Dealing with the Capacity Crunch 18.-19.04.2024

Training Focus
The amount of data traffic being carried over mobile networks is ever increasing, yet the amount of spectrum used to deliver that data is limited. This is leading, many believe, to a situation where there will be insufficient spectrum to deliver the capacity necessary to handle the traffic, often termed the ‘capacity crunch’. This course examines the various forecasts for mobile data traffic and considers whether and where growth might finally stop. It also explores various models used to turn the traffic levels into spectrum requirements to try to determine how much spectrum might be needed. The various methods for delivering data capacity will be discussed, together with an examination of the efficiency and effectiveness of the various mobile technologies (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G) and strategies such as network densification, off- loading and wholesale networks. The impact of the growth of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and the Internet of Things (IoT), and the role of ultra-reliable, low latency communications will be discussed. Other issues, such as the cost per bit delivered, and the energy required to power networks will also be considered to examine whether there are financial and environment constraints on data capacity growth and consumption.

Course Objectives
After completing the course, participants will be aware of various forecasts for mobile data, and methods used to predict mobile spectrum demand. They will have an understanding of types and performance of techniques used to deliver mobile data, and will understand the commercial and economic issues that affect the delivery of mobile capacity.

Intended for
People working as regulators, as well as for organizations such as government departments, transport operators, satellite companies, and military establishments who use the radio spectrum and who wish to understand the sources of the pressure to find more spectrum for mobile data.

Contents

•     How much spectrum is there?
•     Forecasting the growth of mobile data traffic
•     A historical viewpoint on the accuracy of predictions
•     Calculating mobile spectrum demand
•     Is there a limit on eventual demand?
•     Country case studies on data growth
•     The impact M2M and IoT and URLLC
•     Methods for handling mobile data
•     Mobile technologies (e.g. 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G)
•     Offloading
•     Network densification
•     Wholesale and shared network models
•     The cost and energy implications of the various techniques

Duration
2 days