What Is Urllc
- , by Stephanie Burrell
- 2 min reading time
URLLC refers to Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications. It is a term used in the telecom industry to describe a type of communication service that requires extremely low latency and high reliability. URLLC is a communication system designed for critical applications where failure is not an option. URLLC is crucial for applications that demand real-time responsiveness and high levels of reliability, such as industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and remote surgery. Telecom operators are continuously working to improve their networks to support URLLC services and meet the growing demands for ultra-reliable and low-latency communication in various industries. Ongoing URLLC development focuses on increased reliability and higher reliability to meet the needs of mission-critical use cases.
In URLLC, data packets must be delivered with minimal delay and very low error rates to ensure the safety and efficiency of these critical applications. This requires extremely high reliability and ultra reliable connections, especially for mission-critical scenarios. URLLC achieves reduced latency and lower latency through advanced technologies such as massive MIMO, mmWave, and optimized scheduling. The importance of data transmission and efficient data transfers is central to URLLC, as these ensure timely and accurate delivery of information. URLLC enables real-time, reliable communication for various industries, supporting applications that cannot tolerate delays or failures.
Mobile networks, including 5G NR (New Radio), provide the infrastructure and technology that support URLLC. URLLC services are designed to meet strict end to end latency and latency requirements, often targeting less than 1 ms for the most demanding applications. The physical layer plays a critical role in achieving URLLC performance, with standards set by 3GPP releases. URLLC uses techniques such as multiplexing across the same frequency and utilizing larger subcarriers to improve efficiency and scheduling. Shorter transmissions further help reduce latency and increase network responsiveness.
Related 5G features include massive machine type and massive machine type communications (mMTC), which enable massive IoT connectivity, and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), which delivers high data throughput and reliability. URLLC benefits users by providing reliable, real-time communication for safety-critical and time-sensitive applications. Devices gain access to URLLC services through advanced network slicing, dedicated spectrum, and optimized access points. Wi-Fi is often used as a complementary technology to URLLC in certain high-performance environments.
Certain applications require extremely high levels and the highest level of reliability and minimal latency, such as remote surgery and emergency healthcare. Business operations also benefit from URLLC's reliability and low latency, enabling seamless management and optimization of core functions. Key use cases for URLLC include augmented reality healthcare, virtual reality, factory automation, remote control of autonomous vehicles, and emergency services for police, fire, and medical responders.