In 2019, the telecommunication world witnessed the launch and deployment of the fifth-generation network, 5G. It is intended to succeed the generally used 4G network. 5G network uses wireless cell devices connected by radio waves to the internet or telephone using a local antenna in the cell. It has been dubbed the revolutionary network generation that promises more than a faster network. The developers of 5G projected that this network would redefine connectivity and develop a new wireless standard for speed worldwide. It is the bridge to the unimaginable future.
The Evolution of the G’s
The 1G was first invented in 1979 in Japan, and it allowed the use of less reliable voice calls. It was only until 1991 when the 2G network was introduced. It had a bandwidth of 30KHz to 200kHz and added additional features of using SMS and MMS messages.
In the year 2000, 3G was born and had a great impact on the usage of mobile phones with an emphasis on social connectivity. Its main purpose was to engender high-speed data of up to 14Mbps, enabling users to surf the web, make video calls, share files, watch TV online and play online games.
The introduction of 4G came with the era of smartphones and was the first network generation to employ Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology. It allows for a file to be downloaded at a speed of between 10Mpbs and 1Gbps. Additionally, it provides quality voice, social media, and instant messaging services. The 4G has seen an influx of demand that it is struggling to cover, hence 5G.
5G Ultra-Wideband
The 5G Ultra-Wideband is upscale of the network technology, providing data transfer rates at high speed. It has the capacity of delivering speeds faster than the current 4G network. Due to its faster data transfer speeds, the 5G Ultra-Wideband will improve the IoT by connecting more technology. Additionally, it will meet the demands of network bandwidths that 4G could not handle effectively. Businesses will connect at a new level as developers and enterprise customers create a latency-sensitive application through cloud computing services. Based on IMT-2020 requirements, 5G delivers peak data rates of 20Gbps worth of speed that dwarf the current 4G network. The speed will match the new 5G NR mobile network since it has a Gigabit LTE coverage foundation.
The Technology Behind 5G
5G is brought to the world due to several companies operating within the mobile ecosystem. Qualcomm is one of the major players inventing most primary technologies responsible for the make-up of 5G. This network generation is based on several technologies. Orthogonal Frequency-division multiplexing (OFM) Is a technology that reduces interference of digital signals across the existing channels. Coupled with 5G NR, 5G uses the broader bandwidth technologies that include sub-6 GHz and mmWave. Though operating with the same mobile networking principles as 4G, the inclusion of 5 NR air interface technology enhances OFDM, thus delivering flexibility and scalability. It also expands the use of spectrum resources to 100 GHz from sub-3 GHz common in 4G. The technology in 5G is designed to ensure faster delivery of broadband services and expand new service areas in critical communication.
The Future of 5G
The data density and speed associated with 5G will open new opportunities for many business and business models. 4G saw corporations take advantage of its features by developing services such as meal delivery and more. 5G takes the possibilities of 4G tenfold, meaning there will be new business ideas that we have not known yet or even new industries. Due to its wide range of coverage, 5G could give remote populations in the world access to high-speed internet, meaning individuals in the rural areas can get tech jobs through the internet.
Through 5G, small cities will utilize the IoT that will allow them to track the cities’ inner workings like never before. These cities will use artificial intelligence and deep neural networks for mapping and easing congestions and traffic flow. Taxis will operate efficiently within the cities enabling customers to arrive at their destinations in time.
5G enhances the use of co-operating drones for research, fire assessments, and rescue mission for various operations. Autonomous vehicles will enhance communication with each other as they share traffic information and lessen the rate of accidents.
5G enhances mobile games with less delay or latency, giving players full delight. The mobile videos should be glitch-free and instantaneous, and so is the video calls that should be clearer. The efficiency of fitness devices you wear is taken a notch higher as they monitor your health in real-time and sending alerts to doctors in case of an emergency. There are future discoveries that the 5G network will necessitate that we haven’t figured out yet. There are endless opportunities that this revolution is creating for the human race.
Benefits of 5G
The entire supply chain is revamped for the better to enhance business between corporations. Since 5G has a gigabit-speed and quick response rate, 5G Ultra-Wideband is the recipe for improving transportation and delivery of goods from point A to B.
The quicker download speeds will significantly affect the way we live, play, and work. Consumers, too, will have faster access to information than ever before to aid them in decision-making. Streaming and filming the sporting events and concerts will be done from any angle since the 5G network does not need the hardware wiring.
Drawbacks of 5G Network
Obstructions can adversely affect connectivity as its frequency waves travel a short distance. Trees, walls, towers, and buildings can interrupt the 5G network by absorbing or disrupting its frequency.
The initial rollout cost is very high due to the 5G infrastructure, not to mention the maintenance cost needed to ensure high internet connectivity. These costs can be heavy on the consumer to carry.
It could be limited in rural areas by favoring those living in the cities since most people in the rural currently have low internet connectivity. The rollout of 5G will target big cities with a huge population before stretching to rural areas.
Conclusion
The telecommunication network has experienced interesting and exciting development over the years. The invention of 5G after 4G shows how much human possibilities are limitless. The capability to efficiently do business and ease life’s challenges is within reach with each piece of technology. The fifth network generation is the window to the future possibilities that will revolutionize human space.
