2021年5G报告（英）-24页_3mb

5G Market Drivers, Insights, and Considerations (2021)

Core Content

Spirent's 2021 report highlights the continued momentum and transformation of the 5G industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, automation, and enterprise adoption in driving the next phase of 5G development. The report outlines key trends and insights from Spirent's extensive engagement with operators, network vendors, and device vendors, providing a comprehensive view of the 5G landscape.

Main Trends and Insights

1. Accelerated 5G Adoption

• 2020 saw over 600 new 5G engagements, a 140% increase from the previous year.
• 5G Standalone (SA) networks are gaining traction, especially in North America and China, with operators starting to deploy them alongside Non-Standalone (NSA) networks.
• 5G Core Testing has become a critical focus, validating functionality, performance, scalability, and security for commercial deployment.

2. Automation and Remote Testing

• Automation has become essential in overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic, enabling remote testing and field testing with fewer personnel.
• Test-as-a-Service (TaaS) models are gaining popularity, allowing operators to outsource testing functions and focus on innovation.
• Automation is expected to become the norm in managing multi-vendor ecosystems and continuous releases.

3. Spectrum Demand and Open RAN

• Spectrum auctions are a key driver of 5G growth, with demand across all frequency bands (low, mid, high, and c-band).
• Open RAN is emerging as a low-cost, vendor-neutral solution, though it's still in early stages with a focus on interoperability and performance.
• The market for Open RAN solutions is projected to grow to over $11B by 2026.

4. Edge Computing and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

• Edge computing is being explored for its benefits in low latency, reduced backhaul, and enhanced security, with significant interest from cloud hyperscalers and mobile operators.
• FWA is expected to see a surge in demand as remote work becomes more permanent, supporting whole-home broadband and enabling AR, telepresence, and automation.
• Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E are also playing a crucial role in in-home connectivity.

5. Enterprise and Vertical Industry Adoption

• The enterprise market for 5G is still in early stages, with private networks and industry-specific use cases gaining traction.
• 5G-connected vehicles are accelerating in China, with major car manufacturers preparing for commercial availability by 2022.
• 5G digital twins are being used to replicate real-world networks in lab environments, speeding up testing and reducing regulatory hurdles.

6. Challenges and Considerations

• 5G core deployment remains challenging, especially with containerization and multi-vendor integration.
• Device performance continues to be a concern, with many devices still struggling to deliver on 5G's promises, especially in terms of speed and reliability.
• Consumer understanding of 5G is limited, leading to confusion and mixed marketing messages.

7. Global Market Dynamics

• Americas saw the most substantial growth in 5G engagements, driven by network performance and user experience.
• APAC continues to lead in transport network testing, with a focus on cell site densification and coverage expansion.
• EMEA faced initial setbacks due to spectrum delays and supply chain issues, but remains focused on 5G SA and private networks.

Key Information

• 5G Standalone (SA) networks are becoming more prevalent, though operators are still in the early stages of adoption.
• Automation is reshaping testing processes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
• Device and radio testing remain critical, with ongoing efforts to improve performance, reliability, and coverage.
• Edge computing and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) are emerging as key enablers for remote work and enterprise applications.
• Government and defense departments are increasingly investing in 5G technology, recognizing its potential for tactical communications and advanced applications.

Conclusion

Spirent remains a trusted partner in the 5G journey, supporting customers through testing, assurance, and innovation. As the industry moves toward 5G maturity, the focus is on accelerating deployment, ensuring reliability, and exploring new use cases. The report underscores the dynamic nature of 5G development and the importance of agility and collaboration in navigating this complex landscape.