercharge services like high-definition (HD) video streaming, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), and enable mobile device users to stay connected like never before. Whereas with 4G, at a speed of 500 Mbps (Megabits per second), a 15 GB HD movie file would take roughly four minutes to download, with 20 Gbps 5G, it would take just six seconds.

  • URLLC

    Trustworthy services
    5G’s support for ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC) will fast-track innovation in a wide range of fields, including robotics, autonomous vehicles, interactive gaming. 5G will cut delay times from tens of milliseconds (with 4G) to just one. So whereas with 4G, an autonomous vehicle traveling at 100 kilometers would receive an emergency brake order after a 50 millisecond delay, which means it would begin to apply the brakes after traveling roughly 1.4 meters, with 5G’s one-millisecond delay time, the vehicle would begin to stop immediately – after traveling just 0.028 meters.

  • mMTC

    Connection
    of everything
    Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC) will enable 5G networks to create an environment where they can seamlessly connect up to a million homes and devices within a single square kilometer, and by doing so, take consumers’ IoT experiences to the next level. By linking countless devices with continuous, energy-efficient connections, mMTC technology allows us to lay the foundation for smarter, more efficient cities. And it’s not just urban areas that will benefit from mMTC’s connectivity. Services that require high connection density, such as smart agriculture solutions, will also thrive and expand in the 5G era.
A man with the VR gear, playing racing game. A man with the VR gear, playing racing game.

Need for Speed™ No Limits VR All Rights Reserved.
ⓒ 2019 Electronic Arts Inc. EA and the EA logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

5G Life

Life in the fast lane
5G will fundamentally reshape the role of mobile devices in our lives. Powered by enhanced network speed, AR and cloud gaming will give users more freedom to embark on previously unimaginable adventures and journeys. 5G also provides a fertile ground for a new generation of digital tools that will unleash our creativity. In addition, 5G-enabled AI assistants and wearables will transform the way we approach work, health, and our everyday routines.
  • An image of smartphone in portrait mode. An image of smartphone in portrait mode.
    Next-level entertainment
    5G is set to revolutionize mobile entertainment as we know it. Once they’re up and running, 5G networks will allow mobile device users to stream ultra-high quality videos, and enable creators to produce content in crystal clear 8K. Virtual, augmented and mixed-reality content will also be enhanced, and leverage 5G’s reduced latency and high capacity to deliver a more immersive experience. Gaming, too, will be taken to the next level, as users will be able to access and play high-performance games straight from the cloud.
  • An image of autonomous vehicle. An image of autonomous vehicle.
    Future of driving
    5G will greatly accelerate the development of autonomous driving solutions that make the driving experience safer and more comfortable. 5G networks’ low latency and maximized throughput will enable cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology – essential for autonomous transportation – to become safer and more reliable, and allow connected vehicles to share and analyze rich data in real time. Connections will be consistent even in fast-moving cars, and enable in-vehicle infotainment systems to offer seamless access to cloud-based services.
  • An image of AI speaker. An image of AI speaker.
    Building smarter cities
    5G will allow us to unite a wide variety of IoT devices in ways that streamline work and daily life. Such seamless connectivity will enable smart devices to provide us with more personalized and convenient experiences at home and at work. Offices will work smarter by leveraging next-generation technologies like augmented reality, and by taking advantage of 5G’s improved bandwidth. Cities will become smarter by utilizing 5G to connect large numbers of IoT devices and collect data that can be used to improve things like crime, energy distribution and parking.
An illustrative image of Exynos processor against an image of smartphone with 5G typography. An illustrative image of Exynos processor against an image of smartphone with 5G typography.

5G With Exynos

Exynos leads the
5G future
5G has the power to unlock limitless possibilities and Exynos 5G solutions provide the blueprint for the next generation mobile connectivity. The Exynos 5G modem support major networks from sub-6GHz and mmWave spectrums to 2G, 3G, and 4G networks in a single chip. For reliable and power-efficient performance, the modem is also paired with RF and supply modulator solutions, Exynos RF and Exynos SM respectively. By allowing mobile devices to operate seamlessly while crossing networks from legacy mode to 5G, Exynos 5G solutions enable mobile devices to deliver extraordinary user experiences without a hitch.
1)

Compared to 2Gbps downlink speed of LTE Category 20.

2)

Actual speed may vary depending on country, carrier, and user environment.