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5G: The Future Of Wireless Networks?

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The Wireless technology revolution started in this world around the 80’s when the First Generation (1G) of mobile networks was released. It allowed the users to communicate to each other through the cellular networks. Then came along the 2G (2nd Generation) which added the functionality of sending SMS (Short Message Service) and introduction of internet access through cellular networks. Then the 3G revolution began in 1998 which drastically improved Internet speeds which allowed for video calls GPS tracking etc. This was followed by 4G which is being widely used by today world. 4G introduced Voice over LTE (VoLTE) which allowed for phone calls through the Internet.

Succeeding the previous generation of 4G mobile network, 5G is offering to have faster speeds of data transfer and also more reliability, but how is 5G actually different from 4G and how technology will change if 5G is introduced.

To start of 5G is going to be approximately 100-250 times faster than regular 4G connection, i.e., it offer around 10 – 12Gbps compared to 4G’s 10-12Mbps. One of the biggest features of 5G network is its ridiculously negligible latency (the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer). The previous generation had a latency of around 200ms (milliseconds), which is in present day considered to be very fast.

5G: Possibilities –
A wireless network having a latency of 1ms can have vast possibilities, we can have real time interaction between two wireless devices. For example, a virtual reality wireless video game or a surgeon controlling a robotic arm from the other side of the earth lag-free or maybe two self driving cars communicating with each other in real time. A 5G network is designed to connect to far more greater devices than a traditional cellular network. This maybe be a very useful feature where Internet of Things is feature.

Latency:

It is the delay in the delivery in the data from the origin of the data to reach its destination node/device.

Because of these capabilities of 5G of transferring huge amounts of data seamlessly without any delay opens up a whole new world of opportunistic. This will enable billions of devices ranging from wearable and smartphones to devices like robots and self driving car to be able to connect and talk to each other through Internet.This will open up a wide range of opportunities for tech companies in the world.


Image Source: assets.pcmag.com

5G: Future –
The race for 5G deployment is led by companies like Qualcomm, Huawei, and Intel. Worldwide commercial launch is expected in 2020. Initial launch and testing has been done by companies like AT&T and Verizon in four U.S cities.

5G’s range is lesser than supported by 4G LTE or 3G networks due to its frequency which makes the waves to travel less distance.Hence more base station (Signal Towers) are needed to be installed for good connectivity, this maybe considered as a disadvantage. Therefore setup of 5G will take time and people cant expect this amazing revolution in the near future.


Last Updated : 30 Sep, 2022
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