Understanding the 5G Network

[Participant @simileoluwa]

The 5G network (5th Generation Network), is a new generation of broadband services that offer a mobile experience that promises to be over 100 times better than its 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) counterpart. The advent of this superfast technology means a whole new revolution on users’ network experiences, at the highest level, 5G is an opportunity for policy-makers to empower citizens and businesses. It will ensure an almost seamless, wireless connection between machines such as autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT), etc.

The first 5G network experience deployed on a large scale was by South Korea and according to the giant Communications and Technology company, Ericsson, it predicted that 65% of the world population would be covered by the 5G network in 2025. The new technology has witnessed a lot of innovative drives by various leading technology countries of the World due to the massive benefits attached to its usage. Countries such as China, South Korea, the United States are constantly in a seemingly endless battle for the lead in the 5G market which can’t be dissociated with the massive improvements it offers over its 4G counterpart which includes:

• Lower Latency
• Faster Download and Upload speed
• More efficient use of Spectrum and Bandwith.

How does 5G Technology Work?

The concept behind 5G technology is that signals (Radio waves) will be transmitted through large numbers of preestablished cell stations built on places like building rooftops, light shafts/poles, etc. This is different from the 4G network which requires enormous high-powered cell towers. In 5G technology design, the large number of small cell stations is basically because the technology relies on Millimeter waves (MM waves) which lies between 30ghz to 300ghz of the Electromagnetic Spectrum and thus, can be easily interfered with. MM waves are high-frequency waves i.e. they travel at high speeds but can only travel shorter distances and can be subject to interferences from weather, physical obstructions such as tall buildings, trees, etc.

MM wave signals can be effortlessly hindered by obstacles, for example, trees, dividers, and structures. With different approaches still being experimented with in regards to how to get around this issue. A beast power approach includes utilizing various hubs around each square of a populated zone with the goal that a 5G-empowered gadget can utilize an air interface – changing from hub to hub while keeping up MM wave speeds. This means that the 5G network requires the establishment of large numbers of cell stations.

Despite these challenges, there are tons of benefits associated with the 5G network. Network providers are relied upon to burn through billions of dollars on 5G capital costs through 2030, as indicated by Technology Business Research (TBR) Inc., even though it isn’t clear how 5G administrations will produce an arrival on that venture. Companies such as Huawei, Samsung, Ericsson, Apple are part of the worlds leading organizations championing this cause.

As a case study, the United States as one of the worlds most advanced nation, its wireless technology already supports the provision of over five million jobs and contributes roughly $475 billion every year to the American economy, the development of 5G network is expected to help skyrocket the numbers to a new level. About 3 million jobs are to be added alongside $500 billion to US economic growth.

Benefits of 5G Technology

1. Faster downloads and uploads: With networks peaking at 20Gps, videos and files and other heavy multimedia can be downloaded rapidly in split seconds. It is also expected to improve the quality of immersive experiences, such as VR, AR, XR, with faster and more uniform data rates, lower latency, and cost-per-bit.
2. Faster and smoother streaming activity: With a base download speed of 1Gps, this implies that streaming will happen without buffering from platforms such as Netflix, YouTube.
3. Higher quality calls (voice and video calls): Video calls are gaining more attention daily, however, current technologies limit the quality of such calls sometimes. Advanced 5G technology will ensure High-quality calls.
4. Improved on the Internet of Things (IoT): 5G networks will hold together many of the technological innovations that will define the world in the decade to come, including the Internet of Things, outdoor self-controlled robots for agriculture and industry, the smart utility grid, and self-driving vehicles and drones. Imagine having hundreds of drones being flown simultaneously and communicating with each other in real-time.

Disadvantages of 5G Technology

1. The high cost of Set up: Since 5G technology does not use the regular preestablished high towers, there is a need to set up new infrastructures that would incur new costs and thus a need for more investments by stakeholders.
2. The speed claims: Certain claims of this network are still under scrutiny due to the incompetent technological support in most parts of the world.
3. Device Compatibility: There are only a handful of devices capable of 5G support, therefore, it means that people who want to enjoy 5G networks need to acquire need devices from certain brands.
   Signal Coverage is another issue prominent, 5G signal coverage requires higher frequency to transmit signals and thus will have less penetration through building walls or underground basements.
4. Signal Coverage: This is another issue prominent, 5G signal coverage requires higher frequency to transmit signals and thus will have less penetration through building walls or underground basements.

Commercial Success of 5G Technology

Having examined the various pros and cons of the 5G network, certain things must be put in place before it can be deemed a commercial success. This includes:

1. Infrastructure and Deployment: There must be a massive inflow of investments into the development of cell nodes that ensure transmission. Costs include rentals for high towered buildings for erecting the structures.
2. A balanced view is needed: The investment case for 5G remains unsure and thus industry and policymakers need to consider improving the quality of  4G LTE while battling for the race to 5G. The requirement for 5G isn’t quick. Strategy creators and administrators should just consider sending 5G systems where there is a request or a strong business case for doing as such.

Conclusion

We have looked critically at the possibilities of 5G, it is important to note that this technology is still in its developmental stage and several mysteries and speculations are surrounding it. It may take a while before we start experiencing the full possibilities of this band, however, its benefits are glaring and only a matter of time before the full potential is unleashed for development.

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