What is 5G technology, and why is it such a rising trend?

“5G technology” must be one of the most popular technology terms you heard about in 2021. But what does 5G technology really mean, and why is it so attractive? Let’s find out everything about this hot trend with TECHVIFY.

What is 5G technology?

The “G” stands for the generation of wireless technology. In general, 5G means the 5^th generation of mobile networks. It enables the delivery of higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more reliability, and massive network capacity. Therefore, 5G is one of the fastest, most robust technologies the world has ever seen.

It is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together, including machines, objects, and devices. According to recent reports, this technology will enable a connection speed of 10 times faster than current LTE networks. That means quicker downloads, much lower lag, and a significant impact on how we live, work and play. This increase in speed will also allow IoT devices to communicate and share data faster than ever. The connectivity benefits of 5G will lead to higher performance, faster access to information, and better user experiences.

How is 5G different from other wireless technology?

5G works a bit differently compared to four previous generations of mobile networks. Those that came before used macro cell towers, which required vast power outlays to transmit over long distances. Meanwhile, 5G uses a combination of frequencies from multiple bands to maximize throughput.

5G uses a type of network encoding called OFDM, which is similar to the encoding that 4G LTE uses. The air interface is designed for much lower latency and greater flexibility than LTE, though.

In addition to traditional macro cell towers, 5G technology will also use a large number of much smaller microcells to create a blanket of ultrahigh-speed network coverage. Small cells are transmitters, roughly the size of a laptop computer, which are strategically placed in locations where usage demands are highest—such as downtown areas, shopping centers, sports venues, and college campuses. But even with existing macrocells, 5G will be able to boost capacity four times over current systems by leveraging wider bandwidths and advanced antenna technologies.

What applications does 5G offer?

5G technology offers various interesting applications that make our life much easier. It contains a high-level view of industry trends, key drivers for the new technology, challenges from the network and connectivity, and technology requirements.

In the IoT era, 4G technology cannot manage home internet due to a lack of capacity on 4G cell sites. For the 346GB of monthly usage most homes are now expecting during the pandemic era, 5G home internet shows a major capacity advantage over 4G. If implemented correctly, 5G technology could help to increase home internet competition.

The biggest change 5G technology may offer is in virtual and augmented reality. The low latency of 5G will make AR and VR applications both immersive and far more interactive. As phones transform into devices meant to be used with VR headsets, the consistent speeds of 5G will give you an internet-augmented world. The small cell aspects of 5G may also help with in-building coverage, as it encourages every home router to become a cell site.

How will 5G impact businesses?

With high data speeds and superior network reliability, 5G technology will have a tremendous impact on businesses. The benefits of 5G will enhance the efficiency of businesses while also providing users with faster access to more information. Depending on the industry, some businesses can make full use of 5G capabilities, especially those requiring the high speed, low latency, and network capacity that 5G offers.

5G technology will improve connection speed, website traffic, and reliability, all of which are helpful with the widespread integration of new technologies to come. Therefore, enterprise adoption of 5G technology is crucial for businesses that plan on implementing or incorporating consumer services and solutions that involve emerging technologies like AR and VR tech.

Smart factories could use 5G technology to help them increase operational productivity and precision. As stated by the 5G ACIA, “Industry 4.0 integrates the IoT and related services in industrial manufacturing and delivers seamless vertical and horizontal integration down the entire value chain and across all layers of the automation pyramid. Connectivity is a key component of Industry 4.0 and will support the ongoing developments by providing powerful and pervasive connectivity between machines, people, and objects.” With 5G technology, industrial automation applications can cut the cord and go fully wireless, enabling more efficient smart factories.

With all the benefits it’s offering, 5G technology will definitely be a growing trend in 2021 for tech lovers. By having proper knowledge about this trend, you can take advantage of it and level up your business in the future.