DOCOMO’s 5G Network Deployment Strategy · 2020. 9. 8. · DOCOMO’s 5G Network Deployment Strategy ①Expand coverage of high speed and large capacity services using new spectrum

Copyright ©2020 NTT DOCOMO, INC. All Rights Reserved.

DOCOMO’s 5G Network Deployment Strategy

Copyright ©2020 NTT DOCOMO, INC. All Rights Reserved. 1

Chapter 1: 5G delivers high speed and large capacity using new spectrum

Chapter 2: 5G deployment in 4G bands

Chapter 3: To realize low latency

Chapter 4: DOCOMO’s 5G network deployment strategy

Contents


Chapter 1: 5G delivers high speed and large capacity using new spectrum


What is 5G?

The 5th generation mobile communication system: Offers 3 key properties

4G/eLTE

High speed, large capacity

Low latency Massive device connectivity

4G

Max. transmission bit rate:

20Gbps

Transmission latency in radio interface:

1ms

1.7Gbps

5G

10ms 105

No. of simultaneously connectible devices:

106 devices/km2* The numbers above are the target performance defined in technical standard and do not represent the performance delivered at the time of 5G launch.


New Spectrum Allocation

New 5G spectrum allocated to Japanese carriers

4600[MHz]45003600

KDDIRakutenMobile

SoftBank KDDI

41003700

＜3.7GHz band＞＜4.5GHz band＞

Rakuten Mobile

27.0 27.4

Local 5G

29.5[GHz]

29.128.227.8

＜28GHz band＞

KDDI SoftBank

Bandwidth: 100MHz /slot

Bandwidth: 400MHz/slot

Bandwidth: 100MHz /slot

DOCOMO DOCOMO

DOCOMO


Why 5G Can Deliver High Speed & Large Capacity?

5G can deliver high speed and large capacity because a wider channel bandwidth is allocated in the new frequency bands.

Channel bandwidth

5G uses frequency bands that can secure a wider channel bandwidth compared to the frequency bands assigned for 4G, which enables faster speeds and larger capacity!

2GHz

800MHz

1.5GHz

1.7GHz

700MHz

3.4GHz

3.5GHz

3.7G

4.5G

28G

100MHz bandwidth

400MHz bandwidth

100MHz bandwidth

New frequency bands

4G bands


(Ref) Relation between Bandwidth and Speed (Illustrative)

Wider road width allows more cars to travel simultaneously.

New frequency bands for 5G

4G bands


800MHz1.5GHz1.7GHz

700MHz

3.5GHz

3.4GHz

Sub6(3.7/4.5GHz)

28GHz

Frequency band

10MHz bandwidth

15MHz bandwidth

20MHz bandwidth

10MHz bandwidth

40MHz bandwidth

40MHz bandwidth

100MHz bandwidth

400MHz bandwidth

Characteristics

Signals difficult to reach(Strong rectilinear propagation)

Signals easier to reach

Breadth of coverage (illustrative)

2GHz 15MHz bandwidth

Radio Characteristics of New Frequency Bands

More costs and longer time needed for coverage expansion in higher frequency bands.

New spectrum

4G bands


Chapter 2: 5G Deployment in 4G Bands


5G Deployment in 4G Bands : Overview

With the revision of ministerial ordinance, etc., by the MIC, it is now possible to use 4G spectrum for 5G. The idea can be brought into reality by converting part of the multiple 4G bands into 5G use.

4G 5G（Band converted from 4G use)

5G

4G4G

4G4G

http://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http://cc-library.net/010008565_free-illustraition/&ei=LBA6VaeoMuLTmgWT6IGQDg&psig=AFQjCNGlFAityK8nslnopD667qLmS07gRA&ust=1429954947379675


Benefits of 5G Deployment in 4G Bands

Leads to proliferation of services that take advantage of 5G’s low latency and other characteristics over a broad coverage.

⇒DOCOMO also supports the new arrangement.

5G(new band）

5G(new band）5G (4G band)

4G

Full exploitation of 5G’s high speed,

large capacity andother properties

Enables offeringlow latency, etc.,

over a broad coverage


Difference from 5G Deployed in New Bands

Speeds are limited to a level only comparable to 4G as the channel bandwidth remains unchanged. Impossible to deliver superior speeds

and capacity that can be realized by the new frequency bands.

4G

4G

4G

4G

5G (Band converted from 4G use)

4G

4G

4G

5G（New frequency bands）

4G

4G

Car

rie

r b

and

wid

th 5G deployed in 4G bands

5G deployed in new bands


(Ref) FY2019 Effective Speed Survey Results

DOCOMO’s PREMIUM 4G service offers Japan’s fastest speeds!

600

300

0

Download Upload(Mbps)

33

17

0

229

136

100

50

123 19

ドコモ au ソフトバンクドコモ au ソフトバンク

【Legend】

Maximum value

Minimum value

Lower quartile

Upper quartile

Median value

◆ Measurements were performed in accordance with the “Effective Speed Measurement Method of Internet Connection Services Provided by Mobile Telecommunications Carriers” set forth by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Data of other carriers were derived from their respective corporate web sites (as of Mar. 31, 2020). The values in the graphs represent the aggregated measurement results for Android and iOS devices.

◆ The expression “Japan’s fastest” is based on the comparison of median values. ◆ For details concerning the measurement method, including the dates and locations of measurement, please see the materials published by each carrier.

DOCOMO DOCOMOSoftBank SoftBank


Necessity of User Protection in 5G Deployment

“5G deployed in 4G band” and “5G deployed in new band” should be distinguished in area maps and informed to users.

