Zinwave’s Slavko Djukic on How Millimeter-Wave Spectrum Addresses 5G Challenges

5G networks will require much more capacity and bandwidth to support the applications and services envisioned for next-generation wireless networks. To provide this capacity and bandwidth needs, the wireless industry is exploring, developing and deploying a variety of advanced technology and spectrum solutions.

Among these advances is millimeter wave spectrum —  between 30 GHz and 300 GHz – which promises greater bandwidths and the ability to be combined with beamforming and other advanced techniques to meet the growing data demands of wireless networks. Millimeter-wave frequencies are key to the multi-gigabit per-second data speeds and low latency expected from commercial 5G networks. As such, many companies have been working to develop these advanced technologies and spectrum opportunities, including Zinwave. The company recently announced a new system architecture that prepares the indoor user for the transition to 5G to support future growth in indoor deployments. The proposed architecture works in any spectrum band carriers choose to deploy, including millimeter wave.

Slavko Djukic, Zinwave’s Chief Technology Officer, will explore this trend during a panel about applications, deployments and solutions enabled by millimeter-wave wireless in 5G networks at Connectivity Expo in Orlando. In preview of that panel, Djukic provided insights into the demands of 5G networks and how mmWave spectrum and advanced technologies can meet those demands.

What is driving the capacity demands in the network today? Video? AR/VR? Other applications that require low latency?

One of the most demanding applications for capacity right now is with 4K and other ultra-high definition video applications. AR and VR applications also demand a lot of data because they require extra high framerates to work well, not to mention low latency to deliver a more believable or responsive experience. As we look forward to the future of first-responder technology, augmented reality has some really interesting AR applications that will depend on this high level of connectivity. Low latency is also especially important in healthcare applications where the quality of connectivity could be potentially lifesaving. Beyond that, we’re looking at continued exponential growth in IoT projects, which will push current wireless solutions beyond their capacity and reliability limits if they aren’t future ready.

What options do carriers have to increase capacity in the network?

Carriers are continually enhancing their 4G LTE networks in order to provide the maximum benefits LTE can offer, as well as prepare them for an evolution and eventual transition to 5G. New frequency bands, usage of unlicensed spectrum, higher modulation rates, massive MIMO antenna technologies and carrier aggregation are some of the main features of enhanced networks.

What innovative RAN solutions do you see emerging in the near future, to support MIMO, beamforming and other techniques?

The emergent RAN solutions will support the most advanced features of current network technology, such as those mentioned in the above response. In addition, 5G spectrum availability will drive interest in radios that support wider channels of 100 MHz and above. The ongoing virtualization of network resources will continue into the 5G era and intelligent antenna beamforming is a key new feature in 5G architectures. Industry support for Open RAN is developing and it will be interesting to see where it goes in the next few years.

Don’t miss Djukic’s panel “All About Millimeter Wave Wireless in 5G Networks: Applications, Deployments, Solutions” at 9 a.m., Tuesday May 21 at Connectivity Expo in Orlando. The panel is part of the “5G Infrastructure: Fiber, Small Cells & Fixed Wireless” education track, which will explore topics including network densification, artificial intelligence, Massive MIMO, millimeter wave wireless, mission critical fiber and small cell design.

Zinwave will be exhibiting at the CBRS Alliance Pavilion and in Booth H.

Visit www.connectivityexpo.com for the full list of speakers, keynotes, exhibitors and sessions.

 

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Slavko Djukic is Zinwave’s Chief Technology Officer. He joined Zinwave as an expert in DAS and small-cell systems, with 20 years of experience in indoor wireless technology development. He most recently served as Ericsson’s head of strategy and solutions for small cells, DAS, and Wi-Fi. Prior to Ericsson, he served in a global technical role for Corning, helping expand the company’s global indoor building solutions. He also served as the primary technical interface for indoor wireless experts around the world and the technical lead in Corning’s acquisition of Mobile Access. Slavko also held a leadership role with Powerwave, where he built and led the technical indoor and outdoor DAS solutions organizations for North, Central, and South America. He received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama and his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado.