The automotive industry is entering a new era of intelligent connectivity, powered by 5G-Advanced and 3GPP Release 18 standards. These innovations are enabling ultra-reliable communication, low-latency automotive connectivity interactions, and AI-driven services that redefine the connected driving experience. For automakers and mobility operators, understanding these advancements is essential to stay competitive in the era of smart mobility.
What Is 3GPP Release 18 and Why It Matters for Connected Vehicles?
3GPP Release 18, also known as the first stage of 5G-Advanced, introduces major enhancements to 5G networks. It focuses on network intelligence, performance, and positioning, making it a critical enabler for connected and autonomous vehicles.
Key Features of 3GPP Release 18
- AI/ML Integration: Networks can now use AI/ML to dynamically optimize connectivity for vehicles in real time.
- Improved Network Reliability and Latency: Vital for time-critical applications like advanced driver assistance and V2X communication.
- Advanced Positioning Capabilities: Enabling lane-level accuracy for navigation and autonomous driving.
5G-Advanced: Unlocking Intelligent Vehicle Connectivity
While 5G delivered significant improvements in speed and coverage, 5G-Advanced takes automotive connectivity further. Here’s what it offers:
- Ultra-Low Latency Communication: Supporting real-time automotive connectivity applications such as automated emergency braking and traffic signal optimization.
- Massive IoT Connectivity: Connecting millions of devices for smart transportation systems.
- Network Slicing: Allocating dedicated network resources for critical automotive functions to ensure consistent performance.
These capabilities ensure that connected vehicles can operate reliably even in dense traffic or high-speed scenarios.
AI and Machine Learning in Automotive Connectivity
As highlighted in Ericsson’s whitepaper “5G Advanced: Evolution Towards 6G”, manual network optimization is no longer practical. AI and ML now automate complex processes, including:
- Traffic Load Balancing: Ensuring stable performance even during peak usage.
- Coverage Optimization: Adapting to changing conditions in real time.
- Intent-Based Management: Reducing complexity and operational costs.
For automotive networks, this means uninterrupted high-performance connectivity, even at high speeds or in urban environments.
AI/ML Enhancements for the Radio Access Network (RAN)
Release 18 brings AI-driven RAN optimization for better mobility and energy efficiency:
- Network Energy Saving: AI dynamically powers down resources during low-traffic periods.
- Load Balancing: ML-based algorithms allocate resources efficiently for vehicles on the move.
- Predictive Mobility: Anticipating handovers for vehicles traveling at high speeds, reducing dropped connections.
Physical Layer Improvements for Automotive
The physical layer, critical for radio performance, also benefits from AI/ML enhancements:
- Beam Management Optimization: AI predicts the best beams for moving vehicles, reducing link failures.
- Channel State Information (CSI) Compression: ML minimizes overhead, improving latency-sensitive applications.
- High-Precision Positioning: Essential for autonomous driving and collision avoidance.
From Release 18 to 6G: The Future of Connected Mobility
3GPP Release 18 is a stepping stone toward 6G, introducing AI-native principles that will shape future automotive networks. As automakers move toward autonomous and intelligent mobility, these innovations will define safety, reliability, and efficiency in connected transportation.
Conclusion
5G-Advanced and 3GPP Release 18 are more than just network upgrades—they are the foundation of next-generation connected vehicles. At Horizon Connect, we transform these advanced technologies into practical automotive connectivity solutions, enabling:
- AI-powered telematics
- Edge-driven ultra-low latency communication
- Secure over-the-air (OTA) updates
Our solutions align with 3GPP Release 18 standards, ensuring scalability, security, and future readiness. For OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and mobility operators, this means smarter vehicles, safer systems, and a true competitive edge.
