5G or the fifth generation of mobile networks has acquired widespread popularity in recent times. It ensures faster and more reliable connection speeds than 2G, 3G, and 4G. Known as the ‘network of networks’, 5G tech unites multiple existing standards, technologies, and industries. In the following write-up, we are going to learn a bit more about the fifth generation – something that is predicted to revolutionize the entire world.
| Network Generation | Launch | Theoretical Download Speeds | Actual Download Speeds | Latency |
| First Generation – 1G | 1987 | 2.4Kb/s | 1Kb/s | > 1000ms |
| Second Generation – 2G | 1993 | 1Mb/s | 5Kb/s | < 750ms |
| Third Generation – 3G | 2001 | 21.6Mb/s | 3.1Mb/s | < 100ms |
| Fourth Generation – 4G | 2009 | 1Gb/s | 11.4Mb/s | < 10ms |
| Fifth Generation – 5G | 2018 | 20Gb/s | 400Mb/s | < 1ms |
Who Developed the Fifth-Generation Network?
In the year 2019, South Korea adopted 5G mobile network technology on a large scale. At that point, there were around 224 operators in 88 nations investing in this particular generation. In South Korea, most of the 5G tech carriers utilized Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung. Samsung was the largest as it shipped 53000 base stations.
There are lately nine companies providing 5G wireless service – Samsung, Altiostar, Cisco Systems, Huawei, Datang Telecom, Nokia, Ericsson, ZTE, and Qualcomm.
How 5G Works?
Wireless communications rely on radio frequencies to transfer data. 5G mobile network technology works in the same way but the frequencies are higher and less cluttered, so it can carry much more data at a faster rate. The higher bands of 5G tech are known as waves or millimeter waves. Mmwaves were not used earlier but they later opened up for a license. They were not touched by the public since the equipment using them was expensive and inaccessible.
While the high bands of 5G cellular networks can carry data fast, there can be issues with sending the data over huge distances. The data may get easily blocked by tall buildings and trees. To dodge the challenge, 5G wireless service will make use of several output and input antennae to escalate capacity and signals.
Mobile with 5G will use small transmitters and not single standalone masts. These transmitters are placed on street furniture and buildings. As per the current estimates, 5G cellular communications can support almost 1000 devices.
5th generation communication technology can slice one physical network into several virtual networks. This means the operators can deliver the right network slice, based solely on importance. The users streaming videos on their 5G iPhones would use a separate slice. Also, simpler devices can be differentiated from more demanding and complicated applications like controlling autonomous automobiles. There are plans to enable businesses to rent insulated and isolated network slices.
How Fast is 5G?
5G mobile network technology will achieve a data speed of at least 10 Gps, which is 100 times more than 4G. Mobile with 5G will be 30 times faster than mobiles having advanced 4G – LTE-A. With the most conservative estimates, 5G cellular network can easily outpace 3G and 4g. Now isn’t that great?
According to studies, 3G has an average download speed of 8 Mbps. Its maximum speed is 384Kbps. 4G has an average download speed of 32 Mbps. The maximum speed is 100 Mbps. The average and maximum speeds of 4G+ are 42 Mbps and 100 Mbps respectively. 5G wireless service, on the contrary, has an average download speed of 240 Mbps. The maximum speed will range between 1 and 10 Gbps.
Based on the information above, it would take 40 seconds to download an HD movie on 5G devices. When you use a 4G connection, the same process will take 7 minutes. If you are using 3G instead of investing in 5G development, be prepared to wait for at least a day.
Can 5G Replace 4G?
5G wireless service would not be replacing its previous generations anytime soon. As per research, it will take decades for 4G to disappear entirely. This is specifically true in rural regions, where the cost of implementation is high, and the need for lower latency is not so essential.
How is 5G Going to Change Everything?
5G mobile network technology is set to transform a variety of services, products, and industries. The technology will allow mobiles to perform better but there are plenty of other applications you must be acquainted with.
Wireless access is one huge advantage of 5G devices. The fifth-generation network will provide online connectivity, nullifying the need for landlines. It can also bring significant changes to patients’ health. The 5G mobile standard is also trailed by holographic technologies and artificial intelligence. Other groundbreaking uses of technologies used in 5G include the creation of smart factories that promise security and efficiency while saving costs.
When Will the 5G Rollout?
The initial launch of 5G wireless service depends on the infrastructure of 4G LTE. Rollouts will happen in the busiest locations first. For instance, the UK has seen the fifth generation of wireless communication rolling out in 26 cities between 2019 and 2020. London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh were among the first places to prepare for this technology.
The fifth-generation network is already used in countries such as South Korea and the US but with restricted coverage. In the United Kingdom, the 5G mobile standard is still in its nascent stage. Other places are also waiting for the technology’s rollout. So, it’s safe to say that at the moment, our world is not ready for 5G development, but several steps are being undertaken so that the fifth generation of wireless communication can spread seamlessly in the coming years.
What are the Pros of the Fifth-Generation Network?
Consumer benefits such as great capacity, low response times, and credibility as well as fast connection are pretty evident. But did you know that 5G mobile network technology will also help modern-day businesses? 5G will provide better remote working options for employees, thus saving them time.
To know about 5G mobile, you have to be aware of network slicing.
Network slicing allows organizations to have dedicated networks that suit their specific requirements. The enhanced latency and speed will have a positive impact on operational efficiency as well as productivity. Rural areas will be connected better, paving the way for more business opportunities.
5G wireless service will contribute to industries and products that 4G cannot unfortunately help. Fifth-generation will create around 22 million jobs and manufacture goods of 8.5 trillion pounds by 2035. These figures are backed by Barclays Corporate Banking. They believe 5G cellular communications can bring forth earnings of 15.7 billion pounds every year.
5th generation 5G is going to have the biggest impact on transportation. There surely will be some applications for aerospace. With 5G iPhones, one can improve data sharing between the owners, manage ancillary systems on the aircraft efficiently, increase the safety quotient, and enhance customer satisfaction rates through WIFI service and in-flight entertainment.
What are the Cons of the Fifth-Generation Network?
5th generation communication is surely emerging as a phenomenal communication network but it does have some disadvantages you must know about. Yes, the use of 5G phones is not like taking a walk in the park.
- The obstructions can affect the use of 5G phones. 5G frequency is often interrupted by towers, trees, buildings, and walls.
- Developing the infrastructure of technologies used in 5G is on the pricier side. Whatever amount you spend is further compounded by the maintenance costs.
- While 5th generation 5G works for an urban landscape, people living in rural areas cannot benefit from this connection.
- The batteries need to advance a lot to work for 5G devices. Studies show that cell phones operating on fifth-generation networks get too hot. Keep this in mind when searching for about 5G mobile.
- Lastly, the download speed of 5th generation 5G may be high but the upload speed is a bit slow.
