  The 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) radio access network (RAN)
plenary recently approved a work package for its Release 18, representing a
major evolution and branded as the first release of 5G Advanced. The work
package includes diverse study or work items that will significantly boost 5G
performance and address a wide variety of new use cases. In particular, 3GPP
Release 18 will embrace artificial intelligence and machine learning
technologies to provide data-driven, intelligent network solutions. This
article provides an overview of the 5G Advanced evolution in 3GPP Release 18,
which is anticipated to trigger a paradigm shift and have a profound impact on
future wireless networks.
