The mystified chatter around 5G technology has left many people in the dark about this new frontier of data. However, 5G doesn’t need to remain a mind-boggling behemoth looming over your future digital life, so let’s break down what it is, what it does, and how it will impact your life.
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks. 5G will be faster and more responsive than current wireless networks that rely on 4G. More bandwidth, faster speeds, and advanced antenna technology. Every new generation of cellular networks seeks to improve peak data speeds, provide more coverage, and reduce latency.
4G was rolled out in the 2010s, introducing the world to widely available mobile broadband and allowing for the proliferation of advanced mobile devices we know today. 4G networks cap out at 2 Gbps, while 5G networks promise maximum speeds of 20 Gbps, making 5G networks dramatically faster than 4G.
Not only does 5G offer larger channels and capacity, but it also reduces latency. Latency is essentially a delay between receiving a request to download data and when data is downloaded. For example, 4G networks had a latency of around 200 milliseconds, while 5G has a latency of approximately 1 millisecond, allowing data to travel between two points almost instantly.
Increased speed and minimal latency aren’t the only features of 5G. 5G networks also seek to expand connectivity, allowing more deivces to be powered by 5G than 4G. For example, 4G networks could support around 2,000 devices in about a third of a square mile, while 5G networks may be able to support up to 1 million devices in that same area.
How does 5G work?
Let’s try and unpack how 5G works and why it is different from previous generations. 5G networks utilize small cell sites, while 4G needs large, high-power cell towers to send signals over long distances. 5G wireless signals utilize small cell stations. These smaller cell stations are placed on building roofs and light poles. The smaller, closer cell station groups are required because they use the millimeter-wave (MM wave) spectrum for its high speed. The signal is easily interrupted by physical obstacles such as trees and buildings. MM waves can also be affected by inclement weather. The limitations of MM wave transmission, particularly the signal interruption by physical barriers, make creating a nationwide 5G network challenging. One approach to resolving the issue is a hybrid system that uses MM waves in highly populated areas and uses medium to low-band frequencies in less densely populated areas since lower band frequencies travel over longer distances and objects. This approach will give better 5G coverage with the faster, more responsive 5G only available in high population, high traffic areas.
How do I get 5G?
Companies started implementing 5G networks in 2019, but implementing an entirely updated cellular network takes time. In 2022, many major phone networks sell 5G phones, and over 296 U.S. cities have 5G availability. To use 5G, you need to have a newer phone that supports a 5G network connection. Check with your mobile provider to see what options you have.
5G allows much higher data rates so that customers can download content more quickly. 5G also has lower latency, meaning less lag time or delay when accessing the network. And last but not least, 5G provides greater capacity as the 5G network expands. Is your business or organization ready to embrace this new technology and expand to new heights?
