Why is 5G Advanced Important?

5G Advanced is the next step before we get to 6G. This cellular standard promises to enhance current 5G networks with organic updates, and will also introduce major new functionality primarily targeting enterprise networking. New features include Sidelink, Reduced Capability (RedCap) and advanced positioning. 5G Advanced will be specified by The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Releases 18, 19 and 20, after which 3GPP’s work will focus on 6G.

5G Advanced technology will implement learnings from the deployment of early 5G networks. It will likely become the mobile network powerhouse for many years to come, at least until 6G takes over. When 6G is the primary standard, it too will build on the foundation of 5G Advanced and 5G. Some of the improvements it will introduce are in new directions, particularly in the enterprise domain. 

5G positioning, RedCap and Sidelink are showing new methods of connecting devices and utilizing the network. This may lead to new use cases and applications, and will likely create new ecosystems. Indeed, according to ABI Research forecasts, 5G Advanced will start to proliferate in 2025, when advanced use cases and applications will start to enter the mainstream. The following chart illustrates 5G Advanced infrastructure forecasts from ABI Research’s latest reports.

5G Advanced is likely going to bring radically new features that aim to introduce significant value for enterprise applications. Things like positioning improvements that aim to ultimately reach <1 Centimeter (cm) accuracy in the future; Sidelink, which will allow a much more flexible deployment approach for on-premises deployments; and RedCap, a more efficient terminal for IoT applications.

Addressing as many of the Real-Time Location Services (RTLS) use cases as possible is something else that 5G positioning aims to accomplish. It will be done by tapping into pre-deployed 5G infrastructure used for communications, rather than deploying numerous RTLS solutions (e.g., Ultra-Wideband (UWB, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, etc.). These are often use case-specific and require heterogeneous equipment (e.g., tags, anchor points and gateways). Ideally, this would aid in the efforts to drive down the cost and complexity of location services. It would also enable much more scalable deployments of positioning use cases over the next decade.

RedCap devices are important to the creation of mobile services with the user positioned firmly in the middle surrounded by multiple devices that act as enablers (i.e. a smartphone or tablet, automotive, set of wireless earbuds, or a smartwatch). With a focus on experience, the design moves devices to function as hubs that can support multiple devices. This means a system-level design needs to support and expand beyond just the main hubs to address all device types. It is important that the industry focuses on the enablement of these 5G Advanced use cases and experiences to embrace the wider implications of moving the market from a device-centric to an experience-centric ecosystem.

5G Advanced is an important milestone to prepare the industry for 6G, which will focus on distributed intelligence, the blending of physical and virtual worlds, and the full use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) throughout the network. Several infrastructure vendors are now preparing the next wave of innovation in this domain, including Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia, which are starting to promote 5G Advanced.

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How are Cellular Carriers Handling the Hurricane?

As Hurricane Ian continues to wreak havoc on our East coast, many people will find themselves without power or cellular service. However, AT&T just made an announcement yesterday that they are taking new measures to ensure customers of other carriers can stay connected. Thankfully, Verizon and T-Mobile have announced similar efforts. 

During and after the storm, AT&T will have roaming available to all locations affected by the hurricane. In a statement they said the following:

“We are working to help the people affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida. To assist in the recovery, we’re now welcoming other carriers’ customers to roam on our networks so they can connect, even if their carrier’s service isn’t available after the storm. Once this roaming begins, customers will automatically be connected to our network.”

Verizon’s announcement also came yesterday. They are currently working on refueling generators at its cell sites to ensure they stay running. Their engineers also started to deploy mobile assets (temporary mobile network equipment), prioritizing core public safety and government EOCs including police departments, fire departments, search and rescue teams. In affected areas, customers will have unlimited calling, texting, and data until October 4, 2022.

T-Mobile made a similar announcement and will be providing unlimited connections to customers in affected areas until October 3. They explained that their teams are on the ground checking equipment where it’s safe to do so. Teams are also working in the hardest hit areas to restore service. Per their announcement:

“Additional emergency equipment and teams have been staged in Alabama, Georgia and parts of Florida and are deploying into impacted areas where it is safe to do so. This includes mobile network command centers, generators and fuel trucks, along with mobile network equipment such as COLTs and SatCOLTs (Cells on Light Trucks and Satellite Cells on Light Trucks) and COWs (Cells on Wheels).”

We wish all of those in Florida a quick and safe recovery and hope that our friends along the rest of the east coast stay safe as well.

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How T-Mobile Earned Top Honors with OpenSignal

BELLEVUE, Wash. (T-Mobile Newsroom — Sept. 20, 2022) — Before going interstellar, T-Mobile takes 5G leadership global. In a new global report, leading research firm Opensignal today confirmed that T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) customers get a 5G signal more often and in more places than anyone else on the planet. That’s right. T-Mobile has the world’s best 5G Availability and 5G Reach … and for the second year in a row was the ONLY U.S. operator to win a 5G Global award!

“The latest awards from Opensignal further prove that our early bets in 5G are paying off for our customers with the biggest, fastest and most reliable 5G in America … and also the best 5G reach and availability anywhere on the planet,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “We’re out in front of the competition, and we’re not looking back.”

This report joins a plethora of others from third-party research firms like Ookla and umlaut, further cementing T-Mobile’s status as the most-awarded 5G network in the nation. In fact, the Un-carrier is the returning champ for best global 5G Availability based on results from Opensignal’s 2021 Global Awards.

For Carrier customers who want to experience a world leader, the Un-carrier’s recently-launched Network Pass gives them free 5G data on T-Mobile’s network for three months using their current compatible phone, so they can see for themselves how T-Mobile performs compared to their current provider.

T-Mobile is the leader in 5G with the country’s largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network. The Un-carrier’s Extended Range 5G covers nearly everyone in the country – 320 million people across 1.8 million square miles. 235 million people nationwide are covered with super-fast Ultra Capacity 5G, and T-Mobile expects to cover 260 million in 2022 and 300 million next year.

For more information on T-Mobile’s network, visit T-Mobile.com/coverage. 

Follow T-Mobile’s Official Twitter Newsroom @TMobileNews to stay up to date with the latest company news.

Opensignal Awards – 5G Global Mobile Network Experience Awards 2022, based on independent analysis of mobile measurements recorded during the period January 1 – June 29, 2022 © 2022 Opensignal Limited.

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How to Recognize and Avoid Scam Emails

Scammers and other “bad actors” are finding more unique approaches to gather sensitive data from potential victims. We see this from time to time ourselves and think there’s no better time to share what we’ve learned. 

Here are a few general rules:

  • Filter spam
  • Don’t trust unsolicited email
  • Be cautious with email attachments from senders you don’t recognize
  • Avoid clicking links in messages
  • Install antivirus software and keep it up to date
  • Install a personal firewall and keep it up to date
  • Configure security features in your email account

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) made a list years ago of some common fraud schemes, which still appear to be recycled to this day. 

  • bogus business opportunities 
  • chain letters
  • work-at-home schemes
  • health and diet scams
  • easy money
  • “free” goods
  • investment opportunities
  • bulk email schemes
  • cable descrambler kits
  • “guaranteed” loans or credit 

We also see quite a bit of phishing emails, which are those that are crafted to look as if they’ve been sent from a legitimate organization. For example, a company you regularly work with may alert you that there’s a problem with your account. There’s a link included that may look real, but if you were to uncode that link, it would look completely different. See example below:

visible link: http://www.company.com/accounts/

actual link to bogus site: http://it.co.ar/data/company/index.html 

Other things to look out for:

  • Bad grammar or misspelled words
  • Generic/ Unfamiliar greetings
  • Demands for urgent action
  • Inconsistencies with the email address, links, or domain names
  • Requests for Login Credentials, Payment info, or other sensitive data

If you suspect you may have been scammed, check out IdentityTheft.gov. They have steps here that you can take based on the information you’ve lost. 

If you think you clicked on a bad link or attachment, update your computer’s security software. Then, run a security scan to check for vulnerabilities. Here are a few free ones that are very helpful:

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How Do I Expand My WiFi Network?

Are you as excited about the announcement of the AP One Rugged coming back as we are? We wanted to talk to you about the key differences between this newly relaunched model and a few others that are similar. With all of the options available we find it is helpful to highlight key features and differences for us all. The more you know, the more you realize you didn’t know!

