5G IS COMING )))
5G is short for ‘fifth generation mobile networks’. It is the 5th generation of mobile internet connectivity which promises much faster data downloaded and upload speeds, wider coverage and more stable connections.
First generation networks were introduced back in the 1980’s. In the 90’s 2G phones were launched, introducing features like text messages and picture messages. In the early 2000’s 3G was introduced which included video calling and mobile data. Years later, in 2012, 4G was launched in the UK. 4G allowed for quicker internet speeds which enabled users to stream videos and also game.
5 Great Reasons to look forward to 5G
1. Speed
In current development, 5G is reaching speeds that are extremely faster than 4G, with some even saying as much as 100 times faster. To put this into context, top-end 4G networks can deliver download speeds of 300Mbit/s whereas 5G promises to offer speeds in excess of 1Gb/s (1000Mbit/s), with many estimates placing it closer to 10Gb/s (10000Mbit/s). Downloading a full HD movie would’ve taken around 10 minutes with 4G but is expected to only take around 10 seconds on a 5G network.
2. Lower Latency
5G will have much lower latency, meaning that there will be very little delay or lag when you do things on your phone or other device. 5G should have far superior latency which will allow things such as movie’s to load almost instantly. It is predicted that 5G will have a latency of 1ms, 50 times better than 4G. Latency is extremely important for those who use their mobile devices for gaming, and not only this but with the rise of autonomous cars. The less delay, the safer it is, meaning it could be the difference between life and death.
3. Greater Capacity
5G will also have a greater capacity meaning the networks will be able to cope with high-demand applications all at once. This is one of the major differences between 4G and 5G as 5G will be using a higher frequency band, operating at millimetre wave (mmWave) bands on the radio spectrum. This will allow 5G to hopefully achieve 1000 times the capacity of 4G, meaning it will overcome 4G traffic congestion issues. 5G uses shorter wavelengths than 4G, meaning it can support approximately 1,000 more devices per meter than 4G, this will hopefully avoid traffic and meet surging data demands.
22 | MANE PRODUCT & TECHNOLOGY | FEBRUARY 2019
WHAT IS 5G?