5G is the short form for the 5th generation of mobile network. This global wireless network comes after 2G, 3G and 4G connectivity. It enables a distinct network system designed to connect devices, objects, and machines seamlessly.
The technology offers a high multi GBPS data speed. It has more reliability and low latency. Due to its increased availability and huge network capacity – it offers a superb user experience to the users. Its improved efficiency and high performance have made it a clear choice for several large and small industries.
The air interface has a more unified pattern. It is designed with a high-end capacity to allow the next gen user experience and empower industries with brilliant network support.
Before we proceed to learn more about 5G, let’s take a quick look at who invented it. Actually, when it comes to network connectivity, no single person or a company can claim it. Multiple companies are contributing to shape the life of 5G in their respective mobile ecosystem. One of the many industries playing a major role in founding the technologies of 5G is Qualcomm. The companies operate at the core level of 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) – the supreme organization that defines 4G LTE, 3G UMTS, and the specifications of 5G technologies.
Technologies underlying 5G technology:
5G is mainly based on orthogonal frequency driven multiplexing or OFDM. This is a mode of modulating any digital signal across multiple channels so as to reduce unnecessary interference. 5G uses a 5G NR air interface along with the OFDM principles. Wider bandwidth technologies like mmWave and sub-6 GHz are also used here.
However, bear in mind that no mobile connectivity is solely different from the rest. For instance, 5G OFDM operates in the similar mobile network system as in 4G LTE. So, what’s the difference? The distinction lies in the fact that OFDM can deliver a higher degree of scalability and flexibility than 4G LTE. This is why more people across any place can have a better network coverage with a 5G access.
5G is not only designed to deliver a fast and efficient mobile broadband connectivity as compared to 4G LTE, but it can also open the horizons of new services like connecting a massive IoT and accomplishing mission critical communications. Various self contained TDD sub-frameworks allow 5G NR air interface to accomplish these.
Timeline
Another interesting part of mobile network connectivity is the timeline. Doesn’t it excite you to know how 5G evolved? Surely it has a root back in the times of 1G! Here’s a quick glance at the timeline:
1G – first generation – 1980s – It delivered an analogue voice
2G – second generation – early 1990s – it brought forth a digital voice; for example code division multiple access (CDMA)
3G – third generation – early 2000s – it shaped the life of modern mobile data ecosystem
4G LTE – forth generation – 2010 – it ushered the age of mobile broadband
All the four generations of network connectivity led to the existence of 5G.
How is 5G better than 4G?
Is it all about speed? Surely not. 5G offers more than just data speed. Take a look.
- 5G uses a better spectrum than 4G
- It has a more unified platform that is way more capable than 4G
- It has a lower latency than 4G
- It has a higher capacity than 4G
- It is extremely faster than 4G
The main difference between the duo lies in their intention. While 4G LTE was designed to deliver a fast mobile broadband service than 3G; 5G connectivity focuses on a unified and a capable platform that can enhance user experience. It supports virtually all bands (high, mid, and low), spectrum types (unlicensed, licensed, and shared), deployment models (hotspots to traditional macro cells). It also opens a new way of interconnectivity – device to device or multi hopping mesh.
With its low latency and high speed, 5G can bring a revolution in the realm of the IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and VR (Virtual Reality). Naturally, we may expect a transformation in our way of surfing mobile browsers.
How can it impact the global economy?
Undoubtedly, 5G is heralding a new timeline of a global growth. Let’s quickly check how it is driving the boom in the global economy:
- $13.2 trillion of global economic growth
- $2.1trillion in the growth of GDP
- Creation of 22.3 million new jobs
The recent studies reveal that 5G’s complete economic effect can be realized across the globe in the coming years. The connectivity is potential enough to support over 13.2 trillion dollars worth of services and goods.
With negligible latency, superb reliability and high speed, 5G takes mobile ecosystem to the next level. It has a positive impact across all the business verticals. Thanks to 5G, higher precision in agriculture, remote healthcare, digital logistics, and safer transportation are no more dreams but a reality.…