3GPP Release 18: 5G-Advanced and SA Evolution
Introduction
3GPP Release 18 introduces 5G-Advanced as the mid-point of 5G standardization. Building on Release 15's foundation, Release 18 expands capabilities to deliver the full promise of the Internet of Everything, with particular emphasis on Standalone (SA) deployment enhancements.
What is 5G-Advanced?
5G-Advanced bridges initial 5G deployments and future 6G systems. Release 18 delivers fundamental enhancements in network intelligence, efficiency, and application support, including improvements in spectral efficiency, energy consumption, positioning accuracy, and support for extended reality and ambient IoT use cases.
SA (Standalone Architecture) Advanced Features
Standalone Architecture represents pure 5G deployment using 5G NR with 5GC. Unlike NSA deployments relying on 4G infrastructure, SA provides full 5G capabilities including ultra-low latency, network slicing, and edge computing integration.
Key SA Enhancements in Release 18:
- Network Slicing Evolution: Enhanced slice management, orchestration, and charging with dynamic lifecycle management based on real-time demand
- Non-Public Networks (NPN): Improved private 5G networks for enterprises with better isolation, security, and customization
- Mission Critical Services: Enhanced MCPTT, MCVideo, and MCData for public safety and emergency services
- Enhanced Quality Indication (eQI): Granular QoS management for diverse application types
Release 18 RAN (Radio Access Network) Specifications
SA2 - System Architecture & Services
- Extended Reality (4K/8K) and media services
- AI/ML-based service support
- Non-Public Networks Phase 3
- Network slicing Phase 2
- 5G multicast broadcast Phase 2
- Satellite solutions Phase 3
- Personal IoT Networks
- Vehicle Mounted Relays
RAN1 - Radio Layer 1
- MIMO Evolution for DL/UL
- AI/ML for air interface
- Enhanced NR positioning
- Network energy savings
- Dynamic spectrum sharing
- Coverage enhancements
RAN2 - Radio Layer 2 & Layer 3
- NR duplex evolution
- Sidelink relay enhancements
- Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
- UAV support
- In-Device Co-existence (IDC)
- Mobile Terminated-Small Data transmission
RAN3 - Network Architecture
- Mobile IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul)
- AI/ML for RAN operations
- Self-Organizing Networks (SON)
- Network energy management
- Sidelink enhancements
RAN4 - Radio Performance
- FR2 multi-Rx chain requirements
- Enhanced measurement capabilities
- OTA testing enhancements
- High-speed train support
- Sub-5MHz spectrum support
Release 18 Core Network Specifications
SA3 - Security & Privacy
- Enhanced privacy of identifiers over radio
- Security Assurance Methodology (SECAM)
- Mission critical security Phase 3
- End-to-end security for RAN & SA features
SA4 - Multimedia Codecs & Services
- 5G Video and Service Enablers
- Split Rendering for immersive media
- AR Positioning Services
- Optimized video codec for 5G
- WebRTC-based collaboration
- Immersive Voice, Audio (EVS, IVAS Codecs)
SA5 - Management, Orchestration & Charging
- AI/ML management framework
- RAN intelligence and automation
- NWDAF with AI supervision
- Network slicing provisioning
- Cloud-native management
- Energy utilities management
SA6 - Application Enablement
- Critical communications (MCPTT, MCVideo, MCData)
- Railway and Gateway interworking
- SEAL and Fused Location services
- Application Data Analytics
- Vertical applications enablers
- V2X and UAS enhancements
Key Takeaways
SA Architecture Benefits:
- Full 5G capabilities without legacy 4G dependencies
- Native support for network slicing and edge computing
- Enhanced security and privacy features
- Optimized for mission-critical services
Market Impact: According to GSMA projections, the network must scale from 5.1B mobile subscribers (10B IoT connections) in 2018 to 5.8B mobile subscribers (25B IoT connections) by 2025. Release 18 enables this growth while improving efficiency.
Innovation Focus Areas:
- AI/ML integration across RAN and Core
- Energy efficiency and sustainability
- Enhanced positioning (indoor/outdoor accuracy)
- Support for diverse verticals (automotive, industrial, public safety)
Conclusion
3GPP Release 18's 5G-Advanced specifications represent a comprehensive evolution toward intelligent, efficient, and versatile networks. The extensive SA enhancements position operators to deliver on IoT promises while supporting emerging use cases from extended reality to autonomous systems. Completed in October 2022, Release 18 sets the foundation for the next phase of 5G deployment and eventual 6G evolution.
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