5G vs 6G KPIs: Key Performance Indicator Differences

This article compares 5G and 6G Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), highlighting the key differences between the two wireless technologies.

Introduction

We’ve seen a rapid evolution of wireless technologies, moving from 1G to 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G, with 6G on the horizon.

These technologies adhere to 3GPP standards, which are finalized based on various parameters. These parameters include bandwidth, access techniques, operating frequency, data rate, latency, traffic capacity, connection density, energy efficiency, spectrum efficiency, and voice/data features.

KPIs serve as key performance indicators, defining the minimum or maximum specifications needed for a wireless system to perform satisfactorily.

The image above compares 5G and 6G across parameters such as energy efficiency, spectral efficiency, intelligence, affordability, customization, and security. As the graphic illustrates, 6G is expected to outperform 5G in these areas.

6G Wireless KPIs

Before diving into a comparison of 5G and 6G KPI values, let’s define each of the 6G wireless KPIs:

• Maximum Bandwidth: This refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transferred in a given time frame through a wired or wireless channel. In the analog domain, it’s measured in MHz or GHz, while in the digital domain, it’s measured in Gb/s, Mb/s, or Kb/s. 6G wireless systems are expected to support bandwidths up to 100 GHz.

• Peak Data Rate: This is the rate at which data is transferred from source to destination over a wired/wireless channel. It’s defined as the ratio of bytes transferred per unit time (seconds). The 6G wireless standard is anticipated to support peak data rates of around 1 Tb/s.

• Experienced Data Rate: Various factors can affect internet speed, resulting in actual speeds experienced by subscribers being lower than the peak data rate. This is known as the Experienced Data Rate, and it is also measured in Gb/s or Mb/s. With 6G, subscribers are expected to experience data rates of around 1 Gb/s.

• Spectrum Efficiency: This indicates how efficiently the allocated frequency spectrum is being utilized by the wireless system (6G or 5G). It’s also known as “spectral efficiency” and is improved by physical layer parameters like modulation schemes, MIMO, and access techniques. It’s the ratio of net data rate (bps) to channel bandwidth (Hz), measured in b/s/Hz. 6G wireless technology aims to provide 5-10 times greater spectral efficiency than 5G.

• Peak Spectral Efficiency: As mentioned, spectral efficiency indicates how much data can fit within a given bandwidth. Peak spectral efficiency refers to the maximum spectral efficiency supported by a wireless system. 6G is projected to support a peak spectral efficiency of about 60 b/s/Hz.

• Experienced Spectral Efficiency: This refers to the spectral efficiency practically achieved by the system in real-time and experienced by users. 6G wireless is aiming for an experienced spectral efficiency of about 3 b/s/Hz.

• Network Energy Efficiency: This characterizes the costs associated with running a 5G or 6G wireless network for a given capacity. It’s measured both in terms of power consumption per device and network transmission efficiency. While not specified for 5G, 6G networks are targeting about 1 terabit per joule (maximum) or 1 pJ/b.

• Area Traffic Capacity: This is defined as the maximum traffic capacity supported per m² or Km². 5G specifies 10 Mb/s/m², while 6G aims for 1 Gb/s/m².

• Connection Density: This measures the number of subscribers or devices that can be simultaneously connected on a 5G or 6G cellular system. 5G specifies 10⁶ devices/Km², whereas 6G specifies 10⁷ devices/Km².

• Latency: The latency of a wireless loop depends on the distance traveled and the connection speed. It’s typically measured using the “ping” command. Network latency incorporates both propagation delay and serialization delay.

  

  Quality of Service (QoS) defines this parameter for latency-sensitive applications, such as voice, video, and other traffic types. While 5G systems specify a latency of 1ms, 6G wireless technology is targeting latencies of 10-100 µs.

• Jitter: In the analog domain, frequency spectrum purity is specified by phase noise. In the time domain, it’s measured by a term called “phase jitter,” or simply “jitter.” It’s measured in units of radians (rms), pico-seconds (rms), or micro-seconds (µs). Variations in the waveform’s time period are the primary cause of jitter. Jitter isn’t specified in the 5G standard, but a value of 1 µs is specified in the 6G wireless standard.

• Reliability: The reliability of a wired or wireless connection measures its performance in real-time conditions after deployment. It’s measured in terms of Bit Error Rate (BER), Packet Error Rate (PER), or Frame Error Rate (FER). Tools like PingTest and SpeedTest are used to test the reliability of internet connections. Similarly, for wireless systems like 5G and 6G, companies such as Keysight, R&S, and Anritsu have developed test equipment to check these parameters. Frame Error Rates of about 1 x 10^-5 and 1 x 10^-9 are specified for 5G and 6G systems, respectively.

• Mobility: This defines the wireless system’s performance when subscribers are moving at a specified speed (Km/h). In other words, at a specified mobility speed, the wireless system should perform as desired for ongoing voice or data calls, without call drops. 5G supports a mobility of 500 Km/h, while 6G wireless aims to support mobility greater than 1000 Km/h.

• Uniform User Experience: This defines the user experience while continuously accessing the wireless system without service interruption. 5G specifies 50 Mb/s, 2D everywhere, while 6G aims for 10 Gb/s, 3D everywhere.

• Localization Accuracy: 5G specifies a localization accuracy of 10 cm in 2D, while 6G aims for 1 cm in 3D.

Difference between 5G KPIs and 6G KPIs

The following table summarizes the KPIs for 5G and 6G wireless technologies, outlining the typical values required for wireless equipment to achieve network performance requirements.

It’s important to note that achieving all these KPIs simultaneously can be challenging. Different use cases will demand the fulfillment of different sets of KPIs in both 5G and 6G wireless technologies.