5G is the latest mobile network that will take over 4G. And you might have wondered what it is, how it works, and its availability and application. This article answers everything you need to know about 5G systems.
Table of Contents
- What Is 5G Technology?
- How Does 5G Differ From Previous Mobile Networks?
- Where Is the 5G Network Applied?
- Is 5G Available Now?
- Who Can Access 5G
- 5G Tactical
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Is 5G Technology?
5G technology is a fifth-generation mobile network to take over 4G. Since 2019, cellphone companies have been deploying the network, albeit only the most current cell phone models support the network. Because it’s the successor of 4G, naturally, it’s superior in terms of speed, reliability, network capacity, and user experience.
The way 5G works is internet and telephone network connects via radio waves to a wireless device through the antenna. It uses the following technologies:
- 5G NR
- OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing): The reduction of interference by modulating digital signals in various channels
- Wider bandwidth technologies like mmWave and sub-6 GHz
How Does 5G Differ From Previous Mobile Networks?
Because all previous mobile networks led to 5G, naturally, it’s a more advanced network providing more connectivity. Also, it has the following features:
- More capable interface: Its interface has an extended capacity to ensure an advanced user experience. For example, it can support new-generation user experiences and the performance of new services.
- Unified platform: elevates broadband experiences and supports bandwidth-demanding uses like HD streaming smartphones, smart watches, security cameras on full-time, and health sensors.
- Higher speeds
- More reliability
- Lower Latency
- Supports all spectrums: 5G supports all kinds of spectrums, such as shared, licensed or unlicensed. Also, different bands (low, medium, or high)
Where Is the 5G Network Applied?
A remarkable feature of the 5G network is its forward compatibility. That means it can support services that are yet to be developed. Additionally,
Enhanced Mobile Broadband
In addition to faster speeds, 5G. can enable services requiring much higher data rates than 4G across a wide area. In other words, better versions of both new and already existing experiences. For example, AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality), but with more uniform and faster data rates, lower costs, and lower latency.
Mission-Critical Communications
Some examples of mission-critical communications include medical procedures like remote surgery, remote control of critical infrastructure, and the tactile internet. For such services, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication, which 5G enables, is critical.
Massive IoT
The Internet of Things is a use case where several devices connected seamlessly work in a limited space, often sending data sporadically. Massive Machine Type Communications (MTC), which 5G enables, is essential to scale down data rates, mobility, and power. The result is lean, low-cost connectivity solutions.
Is 5G Available Now?
Yes, 5G is available. It was first launched in 2019, And since then, the network has seen deployment in more than 60 countries.
Also, cellphone companies are commercializing 5G, introducing new devices compatible with the network. Thus, more people will be able to access the network. There’s been a high rollout of the network as users are excited about the faster speeds, reliability, and low latency the network offers.
Who Can Access 5G
While 5G is available now,.there are some possible concerns about it, including the fact that only a limited number of people can access it since it’s only in a few locations.
In the US, it’s primarily targeted at densely populated areas, and AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are the leading providers of the network. And elsewhere around the world, other providers have availed the network.
(Caption: Image of 5G provider in the US)
That said, you must have a device that’s 5G-compatible, like the Samsung A23, to access the network. Fortunately, all the phones coming out are compatible. Also, a few of the ones in the market are.
(Caption: Image of a 5G-compatible cell phone)
5G Tactical
A primary feature of a next-generation network, such as 5G, is the ability to revolutionize tactical communications. For example, in military operations, that means supporting the military’s objectives to plan, keep track, and carry out combat operations by allowing the following:
- Faster base-station to user connections
- Higher capacity
- The use of more devices
- Enhanced security
- Connectivity in remote regions
These capabilities are critical to the US military in developing initiatives geared toward long-range precision, visibility, and situational awareness.
Additionally, tactical communications can enable real-time analysis of competitors’ landscapes in a business setup to allow organizations to strategize and take timely action.
FAQs
How Do I Check My 5G Reception?
There are two ways. Simply check from our phone settings. To do that, go to Settings, and click on Cellular, Cellular Data Options, Mobile Data, and Mobile Data Options. Or, on your browser, sign into your ISP and see the networks supported.
Does 5G Change my Internet Experience?
Yes, it does. See, you can enjoy lightning-fast speeds of up to 20 Gbps. And because it has more capacity, it can support 100 times more traffic and efficiency.
How Is 5G Better Than 4G?
Besides being super fast, it has way more capacity, a unified platform, lower latency, and is more reliable.
Conclusion
Now you understand better about the 5G network. Granted, there are possible concerns about it, including that it’s not yet widely available. However, all new phones support it, and consumers can look forward to enjoying the network’s superior performance and user experience.
