Mantra:
ITU has defined three usage scenarios for 5G services: eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC. Please visit https://thewirelessuniversity.com for past Mantras!
Brief Explanation: 5G can offer amazing new services (e.g., holograms and factory automation) or enhance traditional services (e.g., video streaming and video calls) on a massive scale. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has defined usage scenarios such as enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), ultra reliable and low latency communications (URLLC), and massive Machine Type Communications (nMTC). A given service or application has characteristics associated with one or more of these usage scenarios. eMBB is characterized by very high data rates to support services such as high-definition video streaming. URLLC, as the name suggests, needs both high reliability (i.e., low error rate) and low latency (e.g., few milliseconds of end-to-end delay). Services such as self-driving cars, automated manufacturing plants, and remote surgery are prime URLLC examples. mMTC supports a large number of low-rate Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as smart water meters, smart parking meters, and smart sensors. 3GPP has defined these 3 standard network slices in Release 15 (as part of 5G Phase 1) to support the target usage scenarios: eMBB, URLLC, and massive IoT (MIoT). Release 15 has focused more on eMBB, while future releases would involve more enhancements related to URLLC and mMTC.