3GPP Release 18 marks the first release of the 5G-Advanced standard. R16 and R17 exposed new functionality to help 5G address IoT and edge computing, enabling 5G to reach new markets. 3GPP describes 5G-Advanced as “the mid-point of 5G standardization.” With it come a host of new features and functionality aimed at delivering balanced performance across the stack, improving speed, coverage, mobility, and power efficiency. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) play increasingly important roles in 5G-Advanced. This is highlighted by several advancements in R18, including how AI and ML will aid Radio Access Network (RAN) operation and performance.