How does this product work and what is the main purpose of it?

  • To give you a cost effective and easy installation option when you are in need of extending your WiFi signal or adding one in(if your router does not have built-in WiFi).
Use Case: Mobile/Outdoor/Large Warehouse/RailroadUse Case: 
Home/Small Office/ Small # of Users
Use Case: 
Larger Office or Location/ Large # of Users
Model: APO-AC-RUG
Model: APO-AX-LITE
Model: APO-AX
Enclosure: 
Ruggedized Metal
Enclosure:
Plenum-rated Indoor Plastic
Enclosure:
Plenum-rated Indoor Plastic
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
Ethernet Ports: 
3x Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet Ports: 
1x Multigigabit Ethernet
Ethernet Ports: 
1x Gigabit Ethernet
Data Rate:
2.4GHz: 300Mbps
5.0GHz: 866Mbps
Data Rate:
2.4GHz: up to 574 mbps
5GHz: up to 1200 mbps
Data Rate:
2.4GHz: up to 1147 mbps
5GHz: up to 2402 mbps
Recommended # of Users: 60Recommended # of Users: 256Recommended # of Users: 256
Dimensions:
4.8 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
Dimensions:
5.9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
Dimensions:
8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Operating Temps:
-40° – 149°F
-40° – 65°C
Operating Temps:
32° – 104°F
0° – 40°C
Operating Temps:
32° – 104°F
0° – 40°C
Package Contents:
AP One Rugged,
12V2A Power Supply (ACW-632),
2 x Wi-Fi Antenna (ACW-342)
Package Contents:
AP One AX Lite,
Ceiling Mount Base (9/16” T-Rail),
Ceiling Mount Base (15/16” T-Rail),
Mounting Screw Set
Package Contents:
AP One AX,
Ceiling Mount Base (9/16” T-Rail),
Ceiling Mount Base (15/16” T-Rail),
Mounting Screw Set
Price and additional information:
Click Here!
Price and additional information:
Click Here!
Price and additional information:
Click Here!

A few key differences with the AP One Rugged

  • Provides the option of supplying a hardwire ethernet connection in addition to the wireless extension.
  • The enclosure is designed so that the unit can be used in locations that might be exposed to temperature changes(higher/lower temps).
    • Like in a warehouse building, farm building, locations that would not be classified as indoor(i.e. an office building or home).
  • Has the capability of external antennas – for higher gain and to get coverage in areas where the signal may be a challenge.

Want to know more about these items – visit our site by using the links below for more information on each product.

Still unsure what might be a good fit for your needs? Contact Us Today!

  • Email: sales@5gstore.com
  • Call: 1-833-5GSTORE (1-833-547-8673)
  • Chat: Click HERE to chat with an expert at 5Gstore!
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What Does the New Version of the ezDevice App Support?

There is a new version (3.1.0) of the ezDevice mobile application for iOS and Android devices. This app is designed for managing our Remote Power IP Switches, both UIS (522*, 622B) and ezOutlet (22B, 62B, 72B) models. IP Switches help users remotely power cycle network devices automatically, manually, or via a schedule. 

The previous version of this app experienced a couple issues. Such as, being able to delete a group, or find the search bar. General tweaks and other bugs were fixed to enhance the overall user experience. 

They’ve also added a few new features and details, which include the following:

  • Add device by scanning the QR code
  • Show current detected WiFi Signal Strength
  • Option to delete Cloud4UIS account
  • Increased Outlet reset count-down timer accuracy

If you have any questions, or want to learn more about our IP Switches, please reach out to our team by phone, email, or chat!

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How AT&T and Lockheed Martin Tested 5G on a Black Hawk Helicopter

Lockheed Martin and AT&T have made news by increasing the speed at which data is transferred securely and rapidly from an aircraft. The Black Hawk helicopter sent health and data usage over an AT&T 5G private cellular network. They used Lockheed Martin’s 5G.MIL® multi-site pilot network in this test, which was conducted Aug. 4 at Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut. 

