5G Ultra-Dense Networks technologies - New modulation, coding and beamforming - Extended bandwidth to 100 MHz - 8 spatial layers massive MIMO Beamforming - 256 QAM high modulation order - LDPC code for payload data - Polar code for control data - Multiple numerologies for mmWave and below 6GHz - Unified system architecture and flexible algorithms for different subcarrier spacings defined in 3GPP Rel. 15. - Flexible MAC-PHY interface to support multiple numerologies. - CU-DU splitting - Support flexible CU-DU splitting architecture - Support F1 interface in 3GPP specification - Support 5G Virtual Cell PHY architecture - 5G spectrum study - Analyze in-band performance and impacts to adjacent band (targets on 3400-3700 MHz) - Over-the-air trial with 5G prototype system with analysis 5G Ultra-Dense Networks base station reference design - Commercial grade base station PHY layer reference design on C-RAN platform. - Complete test infrastructure to validate and verify standard requirements.
Intel Corporation
Rohde & Schwarz Hong Kong
TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd
To meet the exponentially increased system throughput in next generation wireless communications, future networks will need to be highly densified and multi-layered. Cell densification is a key feature in 5G UDN to enhance spectrum efficiency by deploying cells with smaller cell size, together with new technologies to manage inter-cell interference and support larger communication bandwidth. Among the emerging applications, there is a strong demand for 5G UDN in new public and private network communications. This project will investigate new techniques in physical layer (PHY Core) to overcome the challenges in UDN systems. The PHY Core supports (1) new modulation, coding and beamforming which support much higher system capacity with larger channel bandwidth and higher spectral efficiency; (2) multiple numerologies which further enhances system capacity with flexible subcarrier spacing for different frequency band; (3) CU (Central Unit) – DU (Central Unit) splitting for adopting flexible deployment scenarios in UDN systems. To prepare for the 5G commercial deployment, this project will also conduct 5G spectrum study to analyse the 5G system use case and impact to existing service using the implemented base station prototype. Through various business models, the technologies and reference design can be transferred to industries for different types of 5G base station applications. This project has already attracted very strong interest from the industry. Initial customers include an SoC provider (Intel), a mobile provider (TCL) and a test equipment vendor (Rohde & Schwarz). We are also engaging many other companies, such as Foxconn, Spreadtrum, NXP, HBFEC, ELTA, Sunnada, Sunwave, for the possible technology transfer from this project.