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5G and eMBB Applications

Published Date
Author Cadence PCB Solutions

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile broadband technology is commonly referred to as the Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN).

  • eMBB is an extension of classic mobile broadband connectivity under the 5G mobile telecommunication standards. 

  • The service category eMBB delivers higher capacity networks in densely populated and urban regions, with strong coverage both indoors and outdoors.

eMBB applications
eMBB applications are supported by 5G wireless technology

5G is arguably the most significant Internet innovation today. Numerous enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) applications run uninterrupted with 5G wireless technology. In this article, we will explore eMBB applications and how they have advanced throughout the years.

The Pre-Mobile Broadband Era

Before mobile broadband service, people had two means to connect to broadband Internet: plug a wire between the phone jack and the computer or use a wireless connection. The former was the infamous dial-up connection during the period of landlines. It was not easy to access the Internet in those days, and once you were connected, the access was slow and spotty. Now, with mobile broadband, Internet access is possible not only from smartphones but also from anything with mobile broadband capabilities.

Mobile Broadband Technology

Mobile broadband technology is the infrastructure used by mobile service providers to provide Internet access to mobile devices. Mobile broadband technology is commonly referred to as the Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN). Portable devices can access high-speed Internet wirelessly with the help of radio towers. Mobile broadband allows users to stay connected when they are moving without relying on Wi-fi hotspots.

Using the mobile network, data transmission is carried out using 3G, 4G, or 5G services. Cellular phones and towers are employed for sending data packets between devices via radio waves. Unlike phone calls, the packets of digital information in mobile broadband include web pages, emails, music files, WhatsApp messages, Youtube videos, etc.

Mobile Broadband in GSM and CDMA

Generally, there are two basic technologies to operate mobile networks:

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) 

In GSM, the mobile broadband technology analogous to EV-DO is High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). HSDPA is different from EV-DO, as it can handle voice and data transfer simultaneously.

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) System 

CDMA-based mobile broadband technology is called Evolution-Data Optimized or Evolution-Data Only (EV-DO). In CDMA networks, a part of the mobile network is dedicated entirely to data. It channelizes the data and voice transfer, maximizing the data transfer and Internet speeds. 

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)

5G wireless technology is utilized for data transmission and provides low latency, high reliability, and mass device connectivity. 5G use cases utilize Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), and enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB). Enhanced mobile broadband is an extension of classic mobile broadband connectivity under the 5G mobile telecommunication standards. 

eMBB Applications

Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) applications involve augmented reality, virtual reality, 360-degree video calling, etc. The table below shows the major eMBB applications.

Application

Use

Enhanced multimedia

High definition video streaming and mobile TV

Public transportation

Internet access from public transportation

Hotspots

Broadband access both indoors and outdoors

Smart offices

High bandwidth connectivity, assuring heavy data traffic

Advantages of eMBB

  1. Delivers higher capacity networks in densely populated and urban regions, with strong coverage both indoors and outdoors.
  2. Enables wide network coverage so the user can experience connectivity around the clock.
  3. Allows smart-technology-based systems and devices to operate smoothly by providing real-time connectivity and communication.

5G wireless technology supports eMBB applications, offering wide coverage, high data rates, low latency, and high reliability. Cadence can help you design eMBB applications using 5G mobile communication technology. Cadence design tools enable the design, development, and implementation of 5G systems and support thermal, electromagnetic, and circuit behavioral analysis.

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