The Comprehensive 5G Timeline: An Overview of 3GPP Releases 15, 16, and 17
The development of 5G has been guided by a meticulously organized release cycle established by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The accompanying diagram illustrates the progression from initial pre-standard trials to commercial implementations across Release 15 (5G Phase 1), Release 16 (5G Phase 2), and Release 17 (5G Enhancements).
For professionals in telecommunications and enthusiasts of wireless technology, acquiring knowledge about these releases is crucial. Each release introduces novel technical capabilities, options for network architecture, and deployment strategies that impact the manner in which operators design, launch, and optimize their 5G networks.
This article provides a clear and detailed elucidation of the 5G timeline as depicted in the diagram, encompassing NSA/SA architecture options, release milestones, and the anticipated impact on the industry.
Pre-Standard Deployments: The Path to 5G (2017 and Earlier)
Prior to the finalization of Release 15 by 3GPP, the industry initiated pre-standard 5G trials to evaluate massive MIMO, mmWave, beamforming, and initial New Radio (NR) prototypes.
These trials enabled operators to:
Validate spectrum utilization (sub-6 GHz and mmWave)
Comprehend propagation characteristics
Develop early fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions
Prepare for the transition from LTE-Advanced Pro
This phase served as the groundwork upon which Release 15 established the initial global 5G standard.
3GPP Release 15: 5G Phase 1 (2018–2020)
Release 15 represented the first official specification for 5G and included two deployment categories:
- Non-Standalone (NSA) – Option 3
This was the earliest model for commercial 5G deployment.
LTE serves as the anchor for control signaling
NR (New Radio) facilitates high-speed data transmission over 5G
The core network remains based on LTE EPC
Rationale for the Adoption of NSA
Accelerated deployment
Reduced costs and minimal alterations to the core network
Utilization of existing LTE infrastructure
In the timeline, Option 3 is depicted as a significant rapid deployment during the initial rollouts of Release 15.
- Standalone (SA) – Option 2
Standalone 5G introduced a native 5G Core (5GC).
NR manages both control and user planes
Facilitates ultra-low latency
Supports network slicing
Provides enhanced mobility and service creation
The diagram illustrates a typical 18-month interval between the early NSA deployments and the initiation of SA deployments.
- Multi-Option Support (Options 4, 5, and 7)
As represented in the timeline, Release 15 also defined additional migration pathways:
OptionDescriptionOption 4 (NSA)NR control plane with LTE user plane over 5GCOption 5 (SA)LTE radio access but utilizing the 5GCOption 7 (NSA)Dual connectivity: NR and LTE with 5GC
These options facilitated operators in gradually transitioning towards a fully standalone environment without disrupting existing services.
Timeline Progression of Release 15 Deployments
The diagram indicates multiple deployment trajectories for Release 15, reflecting:
Initial NSA launches (2018–2019)
Mid-phase SA deployments (2019–2020)
Subsequent adoption of Options 4/5/7 (2020 onward)
The industry typically observes 18-month cycles between the completion of a release and its commercial deployment, allowing vendors to finalize software, operators to test networks, and regulatory bodies to certify devices.
3GPP Release 16: 5G Phase 2 (2020–2021)
Release 16 is positioned in the timeline as 5G Phase 2, with commercialization commencing following another standard 18-month integration period.
Key Enhancements in Release 16
Improvements in ultra-low latency for industrial automation
Enhancements in URLLC for mission-critical applications
Advancements in Cellular V2X Phase 3
Precise positioning (sub-meter accuracy)
Integrated access and backhaul (IAB)
Power-saving features for high-density deployments
Optimization for private 5G networks
Release 16 is frequently described as the “industrial 5G release” due to its strong emphasis on manufacturing, automation, and enterprise networks.
Deployment Timeline
The diagram clearly depicts the initiation of Release 16 deployments around 2021–2022, following the customary testing and vendor integration delays.
3GPP Release 17: 5G Enhancements (2021–2022+)
The final segment of the diagram highlights Release 17, which represents notable enhancements rather than a significant architectural modification.
Key Features of Release 17
Reduced Capability (RedCap) NR for IoT applications
Expanded mmWave capabilities
Integration of non-terrestrial networks (NTN), including satellites
NR-Light devices for wearables and industrial sensors
Enhanced MIMO technology
Advanced management of slicing
Improved energy efficiency
Release 17 broadens the scope of 5G into more specialized areas, including:
Satellite-based 5G services
Enterprise IoT applications
Low-power devices
High-capacity hotspots
The timeline in the diagram reflects a forward-looking trajectory extending into 2022 and beyond.
Understanding NSA and SA Options in the Timeline
The chart includes a legend defining the architecture options:
NSA (Non-Standalone)
Option 3: LTE anchor + NR data
Option 4 & 7: Dual connectivity utilizing 5GC
SA (Standalone)
Option 2: NR exclusively with 5GC
Option 5: LTE radio employing 5GC
These deployment pathways enable operators to transition at their own pace, taking into account spectrum availability, network modernization budgets, and service objectives.
How the 5G Timeline Aligns with Industry Evolution
The staged development of Releases 15, 16, and 17 is not arbitrary; it corresponds with real-world readiness across various domains:
- Vendor Ecosystems
Snapdragon, Exynos, and MediaTek chipsets must comply with new specifications
RAN vendors are required to provide compatible software versions
Core network vendors must implement new SA functionalities
- Operator Deployment Strategies
Initial Launch → NSA
Expansion → SA
Optimization → Multi-option support
Industry-focused rollout → Release 16
Innovation phase → Release 17
- Device Availability
Each release necessitates updated device modems and RF front-end components.
- Regulatory Certification
New frequency bands and power limits necessitate approvals prior to deployment.
Overall Evolution Through the Releases
ReleasePhaseKey Focus AreasDeployment WindowRelease 15Phase 1NSA, initial SA, basic 5G NR2018–2020Release 16Phase 2URLLC, industrial 5G, precise positioning2021–2022Release 17EnhancementsIoT (RedCap), NTN, extended mmWave2022–2023+
This progression reflects both technical advancement and commercial readiness.
Conclusion
The timeline illustrated in the accompanying image clearly delineates the structured and systematic development of 5G technologies across 3GPP Releases 15, 16, and 17. Each release builds on its predecessor, beginning with foundational NSA deployments and evolving into ultra-reliable, high-precision, industry-grade capabilities.
Grasping this timeline is vital for telecommunications professionals, engineers, and network planners. It elucidates the timing of the introduction of various 5G features, the maturation of the ecosystem, and the innovations prioritized at each phase.
As the industry progresses towards Releases 18 and beyond (5G-Advanced), this timeline serves as the essential groundwork upon which the next era of wireless innovation will be constructed.
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