Today’s generation expects exceptional data speeds and dependable services. The 5G wireless technology guarantees to create exactly that and more. With it, people are supposed to be able to download movies in less than a second, game without lag and use VR tech to its full potential.  5G promises to revamp the way we work and live and bring massive improvements to the way we use the internet today. The first time this tech emerged was in 2018. Since it is a somewhat new addition to the market, many people don’t fully understand it.  If you are interested in figuring out what 5G is about, you are in for a treat. We’ve collected all the handy info on 5th generation mobile networks you should know about. Including how they work and what make it so popular. So, let’s get right to it.  Man Learning about 5G technology on his laptop

What Is 5G?

5G is the next in line multi-national mobile network after the 4G. It establishes a completely new class of networks meant to connect anyone in the world. This tech is designed to provide:
  • Ultra-low lag service
  • Enormous capacity
  • Outstanding data speed
  • 100% coverage
  • Excellent performance
  • Better efficiency

How 5G Works?

If you want to get the hang of this technology, it is essential to know how 5G works. Just like any mobile network, the 5G technology system relies on cell sites to split its field into sectors. Then, it uses radio waves to transmit encoded data.  Every cell site needs proper equipment to travel quickly between radio frequencies; in other words, a "backbone." That’s why cell towers all around the world are receiving the latest equipment. This tech uses OFDM (an encoding type) quite like the one we have with 4G. The interface, however, is intended to have less lag and more adaptability.  There are three main methods that make up the 5G wireless tech: 
  • the High-Band Network – this one is responsible for the widespread coverage. However, it’s just 20% quicker than the 4G.
  • The Low-Band Network – this one is behind the super speeds but has trouble moving the signal through tough surfaces.
  • The Mid-Band Network – this one is meant to balance out the speed and provide plenty of coverage.
Due to the effective encoding, the 5G technology will get 30% faster speeds even if it uses the exact same airwaves as the 4G. The key to its speed lies in the channels. The majority of 4G channels have 20MHZ, but 5G can go way above 100MHz. With Verizon, they can reach a staggering 800MHz. That’s why it easily overshadows the older networks. 

What Are the Advantages of 5G Wireless Technology?

Most of the attention comes for the speed. It's the fastest network believed to be ten times quicker than 4G.  In some regions, the speed could be even 100 times faster. Simply put, if it takes you 10 minutes to download a 2-hour movie with 4G, you will need under 10 seconds to do it with 5G. Of course, the speed will depend on the traffic and location.  But, that’s not all you will gain from this 5G network. This technology has outstanding bandwidth, which means multiple devices can connect to the same network. All the older networks had a very low limit. So, in other words, even in crowded spaces, you will still be able to get service.  What’s even better is the performance. With 5G, you don’t have to worry about lag. The time necessary for sending a request to a server is cut down to almost zero. That’s why it’s an excellent option for gaming or communicating with business platforms.  This kind of technology can have innumerable uses. The massive storage will provide plenty of capacity. Take driverless cars, for example. Ever since 5G came out, driverless cars have been the center of attention. They have better interaction, safety, and faster reaction time.  Since these types of vehicles need extremely low latencies, 5G makes them a lot more efficient and practical. The vehicle will process the information much quicker and react swiftly to unpredictable situations.  In fact, with such low latency, 5G allows the car to react in under a millisecond. With better sensors and internet connection, these vehicles feel a lot safer.  This kind of speed can also come in handy with robotics and drone applications, sensors for real-time communication, and industrial uses. It is also practical for the healthcare industry, particularly with monitoring devices.  But, the highest influence 5G will have is in VR. Virtual reality needs better connection, stability, and speed. With this network, working with VR becomes much easier. The low latency provides quick rendering and smooth gameplay. 

Is There a Way I Can Use It?

The network is currently available nationwide, covering over 30 cities in the U.S and 378 cities on a global scale.  To be able to use the network, you would have to get a device with a 5G built-in. There are many new releases that come with this technology, like Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc. Many other companies are looking forward to expanding their number of 5G devices, so you will definitely have plenty of options to choose from. 

Are There Any Disadvantages? 

5G is not without its flaws. In fact, it will take some time before every country has fully upgraded their towers. Some parts of the globe will lack adequate tech support, which will make the high speed tricky to achieve.  Another major problem is the outdated devices. Every older model won’t be competent to run 5G. So, people will have to replace their older phones for completely new ones, even if they work well. That would mean unnecessary spending.  There is also an issue with privacy and security. There are a lot of speculations that 5G will invade the user’s privacy. But, these problems have yet to be addressed. 

What About Safety?

Despite the ongoing conspiracy theories blaming the 5G for COVID-19, the network is safe to use. These radio frequencies have been available for many decades. Low-band was even used back in the 50s. In other words, all the health-compromising statements people have been talking about are completely unfounded.  Some bizarre statements came out blaming the millimetre-wave signals for affecting the human skin. But, no research indicates these wave signals could affect our physical health in any way. All statistical analyses so far point out that 5G doesn’t pose a threat to humans. 

Final Thoughts

5G is not just a quicker connection, but a more stable and better option for technological advancement. It provides multiple opportunities for various industries, like VR, automobile industry, healthcare, and more. While it may look over-the-top, it is something that can completely change the way we work and live.