Speed is comparable

to 4G

High speed and large capacity because I’m in 5G coverage!⇒Risk of misleading

representation

When color-coded by speed When not color-coded by speed

5G using 4G band (Speed comparable to 4G)

4G

5G using new band (High speed, large capacity)

4G

5G using either new band or 4G band


Risks Associated with 5G Deployment in 4G Bands

Potential decline of 4G users’ communication speeds

4G subscriber

5G subscriber

4G frequency band

4G 4G⇒5GReduction of spectrum assigned to 4G users ⇒ Potential drop in speed


Spectrum Congestion Status

Users’ usage status also needs to be taken into consideration when using 4G spectrum for 5G.

3G/4G

5G

150MHz

2019 2020 202x

600MHz

Bandwidth in frequency band:

Bandwidth infrequency band:

Use for 5G


Chapter 3: To Realize Low Latency


Article on Low Latency (Excerpt)

General perception that 5G will bring about low latency

4G/eLTE


Low latency Massive device connectivity

4G

1.7Gbps

5G

10ms 105

Transmission latency in radio interface: 1ms


What is Latency?

It is the time required from data request to first data arrival.

Transmission equipmentTransmission &

reception of signals

Internet

SwitchPacket switching

sp mode equipmentInternet connection

Radio base stationRadio signal ⇔electric signal

conversion

Smartphone

InternetPoint of interface Content server

Large amount of latency could hinder the use of content that require real-time immediacy

Request

Arrival

XX m sec ←Latency

https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693


To Realize Low Latency

It is necessary to achieve low latency in the entire network including the fixed-line sections

Latency in radio section Latency in fixed-line section

Server

InternetNetwork

equipmentTransmitnetwork

Latency determined by the physical distance between base station and server

Content server @Tokyo

In case content server is located in Tokyo,Accesses made from Okinawa have larger latency, with a large amount of latency in the fixed-line section

https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693


Can 5G Deployed in 4G Bands Realize Low Latency?

Just using 4G spectrum for 5G does not realize

low latency for the whole network configuration


Server

InternetNetwork

equipmentTransmitnetwork

Ingenuity to reduce latency in fixed-line section is also needed

5G deployed in 4G band

https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693


Low Latency Enabling Technology: MEC

Realize low latency by placing the server (i.e. destination of connection) closer


Server

Internet

The shorter the distance, the lower the latency

*MEC: Abbreviation for Multi-Access Edge Computing

Latency determined by the physical distance between base station and server

Networkequipment

Transmitnetwork

https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693


Slicing Enabled by 5GC*

Slicing technique enables flexible provision of 5G’s low latency

and other properties at individual application/service level

Low-latency slice(Logical network)

Large-capacity slice(Logical network)

MEC server, etc.

5GC

Video content server, etc.

Application that requires low latency

Service that requires large

capacity

Internet

*5G-Core: 5G Core network equipment

https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693https://www.google.co.jp/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj0trnXjdbWAhVCv7wKHV_3AWUQjRwIBw&url=https://pixabay.com/en/cabinet-file-cabinet-drawers-office-150726/&psig=AOvVaw21Zql0MEFp4SYeW0FXaPe2&ust=1507176850239693


Recap of Chapters 1-3

• 5G delivers high speed and large capacity through the use of new spectrum

• “5G deployed in 4G bands” can provide broad coverage,but speeds will be limited to 4G level

• To realize low latency, ingenuity in overall network configuration is required

• Unique properties of 5G can be provided flexibly through slicing supported by 5GC



① Expand coverage of high speed and large capacity services using new spectrum

② Promote low latency across the entire network

③ Flexible service provision based on demand using 5GC(Also study deployment of 5G in 4G bands)


High-Speed, Large-Capacity Coverage Expansion Using New Bands

First, actively deploy “5G using new frequency bands”

that can deliver high speeds and large capacity

Mar. 31, 2020 Jun. 30, 2020 Jun. 30, 2021 Mar. 31, 2022Mar. 31, 2021

Development rate of 5G infrastructure maintenance:

97.0%

Within FY2023

150locationsacross Japan500 base stations

47prefectures

500 cities including all government-designatedcities

10,000base stations

20,000 base stations


Accelerate Realization of Low Latency in Entire NW Configuration

Started provision of cloud service offering MEC features

that can deliver low latency required for the 5G era

Launched cloud service that delivers low latency

Internet

DOCOMO network

Base station

Servicessolutions

Video distribution

Image/face recognition

Remote operation

Gaming

Dispersedly installed across Japan


Transition from NSA to SA

Evolution to SA (Stand Alone) to begin in the future with the introduction of 5GC

EPC 5GC

4G base station

5G base station

5G base station

Internet Internet

4G

5G (NSA) 5G(SA)

*NSA: Non-Stand Alone


Society to be Realized by SA

Society in which services that take advantage of 5G’s unique properties are provided in a flexible manner

⇒ Study coverage rollout using 5G deployment in 4G bands

Telemedicine/diagnosis

Ultra-dense/high traffic

Smart manufacturingSmart cityHigh speed, large capacity, massive

device connectivity

Stadium solutionHigh speed, large capacity,

low latency Smart agricultureMassive device

connectivity

5G coverage

High speed, large capacity, low latency

Massive device connectivity



DOCOMO’s 5G Network Deployment Strategy (Summary)

DOCOMO plans to introduce 5GC and start SA services within FY2021

⇒Flexibly provide services that leverage 5G’s unique properties

2019 2020 2021 2022 ・・・

▲5G service launch

Provide services flexibly based on demand using SA(Study 5G deployment in 4G spectrum)

Expand high-speed, large-capacity coverage using new spectrum

Realize low latency throughout entire network using MEC, etc.

▲10,000 base stations ▲20,000 base stations

Documents

DOCOMO’s 5G Network Deployment Strategy · 2020. 9. 8. · DOCOMO’s 5G Network Deployment Strategy ①Expand coverage of high speed and large capacity services using new spectrum