The test demonstrated that wireless 5G technologies can not only be used successfully in flight, but they can support accelerated maintenance operations and improved aircraft readiness. It also proved highly secure interoperability between the AT&T millimeter wave 5G private cellular network and the 5G.MIL pilot network.

“These 5G capabilities deployed at scale are expected to enable high-speed, secure-data transfer on virtually any flight line, providing another example of how we’re advancing our 21st Century Security vision by improving customer readiness and operations,” said Dan Rice, vice president of 5G.MIL Programs at Lockheed Martin. “In collaboration with commercial 5G leaders, an interoperable 5G.MIL multi-site, multi-vendor network is another step closer to reality.”

Using the AT&T 5G millimeter wave private cellular network, data was transferred wirelessly to the 5G.MIL network. It did so via ground support equipment from the Black Hawk’s Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS). Once received at local Sikorsky networks, the data was then processed and distributed through the secure Lockheed Martin 5G.MIL pilot network to the Waterton, Colorado, 5G test range site.

This transfer process normally takes Black Hawk crews about 30 minutes. That involves removing the IVHMS data cartridge from the helicopter, transporting it to an operations center and extracting the data for analysis. With the backbone of AT&T’s 5G private cellular technologies, Lockheed Martin was able to reduce the time required to less than 5 minutes! 

“Timely and secure transfer and analysis of mission and operations data are critical to military readiness and effectiveness,” said Lance Spencer, client executive vice president, Defense, AT&T Public Sector and FirstNet. “This is one of many areas of commercial 5G innovation we are exploring to support defense, commercial aviation, and related fields where our 5G-related services can modernize legacy processes and help deliver truly transformational benefits.”

This is not the only project Lockheed Martin and AT&T are working on. They are also collaborating with other leading companies in networking and defense to modernize and transform communications capabilities for defense purposes. Additional demos will be performed in the future, which will hopefully enhance 5G wireless technology communications solutions for flight lines. Ideally, the goal would be to continually shorten aircraft turnaround times to reduce costs and improve military operational readiness. These capabilities deployed at scale can support high-speed, secure-data transfer on both commercial and military flight lines.

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What Cradlepoint NetCloud License Do I Need?

There are so many different models of Cradlepoint routers available. There’s even more model numbers for their NetCloud Manager licenses. If you’re like most, you might be confused about which one you need when your device is unlicensed.  

In effort to help with this, we’ve outlined the categories of routers and which models fall under which category. The license model number is also listed for your reference.

  • Branch 5G Adapters (BE**-NCESS)
    • W4005
    • W2005
    • W1850
  • Branch Adapters (BB*-NCESS)
    • L950
    • CBA550
    • CBA850
  • Branch Performance Routers (BD*-NCESS)
    • E3000
    • CR4250
  • Branch Routers (BA*-NCESS)
    • AER1600/ 1650
    • AER2100
    • AER2200
  • Enterprise Branch Routers (BF**-NCESS)
    • E300
  • IoT Routers (TB*-NCESS)
    • IBR900
    • IBR200
    • IBR600C
  • Mobile Performance Routers (MB**-NCESS)
    • R1900
  • Mobile Routers (MA*-NCESS)
    • IBR1100
    • IBR1700
  • Pre-2018 IoT Routers (TA*-NCESS)
    • IBR600
    • IBR600B

*Refers to 1, 3, or 5 year licenses

If you still aren’t sure what you need, please reach out to the 5Gstore team via chat, phone or email.

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What Frequency did T-Mobile Win Licenses For?

WASHINGTON, Sept 1 (Reuters) – T-Mobile (TMUS.O) won the bulk of licenses awarded in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 2.5 GHz band auction, successfully bidding $304.3 million, the agency said Thursday.

Most of the auctioned spectrum is located in rural areas and will support wireless services in rural communities, the FCC said. In total, the auction raised gross proceeds of $427 million. T-Mobile won 7,156 of the 8,017 county-based licenses offered for auction.

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What is AT&T Doing to Expand 5G and In-Building Service for FirstNet

AT&T is known as America’s public safety wireless communications provider and the carrier that built FirstNet. Currently, they cover more first responders than any other network in the country. Now they are trying to expand that coverage with 5G. They’re also working on boosting dedicated in-building connectivity and enhancing 9-1-1 resiliency across Tennessee. FirstNet will be used there as a wireless backup.

