Slash the infrastructure, multiply the benefits: Non-cellular 5G

Here's why non-cellular 5G is a game-changer:

Mesh topology: A network of peers. Unlike conventional cellular networks, non-cellular 5G operates on a mesh topology. Each device becomes an access point, i.e., a base station, creating a seamless network through inter-device connections. This architecture extends existing networks, both wired and wireless, and connects to the Internet via gateways.

Non-cellular 5G outperforms cellular 5G in all the categories:

1. Coverage. This self-extending network dynamically grows as more devices join, enhancing accessibility and reach. Basements and technical facilities like metering rooms are covered.

2. Cost. Eliminating cellular base stations also removes the need for extensive infrastructure and mobile operators. This significantly reduces operating costs, making non-cellular 5G a financially superior option.

3. Reliability. In a mesh network, data finds multiple redundant paths to its destination. This enhances the network's reliability, ensuring consistent connectivity even if some paths are compromised or congested.

4. Low power. Devices in a non-cellular 5G network adjust their transmit power to communicate with immediate neighbors instead of distant base stations. This reduces overall power consumption and importantly for massive deployments, saves spectrum for other users, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient network.

5. Privacy-focused. Data privacy is bolstered as information can be kept within the network, avoiding transmission through external networks when so wanted. This feature particularly benefits sensitive environments like factory floors or secure facilities.

6. No heavy IPR. Cellular has more than 17 000 Standard Essential Patents and IPR fees are collected by the biggest 3GPP standard contributors. Non-cellular 5G of ETSI has only a few declarations.

Balancing speed with functionality.

The only trade-off with non-cellular vs. cellular 5G is data speed. It supports speeds up to a few Mbps at the physical layer level and a few tens of Kbps for the application, which, while lower than the hundreds of Mbps offered by cellular 5G, still caters to many essential applications in large-scale IoT applications like smart metering and building technologies.

In summary, slashing the infrastructure multiplies the benefits for IoT applications. Non-cellular 5G is reshaping our understanding of wireless networks. Prioritizing coverage, cost, reliability, power efficiency, and privacy, non-cellular 5G presents a superior alternative for various use cases.