Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Open Access Master's Report

Degree Name

Master of Science in Integrated Geospatial Technology (MS)

Administrative Home Department

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advisor 1

Eugene Levin

Committee Member 1

Thomas Oommen

Committee Member 2

Donald Lafreniere

Abstract

The invention of 5G technology is expected to revolutionize wireless communication, technology, and capabilities. One major challenge in realizing this vision is the actual deployment of 5G nodes and the development of 5G network infrastructure. Higher frequency and shorter wavelengths that are characteristic of 5G technology is expected to decrease signal range radii of 5G nodes, which could have serious implications for the implementation of a 5G network. This study assessed cell signal density and cell signal coverage that could be achieved using existing 4G infrastructure in the city of Detroit. Results indicate that existing infrastructure is not capable of supporting a new 5G network and that significant investment in infrastructure development will be necessary to generate comprehensive 5G coverage within the city of Detroit. Ultimately the implementation of 5G will require a telecommunications overhaul and significantly more planning and design than may have been originally anticipated.

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