Wireless Technology: 5G and Beyond
How is Idaho National Laboratory Involved in 5G and Beyond?
For more than 20 years, INL has conducted research, testing and training on wireless technology and systems, including wireless radios, cellphones and satellite technology. We own, operate and manage a best-in-class external Wireless Test Bed that includes 2G, 3G, 4G and expanding 5G technology, including fixed and mobile towers, relay stations, network and switch gear.
Building on this foundation, INL is actively contributing to the evolution of the next generation of cellular networks through its participation in the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation a global public-private initiative advancing open, AI-native radio access network (RAN) technologies and accelerating the development of early 6G capabilities.
How Has INL Advanced 5G Technologies?
Idaho National Laboratory operates one of the nation’s premier wireless test beds, supporting 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G technologies for government, industry and academia. Located on 890 square miles of isolated federal land in southeastern Idaho, INL’s Wireless Test Bed provides a uniquely controlled environment — naturally shielded from outside radio frequency interference — where engineers can test and advance technologies ranging from cellular and satellite systems to high-frequency and microwave communications. This foundation positions INL to play a key role in advancing FutureG and next-generation wireless capabilities. INL has used its unique capabilities to develop several award-winning and patented technologies that work to improve wireless security and increase efficient use of spectrum.
One of these technologies is called WSComm. As people go about their routines with a cellphone in hand, they are connect to the world around them and gain access to information related to just about any subject. People rarely think about all the signals pinging all over the nation whenever they push a button on their cellphone, or all the research, inventions and technological brilliance that went into the creation of the device they use every day — unless their device has issues connecting the information they need.
That’s where WSComm technology comes in. It addresses a common problem known as spectrum crunch, where too much data congests the available space to transmit and doesn’t make it to its destination. WSComm solves the problem by hopping different frequencies and efficiently finding space within the wireless spectrum for data to continue streaming through. This ensures that whether you’re searching up directions to your favorite cafe, paying bills or are a first-responder trying to call for medical evacuations, your information will get to and from wherever it’s needed.
What is 5G and Beyond?
Fifth generation, or 5G, is an evolution of cellular technology that significantly enhanced wireless networks, improving speed, capacity and reliability for mobile communications and connected devices. It builds on earlier generations while enabling new capabilities across phones, computers and the infrastructure that supports them.
All wireless devices—from cellphones to drones and sensors—use antennas and computer chips to transmit and receive information. While these devices operate on similar principles, they differ in the type of data they share, how far they can communicate and how quickly they can transmit information.
5G has expanded these capabilities, and the next generation of wireless technologies—often referred to as FutureG, NextG or 6G—will extend them even further, enabling more intelligent, adaptive and interconnected systems. INL is part of a global effort to advance 5G and help shape the future of next-generation wireless technologies.