Exploring Opportunities & Challenges in the Evolving LTE & 5G Network Ecosystem

What Opportunities are Presented by an Exploding 5G Network?

The exponential increase of mobile data demands continues to open new opportunities in the LTE & 5G network ecosystem. Emerging trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and autonomous vehicles require high data speeds, low-latency communication and massive device connectivity - benchmarks that are met by the advanced 5G network. Further, new industrial applications and niche markets, fueled by the 5G evolution, are extending revenue streams for telecom operators and technology vendors alike.

What are the Challenges in Transitioning to 5G?

The path to 5G, although filled with promise, is not without its challenges. These stem from considerable capex intensity, concerns over spectrum availability, and technology standardization. As service providers strive to deploy dense networks, huge investments are needed in infrastructure and spectral resources. Couple this with the need for extensive R&D to ensure interoperability and security concerns, the overlapping LTE to 5G transition becomes a complex task.

How Will LTE Coexist with 5G Networks?

As 5G continues to develop, how it coexists with existing LTE networks is crucial. LTE, having matured, is far from redundant - it is very likely to play an important role in meeting current business cases and supporting emerging ones while 5G is in its infancy. The efficient integration strategy will have to ensure a network of networks where existing systems like LTE should be leveraged to deliver comprehensive, optimized coverage till 5G matures.