5G Network Architecture and Applications

5G Network Architecture

• 5G network architecture consists of:
  • Radio Access Network (RAN): responsible for wireless communication
  • Core Network (CN): responsible for data processing and routing
  • Edge Computing: processing data closer to the user, reducing latency
• 5G uses a service-based architecture, with Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
• 5G architecture is designed to be flexible, scalable, and programmable

IoT Implications of 5G

• 5G enables massive machine-type communications (mMTC) for IoT devices
• Low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies, such as NB-IoT and LTE-M, are optimized for IoT devices
• 5G's low latency and high bandwidth enable real-time IoT applications
• IoT devices will benefit from 5G's improved reliability, security, and mobility

Low-Latency Applications of 5G

• Ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) enables applications requiring:
  • Latency < 1 ms
  • High reliability (e.g., 99.999%)
• Examples of low-latency applications:
  • Online gaming
  • Real-time video streaming
  • Autonomous vehicles
  • Remote healthcare

Security Challenges of 5G

• 5G's increased reliance on software and virtualization introduces new security risks
• Increased attack surface due to:
  • More devices and connections
  • Higher data rates and volumes
  • New network slicing and edge computing architectures
• Key security challenges:
  • Network slicing and isolation
  • Authentication and authorization
  • Data encryption and integrity

mmWave (Millimeter Wave) in 5G

• mmWave frequencies (24 GHz, 28 GHz, 39 GHz) offer:
  • Higher bandwidth and data rates
  • Lower latency and interference
  • Smaller cell sizes and increased capacity
• mmWave limitations:
  • Limited range and penetration (e.g., through buildings)
  • Higher cost and complexity
• mmWave applications:
  • High-density areas (e.g., stadiums, cities)
  • Fixed wireless access (FWA)
  • High-speed data transfer