Campus-Based Test-Bed Implementation of 5G+ Networks at the 28 GHz Band: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The study provides an experimental setup, interconnection sites, and indoor-outdoor cases to reflect the results of a 5G+ millimeter wave (mmWave) network operating from 3.5 to 28 GHz implemented as a campus test-bed case at the Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi, Korea. Moreover, the applications of the 5G+ campus test-bed case are discussed, such as learning management, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) video streaming, cloud platforms for smart factories, and project-based learning. This study aimed to perform operations at 5G+ frequencies, that is, in the frequency range 1 (FR1) comprising frequency bands < 6 GHz, and at frequency band 2 (FR2) comprising bands in the mmWave range (24-100 GHz), thus making the mmWave range especially suitable for 5G Ultra Wideband operations. The operated channel frequency band used ranges between 3.5 to 28 GHz with channel bandwidths of 100, 200, and 400 MHz. This study establishes a basis for allowing different future operators within South Korea to adopt and employ the concept of infrastructure sharing for a particular indoor scenario. Furthermore, it discusses the research challenges and open issues for future development and collaboration.