Before I explain all things 5G, it’s probably a good idea to explain what 5G is. The next generation of mobile broadband will replace or augment the 4G LTE connection. With 5G, we will have exponentially faster upload and download speeds. The time it takes for devices to transmit with wireless networks, also known as latency, will drop dramatically.
How does 5G work? Unlike 4G LTE, 5G operates on three distinct spectrum bands. While this may not seem like a big deal, it will dramatically affect our daily use. In the case of LTE, the bandwidth is almost exhausted.
High-band spectrum offers the most performance for 5G but with major weaknesses (known as mmWave). High-band spectrum can offer maximum speeds of up to 10 Gbps, and its latency is extremely low. Your weak point? Which has a low coverage area. That means to create an effective high-band network, a ton of cells will be needed.
A world in constant evolution
The world’s connectivity needs are changing. Global mobile data traffic is expected to increase 5-fold before 2024. Current 4G networks won’t keep up, particularly in dense urban areas. This is where 5G comes in, whose massive deployment still keeps getting an upgrade. It will allow us to be more connected, efficient, and sustainable.
The speed of 5G
5G aims to give us data speeds that are 10 to 100 times faster than current 4G networks. Users can expect download speeds on the order of gigabits per second (Gb/s), much higher than 4G speeds at megabits per second (Mb/s).
The use of shorter frequencies (millimeter waves between 30GHz and 300GHz) for 5G networks is the reason for its higher speed. It is clear that this will allow new applications that are not possible today.
An industry that moves a lot of money
It is an open secret that mobile technology is a sector that moves millions of dollars a year and represents one of the industries with the highest economic growth in the world.
With 5G implemented, it is expected to generate more than 100 billion profits per year, apart from generating a large amount of work throughout the planet. It is an industry that will mark the future of our society.
What benefits will this great speed bring?
Apart from being able to download a movie to our mobile in a matter of seconds, this type of data speed could allow virtual reality applications or autonomous cars.
And other emerging technologies that interact with the user environment, such as augmented reality or autonomous cars, will also require extremely low latency.
Hence the key is to get latencies below the 1-millisecond mark. 5G deployment requires new technology and infrastructure to achieve these speeds.
In which cities is 5G available?
5G networks have been launched worldwide, with providers offering connectivity technology in the US, UK, Australia, and other countries around the world.
While deployment schedules slowed down due to coronavirus outbreaks, networks are still expanding, and carriers are continuing with plans to expand current setups and launch nodes in new areas and cities.
Just remember that just because you have a 5G phone and a 5G plan doesn’t mean you immediately get next-generation connectivity technology. Coverage is still limited.
Is the 5G connection secure?
Of course, it is secure. In contrast, anti-5G activists have raised some concerns about this new technology, particularly regarding radiation. Research shows there is no scientific evidence that it poses any risk.
In fact, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), a body that assesses the health risks of radio transmissions, has declared that 5G is entirely safe as long as one follows the guidelines.
Conclusion
Bearing in mind that 5G will allow users more speed and functionalities, the threats that can endanger their privacy will also increase proportionally. The number of autonomous vehicles will likely increase at the same rate as 5G expands massively, and it is that in the future.
