3GPP 5G Network Use Cases
- eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband): Human-oriented access to multimedia content, services and data. The category includes hotspots, characterised by high user density, very high capacity and low mobility, and widearea coverage, characterised by seamless coverage, medium to high mobility and a much improved user data rate.
- mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications)/mIoT (Massive Internet of Things): A large number of devices, each transmitting a low volume of non-delay-sensitive data, with requirements including a low cost and a long battery life.
- CriC (Critical Communications)/URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications): Stringent requirements for capabilities such as throughput, latency and availability, for applications such as industrial manufacturing, remote surgery and smart grids.
- eV2X (Enhancement of Vehicle-to-Everything): This includes support for connected and autonomous vehicles. It is similar to Critical Communications, but differs because of the need to support higher data rates and high device mobility.
- NEO (Network Operation): Requirements for the system aspects of the new 5G network. Includes the concept of ‘Network Slicing’, in which multiple VNs (Virtual Networks) are built upon the same physical infrastructure by means of NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), so as to support the wide variety of use cases that are expected for 5G.
The use cases for mMTC, URLLC, eMBB and NEO were studied further in TR 22.861 to TR 22.864, and the results were collected in the requirements specification, TS 22.261. Similarly, the eV2X use case was studied further in TR 22.886, and the results were collected into a requirements specification, TS 22.186. (LTE was enhanced to support V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) services as part of 3GPP R14 (Release 14); thus the study of eV2X services for 5G lagged behind the others.)