“Our commitment to first responders is unparalleled. By delivering 5G on FirstNet in this unique way, public safety is getting a head start on the future of connectivity, without compromising on the reliability they require for their critical communications,” said Jason Porter, President, Public Sector and FirstNet, at AT&T. “And with first responder agencies now able to put their network in buildings where they need it most, we’re equipping first responders with a network that’s second-to-none today and for decades to come.”

Expanding 5G

AT&T has expanded 5G on FirstNet to more than 40 cities. Places like Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Seattle and St. Louis can now access AT&T mid-band 5G+ spectrum. The benefits of this ultra-fast connectivity will certainly meet unique mission needs. This means first responders in about 100 markets across the country have access to at least 1 of the 3 flavors of 5G (using low-, mid- and high-band spectrum) that AT&T is delivering on FirstNet. 

Boosting dedicated in-building connectivity

In efforts to further assist first responders, a network investment was sent to AT&T from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). This now allows qualified first responder agencies on FirstNet to get FREE Cell Booster Pro systems. Thousands of these will be dispersed and will be used in areas where the agencies have previously experienced connectivity challenges. 

Lisa Casias, the Acting CEO for the First Responder Network Authority, said in a statement to AT&T, “The FirstNet Authority’s investments in the network are guided by the needs of public safety. This unique process is a testament to FirstNet truly being built for and by public safety. We are pleased to work alongside public safety to bring them the tools needed to keep our communities safe.” 

The Cell Booster Pro is an enterprise-grade mini cell site that provides reliable connectivity for public safety on FirstNet. However it will also provide better service for employees and visitors on the AT&T commercial network. The Cell Booster Pro transmits public safety’s high-quality Band 14 spectrum as well as AT&T commercial LTE. With the ability to mesh 3 of these mini cell sites within a building, agencies can increase coverage by up to 45,000 square feet, supporting nearly 200 users. 

Enhancing 9-1-1 resiliency across Tennessee

AT&T is also uniquely positioned to equip 9-1-1 call centers, or public safety answering points (PSAPs), and first responders with an integrated infrastructure. This allows them to be more flexible, resilient and agile. This is the reason they’ve integrated AT&T ESInet with the FirstNet network. It will extend network connectivity to remote PSAPs that are either hard to reach or experiencing an outage. The State of Tennessee is leading the country in deploying this innovative solution at every PSAP across the state. This further protects the nearly 7 million people who call the Volunteer State home.

“We understand that we play a vital role in providing a link to members of our community and first responders,” says Curtis Sutton, Executive Director, Tennessee Emergency Communications Board. “We took key lessons learned following the emergency events in December 2020 and worked with AT&T and other agencies to design a solution to increase our reliability and resiliency. In addition to creating redundancies through traditional connections with AT&T ESInet, we are implementing a wireless connection with FirstNet, which gives us an even more robust dependability than we could have imagined.”

Interoperability with FirstNet enables redundancy, resiliency and agility with AT&T ESInet so that PSAPs can focus on keeping their communities safe. If AT&T ESInet detects a disruption to the primary connection of a 9-1-1 call center, it will automatically route 9-1-1 calls over the FirstNet network to a remote PSAP. This integration strengthens PSAPs to maintain operations. It also creates a path for future Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies, including videos and images. These technologies allow PSAPs to coordinate with first responders more efficiently, improve situational awareness and reduce response times.

Why is this important? 

AT&T is the only carrier that can provide end-to-end emergency communication solutions, from 9-1-1 to dispatch to response. For them, it’s all about where first responders need connectivity. Emergencies are unpredictable and during these critical moments, the public safety community needs reliable, interoperable communications. Today, more than 21,800 agencies and organizations – accounting for 3.7 million connections (as of Q2 2022) – use FirstNet to stay mission-ready. AT&T has seen significant growth in FirstNet because the public safety community recognizes commercial networks aren’t designed to properly handle the specific and niche demands of first responders. And commercial networks are not subject to the rigorous level of oversight and accountability by the federal government. That’s why public safety has FirstNet.

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