It’s the next generation of wireless technology and it’s on the way – 5G. With the initial specs established and several carriers with plans in the works to launch a 5G network later in the year, it is time to become more familiar with 5G and all it has to offer.
Don’t worry though, there aren’t all types of jargon used here. With this information, everyone can learn about 5G network deployment, what it means, and how it works.
What is 5G?
The most basic explanation of 5G is that it is a set of wireless networking standards, essentially requirements or rules a network must meet to be referred to as 5G. The G that is found in 5G stands for “generation,” which means that 5G is the fifth generation of these standards.
Generally, every new generation of standards is defined by the way data is transmitted. For example, 1G is the first and the slowest and 5G is the fastest and latest. There are several other prominent features offered by 5G, which include lower latency, support for more connected devices, and more. According to experts, 5G is set to be “crazy fast.”
What Can 5G be Used For?
The latest 5G standards require the faster transmission of data, broader support for multiple device connections, and reduced latency. For most people, this results in faster download times along with the ability to stream content with no or very little lag. This means users will be able to download 8K movies in just seconds, rather than having to wait minutes or hours.
However, that isn’t all. With 5G networks becoming more widespread, the possibilities and options will increase drastically. Consider the idea of flying cars. Right now, the technology for mass-producing flying autos doesn’t exist, but if it did, the challenge of ensuring safety is almost insurmountable. However, with 5G technology, this problem may be solved because it allows for several devices, like the many sensors and computers that are needed to make a flying vehicle, to communicate bigger quantities of data to other devices with minimal latency, the ability to exchange data in real-time with other flying vehicles, and to eliminate other risks.
How Does 5G Work?
When discussing 5G and how it works, it’s easy to get lost in all the tech-talk. There are several buzzwords floating around, such as “massive MIMO,” “beamforming,” and “full-duplex,” which all make it sound more complex than it actually is.
When it comes to 5G, the most basic thing to understand is that this technology will broadcast data in a unique manner than previous generations. With former generations, the frequencies and bands used currently have some limitations that will only allow the data to travel so far without latency. 5G will eliminate these issues.
As anyone can see, 5G has a lot to issue. While this is true, the real reach of it is yet to be seen. With 5G it is possible to do more and see more than ever before.
