5G-Advanced (5G-A) is said to be the next evolution of 5G, ushering in a new era of wireless communications enhanced by AI integration and laying the groundwork for future 6G networks. Envisioned as helping enable the realisation of the ‘Internet of Everything’, including the ability for 5G to adapt to specific use cases.
GSMA’s global head of IoT, Identity and Big Data, Richard Cockle, says: “Enhancing the XR capabilities and sustainability within AI & Machine Learning designs, 5G-A has created several business opportunities for the global enterprise market.”
As of 31 March 2024, OPPO has deployed 5G/5G-A communications standard patents
For those curious about new experiences or seeking a glimpse into the futuristic world of 6G, OPPO's recent contributions to 5G-A standard development offer valuable insights.
Among its notable contributions in the area of Ambient IoT – a concept coined by 3GPP referring to an ecosystem of a large number of objects in which every item is connected to a wireless sensor network using low-cost self-powered sensor nodes.
Benson Chan, IoT advisory board chair at the U.S. Department of Commerce, called Ambient IoT ‘the original vision for the IoT’. Ambient IoT applications include making supply chains for food and medicine more efficient and sustainable, protecting from counterfeiting and delivering the data required for advanced transportation and smart city initiatives.
According to OPPO, Ambient IoT devices can operate without batteries while maintaining minimal hardware complexity by utilizing key technologies such as environmental energy harvesting, ultra-low power communication and ultra-low power computing.
At the 2023 Mobile World Congress event, OPPO showcased its efforts around Ambient IoT with a prototype “Zero-Power Tag” which harvests energy directly from Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellphone signals resulting in smaller size, better durability, greater signal distance, and lower cost.
Challenges ahead
The second edition of “Zero Power Communication” paper by OPPO outlines the latest challenges and developments in ambient IoT.
Integrating AI with communication systems:
This fusion of AI and communications not only enhances current 5G capabilities but also lays the foundation for future 6G networks, promising a new era of smart, efficient, and personalized connectivity.
Advancing Sidelink evolution for device-to-device communication:
OPPO says the use of sidelink technology enables direct communication between devices without relying on network infrastructure. This advancement is crucial for scenarios with limited network coverage and has far-reaching implications for public safety, disaster recovery, and the automotive industry, potentially revolutionizing how we approach connectivity in challenging environments.
Pioneering 3Tx uplink:
OPPO has introduced 3Tx (triple transmit antennas) uplink transmission technology, which uses three antennas for uplink transmission, dramatically improving upload speeds and reliability, enhancing the mobile experience for data-intensive applications like live streaming and video conferencing, addressing a critical need in today's increasingly connected world.
OPPO says 5G-Advanced serves as a crucial steppingstone towards 6G, introducing enhanced capabilities and laying the groundwork for 6G in fields such as AI integration, energy efficiency, and sidelink communications.
OPPO's vision for 6G emphasizes the integration of AI and communications, the creation of a 'Minimized Kernel' system design, and the development of robust security measures.
