**3GPP's Big Secret: How the 5G Standard is Developed**
Some people consider 3GPP a mysterious organization. As the world’s largest standardization body, it is known for its rigor and professionalism. However, beyond its published specifications, the inner workings of 3GPP itself remain largely unknown to the public.
Recently, Dr. Chen Wanshi, chairman of TSG RAN1, who has been actively involved with 3GPP for nearly two months, held a "Demystifying 3GPP" event in Beijing. He provided valuable insights into this influential industry organization, shedding light on its operations and processes.
Dr. Chen Wanshi is primarily responsible for the physical layer air interface (OTA) standardization within 3GPP. With 17 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, he has worked for several leading companies. Since joining Qualcomm’s R&D team in 2006, he has contributed to various technical deployments and standardization efforts. In August of this year, Dr. Chen was elected as the new chairman of RAN1 after defeating another candidate in the election.
**Defining a Complete End-to-End System Specification**
Many outside the communications industry may not be familiar with 3GPP. Even within the industry, few understand its structure and role. 3GPP stands for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project, established in December 1998. It is formed by the collaboration of seven global standards development organizations (SSOs), with over 550 member companies from more than 40 countries. These include network operators, device manufacturers, chipmakers, infrastructure providers, academia, research institutions, and government agencies.
China became associated with 3GPP in June 1999 when the China Wireless Communication Standards Research Group (CWTS) officially joined in South Korea. Today, China’s three major operators and leading communication equipment vendors are members of 3GPP.
As the 5G era approaches, more industries and entities are participating in the 3GPP ecosystem, expanding its influence far beyond traditional mobile networks.
The 3GPP specifications are developed through joint efforts by member companies, working groups, and technical specification groups.
With the evolution of 3GPP, its scope has expanded from third-generation mobile communication systems to cover cellular network technologies, including wireless access, core networks, and service capabilities such as codecs, security, and quality of service. It aims to provide comprehensive system specifications.
It is reported that 3GPP currently has over 1,200 active technical specifications and hundreds of thousands of technical proposals. The organization plays a key role in ensuring industry demand, seamless interoperability between vendors, and providing the global scale necessary for mobile technology.
**Work is a Collaborative System-Level Project**
Understanding what 3GPP is about requires looking at its working components. The main areas of focus are Radio Access Network (RAN), Service and Architecture (SA), and Core Network (CT). Within 3GPP, there are 16 dedicated working groups (WGs) that interface with different projects.
It should be noted that the chairmen and vice-chairmen of these groups are elected from member companies and must remain neutral, representing 3GPP’s interests. Technical specification groups are elected every two years and serve up to two terms. Their responsibilities include managing group progress, scheduling meetings, and ensuring compliance with 3GPP workflows.
3GPP’s work is a decentralized, collaborative system-level project. Decisions are made through multiple working groups, with only minimal end-to-end oversight. This approach is similar to how complex projects like jet aircraft are managed—relying on the research, innovation, and cooperation of all members.
The process involves four main steps: early R&D and submission of project proposals, subdivision into specialized areas, feasibility studies, and development based on agreed-upon technologies. External companies submit concept proposals, which go through approval and technical reporting phases before entering product development. Sometimes, modifications are requested, involving five stages: vision to project proposal, feasibility study, development, and commercial deployment.
Unlike many assume, most technical decisions in 3GPP are not made by voting but through consensus and open discussions. Members propose solutions, which are openly debated. Any member can object and present alternative proposals. Ultimately, most technical reports are the result of changes made based on original proposals, reflecting extensive discussion and negotiation.
Proposals vary in type, including concept proposals and modification requests. The quality of a proposal matters more than the quantity, as not all have equal value. Technical decisions are not based on accepting or rejecting individual proposals, but on collaborative refinement of core concepts. Assessing the impact of a single proposal is difficult, as many focus on specific features or parts of a study.
**Technical Specifications Are the Final Result of 3GPP Work**
Currently, 3GPP has over 1,200 active technical specifications, each based on hundreds of submitted proposals. Each proposal has at least one reporter, and the technical specification group is responsible for freezing functionally stable specifications at quarterly meetings. Downstream manufacturers then reuse these specifications for product development.
Specifications are identified by a five-digit number, categorizing them into meaningful technical areas. 3GPP introduces new features through Releases, similar to software versions. For example, 4G LTE evolved through over 8 different releases.
3GPP specifications evolve iteratively, building on previous versions to ensure backward compatibility. An LTE Rel-10 user equipment can operate on an LTE Rel-8 base station, and vice versa. New features are functionally frozen, deployed, and integrated into existing systems.
**Enterprises and Standardization Organizations Complement Each Other**
Today, 3GPP is driving 5G development, with all members actively engaged in next-generation wireless communication. Leading companies like Qualcomm, Huawei, and ZTE are pushing the boundaries of 5G.
Standards are essential for telecom companies. While the 5G air interface is still being finalized, 3GPP is accelerating the development of the new 5G air interface standard. Equipment suppliers will compete around this standard.
Qualcomm has taken the lead, completing the first 5G connection based on the 3GPP 5G NR standard. Its 5G NR is expected to become the global standard. The prototype system demonstrated multi-gigabit data rates and reduced latency compared to 4G LTE. It operates on the 3.3GHz to 5.0GHz intermediate frequency band.
Qualcomm has also developed key 5G technologies, including Gigabit LTE, channel coding, and massive MIMO. It conducted trials and early deployments with network operators. The world’s first 5G NR multimode modem, X50, laid the foundation for 5G commercial use.
In terms of 5G standards and R&D, Qualcomm has invested $4.6 billion. It plans to deploy both non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) modes. The NSA mode is expected to be completed by the end of R15 in 2017, while SA mode will follow by mid-2018.
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