Promising reduced congestion, lower latency, exponentially faster download speeds, and data-sharing in real-time, 5G network technology is slowly but surely making its way across the globe.
But how exactly is it different from 4G, and what makes it better? Read on to know.
How Does 5G Work?
The much anticipated fifth-generation mobile telecoms technology utilizes higher radio frequencies (28 GHz compared to 700 MHz – 2500 MHz for 4G) to transfer more data over the air at exponentially faster speeds.
Reduced Network Congestion
5G’s millimeter wave spectrum enables more devices to be used within the same geographic area – around million per square kilometer, a significantly higher number compared to 4G’s 4000. This means more people can stream Netflix and make voice calls without interruption over the limited air space.
Reduced Latency and Quicker Data Sharing
Latency for 4G is around 20-30 milliseconds. Latency for 5G, however, will be well below 10 milliseconds, and in best cases around 1-millisecond, according to sources.
While cutting latency to one or two milliseconds may not be as important for consumers, it will be game-changing for critical operations in factories, mines, or even for remote surgery. It will facilitate the development of haptic applications – where tactile sensation or experience can be shared in real-time.
Without a doubt, 5G’s biggest advantage over 4G is its ability to connect humans and machines on an unprecedented scale. Later iterations of 5G networking will create truly connected, smart cities and revolutionize infrastructure management.
A real-time, fast, and reliable network will enable data-driven industries to go wireless for more flexible and autonomous operations, increasing productivity, and cutting costs. Because it will be possible to have many more devices working, reliably, securely, and uninterrupted in the same area, the use cases of 5G include self-driving vehicles and remotely-controlled heavy machinery.
It is predicted that 1.5 billion users will have access to a 5G network by 2024, but whether or not the technology will live up to the hype is something we’ll have to wait to see.
