What is 5G technology?
5G technology has a theoretical peak speed of 20 Gbps, while the peak speed of 4G is only 1 Gbps. 5G also promises lower latency, which can improve the performance of business applications as well as other digital experiences (such as online gaming, videoconferencing, and self-driving cars).
While earlier generations of cellular technology (such as 4G LTE) focused on ensuring connectivity, 5G takes connectivity to the next level by delivering connected experiences from the cloud to clients. 5G networks are virtualized and software-driven, and they exploit cloud technologies.
The 5G network simplifies mobility, with seamless open roaming capabilities between cellular and Wi-Fi access. Mobile users can stay connected as they move between outdoor wireless connections and wireless networks inside buildings without user intervention or the need for users to reauthenticate.
5G technology can improve connectivity in underserved rural areas and in cities where demand can outstrip capacity based on 4G technology. New 5G networks will also have a dense, distributed-access architecture and move data processing closer to the edge and the users to enable faster data processing.
How does 5G technology work?
5G technology introduces advances throughout network architecture. 5G New Radio, the global standard for a more capable 5G wireless air interface, covers spectrums not used in 4G. Antennas incorporate technology known as massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output), which enables multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time. But 5G technology is not limited to the new radio spectrum. It is designed to support a converged, heterogeneous network combining licensed and unlicensed wireless technologies. This adds bandwidth available for users.
5G architectures are software-defined platforms, in which networking functionality is managed through software rather than hardware. Advancements in virtualization, cloud-based technologies, and IT and business process automation enable 5G architecture to be agile and flexible and to provide anytime, anywhere user access. 5G networks can create software-defined subnetwork constructs known as network slices. These slices enable network administrators to dictate network functionality based on users and devices.
5G also enhances digital experiences through machine-learning (ML)-enabled automation. Demand for response times within fractions of a second (such as those for self-driving cars) require 5G networks to enlist automation with ML, as well as deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Automated provisioning and proactive management of traffic and services will reduce infrastructure cost and enhance the connected experience.
When did 5G become available and how did it expand?
High-speed, low-latency 5G standalone (5G SA) technology was commonly available in 2022.
Early-generation 5G services were called 5G non-standalone (5G NSA), a technology where a 5G radio builds on existing 4G LTE network infrastructure. 5G NSA is faster than 4G LTE but slower than 5G SA.
What was the real-world impact of 5G technology?
5G technology ushered in a new era of improved network performance and speed, plus new connected experiences for users.
In healthcare, 5G technology and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity enabled patients to be monitored via connected devices that constantly delivered data on key health indicators, such as heart rate and blood pressure. In the auto industry, 5G combined with ML-driven algorithms provided information on traffic, accidents, and more. These are just two industry applications of 5G technology that enabled better, safer experiences for users.