mmWave
mmWave is high band spectrum which is lies greater than 24 GHz. Initially, we are observing 5G deployments based on low band which is sub 1 GHz and mid band which is sub 6 GHz. 5G connected devices will be increasing rapidly. It has been assumed that there will be approximately 1 billion connected devices by end of the year 2023 and 2 billion by 2025. 5G provide ~10X throughput as compared to 4G. mmWave will provide sufficient bandwidth which can accommodate high traffic requirements for 5G services.
6 use cases for mmWave 5G deployment
Transportation hubs (e.g., train and bus stations)
Everybody knows that how train station and bust stands are crowded. This area requires high bandwidth spectrum to provide true 5G experience to the end users. mmWave will be ideal for this kind of scenario. mmWave provide sufficient bandwidth to handle huge data traffic from users.
Offices
Covid-19 has taught everyone the necessity of digitization. Now, every enterprise is moving towards digitization. Accessing enterprise applications, collaboration with team, video conferencing, file sharing, data syncing, XR enabled remote training, security cameras connected with mobile network and data backups are increased over the time irrespective of location. It may be from inside of office or outside of office. Wireless mobile network provides more security than public WiFi. 5G mmWave enabled laptops and smartphone may be the game changer for tapping enterprise customer. Operators may collaborate with OEM for mmWave 5G enabled laptops and smartphone for providing cost effective services.
Outdoor dense hot zones (e.g., high street shopping centers)
mmWave 5G deployment is good fits in hot zones like outdoor shopping centers. Outdoor shopping centers are usually very crowded and requires more bandwidth.
Indoor shopping malls
mmWave 5G deployment is good fits in hot zones like indoor shopping mall. High bandwidth is required to provide true 5G services to the users.
Stadiums
mmWave 5G deployment is good fits in hot zones like stadiums. Researched have found that great performance in a cost-effective way what is provided in sub 6 GHz.
Fixed wireless access
Fixed wireless access (FWA) is another use case for mmWave deployment. Fixed wireless access is the alternative home broadband to FTTH. FTTH service is required fiber network deployment which is very costly. On the other hand, fixed wireless access network use line of sight or near line-of-sight transmission. It works well with externally mounted antenna at the customer premises. It provides great performance and services in a cost-effective way. mmWave 5G enabled fixed wireless access would be great fits on sub urban and rural area where FTTH services are not available. It will enable faster go to market compared to FTTH services.
Advantages and disadvantages of mmWave
| Advantages | disadvantages |
| mmWave is suitable for highly dese area where data traffic will be much higher. | mmWave has low coverage area. |
| mmWave provide high bandwidth to handle it effectively. | mmWave has low penetration power. |
| Beamforming technology enhances cell coverage, spectral efficiency and reduces inter-cell interference. | Lack of user device and equipment’s. |
| mmWave license cost is very low compared to another band. | mmWave not suitable for wide area outdoor coverage as coverage area is less. |
FAQ
What is millimeter wave in 5G?
Millimeter wave is a frequency band on higher side greater than 24 GHz for providing high data rate throughput services.
Is 5G the same as millimeter wave?
5G is not same as millimeter wave. Millimeter wave is a frequency band on higher side greater than 24 GHz.
What is the benefit of 5G mmWave?
mmWave is suitable for highly dese area where data traffic will be much higher. mmWave provide high bandwidth to handle it effectively. mmWave license cost is very low compared to another band.
what is a limitation of 5g mmwave, despite its high speed?
mmWave has low coverage area. mmWave has low penetration power. Lack of user device and equipment’s which supports mmWave.