5G is a fifth-generation mobile network technology that can hit peak speeds high as 20 Gbps with latencies below five milliseconds. This is a vast improvement to 4G technology which could only deliver up to 1 Gbps with a much lesser overall capacity.
But 5G network technology is more than just its result. There are several moving parts involved in the efficiency of 5G, and the infrastructure around 5G technology is improving day by day.
Telecom providers like Vi are looking to improve their services with 5G network services that are set to change the landscape of the wireless communications industry. So, with 5G springing up everywhere today, let’s take a look at how exactly 5G works and the technologies it uses.
1) Millimeter Wave Technology
All mobile networks use radio frequencies to transmit information, but a 5G mobile network in particular uses a higher band of radio frequencies or spectrum which allows it to transfer information faster and better.
This higher band of frequencies are called millimeter waves (mm waves) and were unused till now because the equipment required to access them was expensive and out of reach. But now, with advancing technology, millimeter waves are finally within our grasp, which is what gives 5G its wings to fly.
The very high frequency of millimeter waves means that 5G can handle a high data bandwidth where multiple people can send and receive large amounts of data simultaneously.
2) Multiple Input-Output Antennae
One of the drawbacks of using such high-frequency radio signals is that they cannot travel long distances. Moreover, they get blocked easily by physical objects like buildings, trees, and more.
To combat this drawback, 5G technology looks to install multiple input and output antennae over any given area to continuously boost the incoming high-frequency signal and maintain the capacity across the wireless network.
And this is why telecom providers are focusing on creating an intricate and robust 5G infrastructure where your modems, phones, and other devices are visible to a base station to minimise signal disruption for high-speed data transfers.
5G also comes in three variations which include low, mid and high bands. Low-band 5G can propagate to larger distances while mid and high bands propagate to lesser distances. 5G providers are looking to leverage these variations to provide good connectivity depending on the physical landscape.
3) Small Cell Technology
5G networks will also use smaller transmitters that get placed on different street objects and buildings to support more devices per metre.
5G small cells are mini base stations that can transmit radio signals. These small cells are easy to manufacture and implement both indoors and outdoors, on wall mounts, street lamps, small towers and more. And it is estimated that these small cells will be able to support more than 1000 devices per metre than 4G once the infrastructure is completely set up.
4) Network Slicing
5G technology will also have the ability to ‘slice’ a physical network into multiple virtual networks. This type of slicing ensures that users can work with their slice of network with its capacity for a specific function like running a business or connecting a household.
Operators can use varying slice capacities for different functions and assign higher capacities for highly-intensive industrial or business operations. And since every home, business or industry can rent its network slice, this can reduce internet traffic in their direction resulting in lower network congestion and high speeds.
The Future With 5G
5G is set to change the way we communicate entirely and bring radical shifts to every industry like healthcare, logistics, gaming, entertainment, education, and lots more. 5G also has a vast number of use cases in IoT and can alter the lives of everyday citizens to provide faster speeds and lower latencies with its detailed infrastructure design that is undergoing implementation at a fast pace.
Watch your favourite shows and stay connected with 5G networks. Stay tuned for Vi 5G!
