The 5G network stands for the fifth generation of cellular technology. It is considered a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. It is a unique network that enables you to stay connected virtually with everyone and everything, such as devices, machines, or objects. 5G is theoretically said to have a speed of 20 Gbps. The peak speed of 4G, as mentioned by search mobile computing, is only up to 100 Mbps.
5G technology promises ultra-low latency that can be vital for improving the overall performance of the business applications and other digital experiences, for example, video conferencing, online gaming, self-driving cars, etc. It provides more reliability and large network capacity, increased availability, and an excellent user experience.
Difference Between Previous Mobile Network and 5G Technology
There are huge differences between previous mobile networks and the new 5G. The primary differences are being explained below.
- The first generation mobile network, i.e., 1G technology only used to deliver the analog voice. It was introduced in 1980.
- The second-generation mobile network, i.e., 2G technology, was introduced in 1990. It was based on the Global System of Mobile (GSM), an international standard set for mobile phones globally. The 2G network uses digital technology, which allows multiple users to use both data and voice simultaneously with the mobile.
- The third-generation mobile network, i.e., 3G technology, uses Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). It also uses a wideband wireless network for increasing clarity. It came into use in 2000. Increased bandwidth helps 3G technology deliver data at significantly faster rates.
- The fourth-generation mobile network, i.e., 4G technology, uses LTE (Long Term Evolution). It was laid down by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2008. The 4G technology generally uses a speed of 100 Mbps as set by ITU.
- Hypothetically 5G, the fifth generation technology, is projected to provide 100GB per second speed. But the actual rate may be lower than the speed projected. 5G displays a significant edge in latency over 4G technology. It is a capable and more unified interface designed for next-generation user experience.
Uses of 5G Technology
5G mobile network technology is being used mainly in three types of connected services, as mentioned by Qualcomm. The enhanced mobile broadband, mission-critical communication, and a massive loT. The 5G technology is said to have been designed for forwarding compatibility.
- Enhanced Mobile Broadband– Along with making your smartphones perform better, 5G can give users a new immersive experience such as VR and AR with lower latency and more uniform data rates.
- Mission Critical Communication– 5G would enable various new services that would be very useful in transforming the industries with ultra-reliable and low latency links such as remote control of critical infrastructure, medical procedures, and many more.
- Massive loT– 5G technology is generally meant to connect a more significant number of embedded sensors virtually to scale down in data transmission, mobility, and power rates.
Real-World Impact of 5G Technology
5G technology will usher in a new era of outstanding performance and increased mobile network speed. It would also provide a unique connected experience for the users.
In the healthcare sector, 5G would be beneficial for monitoring the patient via a connected device that is constantly delivering data on the key indicators of healthcare, such as the rate of heartbeat and patient blood pressure.
5G technology combined with machine language-driven algorithms in the automobile industry would provide various information about traffic, accidents, and many more. The vehicles would also share multiple information and inputs with other cars and entities on the roads. In this way, 5G would lead to a better and safe experience for the users.
How Does 5G Technology Work?
5G technology would lead to various advances in network architecture. Cisco states that the new 5G radio, the global standard for a better 5G wireless network interface, would cover spectrums not used in 4G. New antennas would incorporate a technology referred to as massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). MIMO enables multiple transmitters and receivers to be able to transfer more data at the same time.
5G technology is designed to be able to provide support to a converged and heterogeneous network. It would add bandwidth for the users. 5G would be software-defined platforms in which the functionality of the network is being managed with software and not with hardware. A 5G network can create a subnetwork defined with software known as network slices. The slices would enable the network administrators to dictate the network functionality based upon devices and users.
The 5G network is already available in various countries. These early generations of the 5G network technology are known as 5G Non-standalone. The technology is a 5G radio, which is built on the already existing 4G LTE network.
