How Will 5G Impact on Memory?

Why Enhancing Memory is Key to Unlocking the 5G Future

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the potential of 5G, the fifth generation cellular network technology. From real-time UHD video streaming to automated cars, and even smart cities, the 5G revolution promises to transform every facet of our everyday life.

At the heart of the 5G transformation is a network capable of transferring large amounts of data at lightning speed, while bringing stable connectivity to devices beyond smartphones and computers. In this first installment of a two-part series, we will take a look at why enhancing memory capabilities will be vital to unlocking the 5G future.

Speed, Stability, and Connectivity

Three key technologies are enabling 5G networks to take giant leaps in improving speed, latency and connectivity – enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine-Type Connectivity (mMTC).

Ultra-high speed is undoubtedly one of the key features of 5G, which is enabled by eMBB. While a high-definition film takes minutes to download on 4G, it requires just seconds to complete with a 5G connection. With eMBB support, 5G can transmit data 20 times faster than 4G. In addition to seamless high-definition streaming, the technology will also expand the possibilities of augmented reality and virtual reality.

The exponential increase in network speed is accompanied by a significant reduction in latency and enhanced network stability. With URLLC, 5G networks can be ten times more responsive than 4G, opening up new real-time experiences that require quick responses, such as self-driving cars and drones.

The arrival of 5G will initiate a new connectivity paradigm in which a large number of devices connect to the internet. Instead of relying on people to manage communications between devices, mMTC will allow IoTs to interact with one another autonomously.

Creating the Next-Generation Network

The surge in mobile traffic ushered in by 5G will have a significant impact on the demand for memory.

The growth of data-intensive services requires the installation of more telco servers alongside an increase in 5G baseband memory for smartphones, VR devices, autonomous car, and various IoTs. Meanwhile, new transmission infrastructure, including macro cells, small cells, and dedicated in-building systems, will need to be deployed to facilitate mmWave connectivity.

Moreover, with the shift towards virtual Radio Access Networks (RANs) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) gathering pace, expanding memory capabilities across networks will be critical in the transition from 4G to 5G.

Ultra-high Speed Storage

5G offers numerous exciting possibilities for multimedia experiences on mobile devices. Maximizing this potential calls for more sophisticated mobile memory solutions.

Mobile devices need memory systems that can read and write at the same pace as the network to avoid creating a performance bottleneck while processing UHD content. Not only will mobile devices require more RAM to handle 5G-enabled multimedia applications and tasks, but increased download speed will also drive the need for faster and larger storage.

Building Towards a 5G Future

We are standing at the cusp of a historic transformation in mobile connectivity. To truly realize the full potential of 5G, it’s crucial to start laying a stable foundation. Stay tuned for part two to learn more about Samsung’s memory solutions for the next-generation mobile network.