Remote data reading applications(IoT, M2M) in industry, communication via GSM data service has become an increasingly popular alternative due to the secure and uninterrupted service provided by the current state of GSM technology.
Over a period of more than thirty years, GSM digital data service has evolved in the form of 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE) and 5G (1G is the expression of analog era).
The widespread useage of 5G data service raises the question "In which application should I choose this new technology?". We want this article to be as a guide for industrial communication system installation in a technical perspective by analyzing 5G and LTE technologies with field realities.
First of all, we will give information about LTE. LTE basic frequency groups are as follows:
- FDD(Frequency division duplexing): 400-3600 MHz (values are rounded, NBIoT Included)
- TDD(Time division duplexing): 700-6000 MHz (values are rounded)
Frequency band definitions in 5G data service have been increased:
- Below 1 GHz (low-band)
- 1-7 GHz(mid-band)
- 24 and above GHz(High-band/mmWave)
The detailed frequency ranges of these definitions are as follows:
- FR1(410MHz-7125MHz)
- FR2(24250Mhz-52600MHz).
We need to point out that, on user practice, the effects of frequency increase are speed increase and distance decrease. Lower delay time and increase in the amount of data sent/received per unit time is the result of speed increase. The decrease in distance is due to the short wavelengths and the increase in propagation losses and interference from obstacles. This requires the installation of a larger number of base stations for GSM data systems.
Lets consider these two effects for the transition to 5G from LTE.
1. In the application,do we need increased speed or lower latency?
2. In terms of GSM coveage will there be any disadvantage for distance decrease?
Currently, a stable system level has been reached in terms of using LTE frequency bands. The peek usage is projected to be in 2030 (Ref. #1).
The data amount for industrial systems, such as sensors and measurement values, are not very big(excluded data for camera images, etc.). Therefore, the transmission of the entire meaningful data block will be in a very short time. LTE latency times can be 10-20 ms, or <100 ms when we consider the worst case. So, in many classical telemetry and remote monitoring applications current LTE performance can still be considered sufficient .
The advantages offered by 5G technology (speed, low latency) stand out in the following applications:
- Real time image processing
- Applications that has high amount of data to transmit
In terms of speed there is another alternative request is to intervene quickly to the system when necessary. This scenario can be described as the intervention being carried out remotely with very short delay times after the sensor data is read quickly.
GSM data service can be evaluated as 5G at this stage, but it is obvious that mutual data exchange over 5G data service can never replace hardware intervention at the local chip level (at least as of the current level of wireless technology), even if the delay values are reduced to ms levels or even below (delays are in the nanosecond range for integrated circuits used in local hardware). Therefore, it does not yet seem possible for remote low-latency intervention to be an option in both 5G or LTE application.
The primary usage areas of cellular data service are places where there are no other communication alternatives (low population areas, etc.). It should not be forgotten that in such areas, GSM infrastructures do not contain adequate base stations as in high polulation areas. In such a structure, the distance from the base station also becomes important. The range parameter we mentioned in the frequency increase should be taken into consideration while system planning.
When planning to set an LTE sytem or upgrading it to 5G, the pros and cons need to be evaluated. It would be more appropriate to develop a solution by taking into account the special conditions of the field application, usage needs, whether high data exchange and/or fast intervention is required and distance to base stations, etc.
As a result, as in most cases, a clear assessment such as "LTE is good" or "5G is good" cannot be made. The newest technology does not necessarily mean the most suitable solution. There are applications where both have advantages and disadvantages compared to each other, depending on requirements and usage areas. When designing the system installation, the best approach would be to make a choice by evaluating the following parameters together:
- Location of the application area and distance to base stations (GSM coverage)
- Transfered data size and interleave
- Investment and operation costs
(#1)https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/research/understanding-5g-perspectives-on-future-technological-advancements-in-mobile
