onitored by engineers at computer screens at data centers. Cloud C-RANs are in the early stages of implementation and are planned for the future as a way to manage the complex 5G infrastructure. Because there is no agreed-upon standard, equipment from different www.TechnicalPDF.com vendors might not be able to interoperate. Cloud RANs will additionally use virtualized components for ease of replacement and space conservation. The radio access networks will consume less space because they will be represented in software, not hardware. Interoperability and Fall Back on 5G Mobile Networks A major concern around 5G networks is that different telecom companies' implementations may differ in small ways. This can result in non-interoperability between their networks. Thus, data and voice traffic might not be seamlessly transferred between providers without dropping calls or causing delays in data sessions. Another feature that needs to be compatible between mobile networks is fall back. Fall back is the ability to transition to earlier generations of service as subscribers move from cell site to cell site. A subscriber that starts a call in a part of the network already using 5G service needs to be able to continue the data session, voice call, or Internet browsing when they walk or ride to an area with LTE service. All of these and other facets of compatibility are in the process of being ironed out. But, earlier network implementations may hit some bumps. Device Compatibility-A Multi-Year Gap A major issue in upgrading from LTE to 5G is when 5G- compatible smartphones, tablet computers, and laptops with 5G radios on chips in the device will be available. Without 5G chips in mobile devices, they aren't able to achieve gigabit data rates or any other features available in 5G networks. This is the reason that cellular providers continue to support older mobile protocols when new ones become available. It can take 5 years for the majority of subscribers to upgrade to new generations of cellular service. www.TechnicalPDF.c