5G Deployment: Challenges for Transport Networks

Beyond the upcoming changes in network access (i.e., the signal transmitted by antennas distributed across the country that allows cell phones to browse the internet and make calls), transport networks—those that carry traffic from base stations to the core infrastructure—must also be prepared for the arrival of 5G. In this article, we review some of the challenges that arise.

New Uses and Requirements

First, the data transfer rate is expected to increase significantly. On one hand, the number of devices connecting to the network is projected to rise, as machine-to-machine (M2M) connections over mobile networks continue to grow steadily both nationally and globally.

On the other hand, the expansion of 5G will enable new use cases that require exchanging larger volumes of data, such as autonomous driving or virtual and augmented reality applications.

This puts transport networks under stress, making link growth crucial, so network scalability must be ensured. It will become increasingly necessary to integrate optical transport technologies (such as DWDM) into networks to serve large numbers of users with ever-growing data volume demands.

The Boost of Telemedicine with 5G

Continuing with New Applications let’s consider other possibilities that 5G brings with it. Since the pandemic, telemedicine has gained significant momentum, and it’s reasonable to assume that this trend will continue in the coming years.

Today, teleconsultations are widely used, but why not imagine a future where universal access to top surgeons from anywhere in the world becomes a reality? Picture a scenario where a specialist performs surgery remotely using a robot, with the patient located thousands of kilometers away—even across the ocean. The idea that anyone could access this level of care is incredible, but at the same time, it presents new challenges for networks.

What should networks improve to ensure the quality of new use cases?

The first challenge we can mention is that networks must have high availability and the ability to tolerate multiple failures while continuing to provide connectivity to their customers. It is therefore important that data within the network has multiple protected paths to flow. No one would want to be operated on by a robot if there were a possibility that it could lose connectivity with the doctor controlling it remotely.

Along the same lines, latency (the time it takes for data to travel across the network to its destination and back) must be minimized. Telemedicine and the applications we mentioned earlier require an almost instant response to events, so "friction" must be reduced as much as possible. Operators will need to distribute processing centers closer to users, but they will also have to ensure that network links are in optimal operating conditions, using reliable and highly robust technologies.

Finally, another key focus for operators must be security. Protecting user data and network infrastructure is essential, as networks become increasingly integrated into everyday life. Just imagining the possibility of a robot performing surgery or a self-driving car being compromised or manipulated while in operation is enough to send chills down our spines. Every part of the network, including transport, must be safeguarded.

Several challenges lie ahead with the arrival of 5G in the country. In a small market where users can easily switch providers thanks to number portability, it is essential for operators to prepare. In the long run, those who can enhance the quality of user experience will reap the greatest benefits.

By

Andrés Burel, Engineering Leader of Telco & Smart Cities.

Andrés is a Telecommunications Engineer from ORT University (Uruguay). He has over 10 years of experience in telecommunications and has worked for vendors and service providers.