So much of our lives nowadays happen online, be it via social media, online shopping, or simply browsing for information. Very soon, all that is going to get a lot better thanks to the changes in wireless technology. Many well-known carriers have announced that they will be launching 5G. This generation of mobile networks is on the way to becoming the new global standard.
What does this mean for the consumer? In a nutshell, all your web-connected devices will become lightning-fast, you will be able to enjoy super low latencies when gaming, and there will be an increased availability. The high-performance capabilities are so superior to what 4G provided, it will empower users to enjoy wholly new experiences. It could even be the jumping board for entirely new industries. Let’s take a look at the benefits of 5G networks, and how the technology works.
What is 5G?
5G network technology is a wireless cellular service with the ability to transmit data at incredibly high speeds. 5G stands for 5th generation. That means it is not an entirely new technology built from the ground up but rather a new iteration of what 4G was. 5G network speeds will be multigigabit. Estimates of the highest peak potentials of the technology come in at around 20Gbps.
It will also enable people to enjoy a wireless network latency of an astounding 1ms or lower. That implies you will be able to use real-time graphics-intensive applications over the web with no lag issues whatsoever. It will be a game-changer for cloud-based computing and gaming in particular. Not only are 5G speeds incredible, but the amounts of data that can be transmitted wirelessly will also expand thanks to the new antennas in operation. These 5G network advantages combined will open up the possibility of generating various new applications that will improve VR and AI, enable advanced manufacturing automation, and help self-driving cars become safer.
How does 5G Network Coverage Work?
Wireless network coverage works by using cell sites divided into sectors, which send out data utilizing radio waves. 4G technology provides the necessary foundation for 5G technology. However, 4G requires big and high-powered towers to send signals successfully over long distances. 5G mobile networks work differently – they use many small cell stations that are much higher in density. Such a method is necessary, as 5G technology uses the spectrum band ranging from 30 to 300 GHz. These signals can only travel short distances, and they are susceptible to interference from physical objects, as well as weather conditions. Depending on the carrier, lower frequency bands may also get used in order to avail of the previously established networks. Employing low frequency 5G has the advantage of traveling long distances, yet it compromises the speed capabilities.
When it comes to data security, 5G networks are a cause for concern in some circles. The vast data speed capabilities enable malicious parties to use it for their purposes, so it is vital to think of adequate data protection once you join 5G.
Five Tops Facts about 5G Technology
1. By the year 2024, around 1.5 billion people will have access to 5G.
2. China is the leader in 5G tech when it comes to investing. It holds 49.4% of the worldwide investments made in 2020.
3. According to experts, 5G will not just be a speed boost, but it will also fuel a technological revolution for augmented and virtual reality.
4. Predictions estimate that the investments in 5G will surpass 4G/LTE by 2022.
5. Reports say that 5G networks will account for 35% of all mobile traffic by 2024.
Conclusion
All in all, with 5G, we will all have the ability to enjoy a new era of web connectivity in the coming years. There will be a seamless integration of smart devices, virtual and augmented reality applications, gaming, and a whole lot more. It is truly an exciting time to be alive as we can’t yet fully grasp the potentials that 5G network speeds will open up to developers and manufacturers.
For the end-user, 5G will mean a big step up in terms of life quality as it relates to entertainment, efficiency, and smart device integration.
What about the 5G network features excites you the most? Have you had a chance to try 5G in your area? If so, how was it? We would love to hear your opinions on the topic, so please leave your comments in the section below!