3GPP Release 16 will add features to 5G such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications. Finalized in December 2019, Release 16 will take 5G to the next level upon release, which is expected in March 2020. To find out what’s coming, 5GTW spoke with James Kimery of National Instruments. NI and Kimery have been heavily involved with 5G development for several years, providing equipment and expertise for 5G research.

5GTW spoke with Kimery on February 3 to discuss the state of 3GPP Release 16 and Release 17. See the video below for the interview. Kimery noted that NI was involved in 5G research that led the way to the current deployment of mmWave signals and small cells. That research covered topics such as “channel sounding” that produced models of over-the-air channels. 5G research, continues, but has taken on a new look, for it focuses on applications. Expect that to continue for several years, even as early 6G research is underway.