Is This Hype Around 5G Networks True?: 5 Things to Know

5G has become one of the hottest trends around the internet. Everyone is talking about the benefits and upgrades that 5G networks can give us. But are they true? Does the 5G network have any downside or hidden aspects that we don’t know about yet? Let’s see what this technology can do for us.

5G: The 5th Generation of Network Claimed to be the Best One of All

Networks are connecting people across the world today. And 5G is the latest one that claims to offer more than what was provided previously. Starting from 1G to 5G, mobile networks have evolved to provide superiority of calling and internet access while 5G is about to add more efforts to it.

• In the beginning, the 1G network was launched in Japan that covered the entire country and connected people. However, the voice signals were not encrypted and hence, were easy to interrupt and listen to.
• To overcome the problems, the 2G network was launched that work on the GSM technology concept. 2G allowed calling across the world by encrypting the signals sent and enables lesser cracking and electronic noise during calls. By the end of the 2G era, it was able to provide the speed of 40 kbit/sec to up to 500 kbit/sec.
• And then, the era of the 3G network began. 3G introduced the packet switching concept, where data packets were standardized and shared across the world to enable web accessibility. It does a significant job by introducing voice over IP calls (skype), video streaming, video conferencing, and more.
• But the 4G network won it all. Device manufacturers had to build 4G specific devices that can support the technology embedded, and by reaping this benefit, Apple became the first trillion-dollar company. 

4G works on the concept of LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard and enables fast internet access that supports HD video streaming, online gaming support, and high-quality video conferencing.

In essence, 4G upgraded internet accessibility and paved a way to a new edge world. And now, 5G is here to introduce yet another new form of mobile networks. But before you dive deep into the benefits of 5G, have you considered the surrounding complexities and issues?

5G Networks and Better Accessibility: Will It Fulfill the Set Expectations?

5th generation of mobile networks has a lot in its sack. But the limitation of devices supporting it and not enough awareness among users are becoming some hurdles in its way.

1. 5G Networks Work In Different Ways

Not all 5G networks are the same. There are two ways a 5G network can work, and based on them; they can be divided into two groups: 

• Low and Mid-band
• Millimeter Wave (mmWave)

5G profoundly differs in terms of technological applications from 4G. While 4G uses radio wave frequencies to transfer information, 5G networks of today are introducing weaker millimeter waves that can increase the speed of the internet because of the lower band. 

However, the low and mid-band 5G networks are offering somewhat faster connectivity experience and can cover up more areas that many companies are claiming to offer. But mmWaves have their limitations when it comes to the coverage area.

2. Low and Mid-Band Are Reliable But Slow

Yes. The frequency band used for transferring data across the network determines the speed and reliability of a network. Low and mid-band 5G networks work on the same principle as 4G, but they are highly reliable and make a great difference when it comes to internet access speed and quality.

They cover larger areas, are reliable, easy to switch to as there is no need to find a new transmitter, which makes this network a lot better than 4G. It can be efficiently used to stream 4K videos or download Netflix shows. The download speed in this 5G is exceptionally high when compared to the current 4G speed. 

And it holds the potential to cover a large number of devices and serve all users efficiently. Although it is slower compared to mmWaves, the benefits make it an affordable yet great choice that comes bundled with many benefits.

3. mmWaves- Faster Yet Limited

A very discussed aspect of the 5G network, millimeter waves hold the potential to transform the entire mobile network experience. However, the limitation introduced with this concept contributes to the potential problems users may come across when using 5G.

mmWave asks for more transmitters installed to increase its coverage. The frequencies used in mmWave are significantly lower than low or mid-band 5G, which makes it even faster.

However, the incredible speed of mmWave 5G has its limitations. While using this network, you can get a signal in a single block but might not find it in another as the coverage is narrow.  This can cause problems if you want to use it dynamically: e.g., booking through an uber clone app, finding a route, surfing through the net while traveling, and more. With passing years, this limitation will surely get answered, but till that time, this problem will persist.

However, it can be used at home as the coverage area to be covered is not much significant. Moreover, mmWave can not pass through constructions and suffer from difficulties when they have to penetrate humans or other objects also. This limitation may take some more time than estimated, but if used with the best approaches, the 5G network will bring out a new era that as sufficient internet speed and supports faster operations.

4. Expensive Devices

5G is still under construction. The requirement for newer devices that can support its functionalities well has encouraged smartphone manufacturers to again make profits from 5G enabled devices.

However, the current cost of these devices is significantly high. For example, Samsung Galaxy S10 5G is priced higher because of its 5G support currently. However, as the years will pass, there will be more manufacturers selling the 5G enabled devices which will lower the prices significantly. 

But for now, the access to the 5G network is limited because of the limitation of the network and the prices of the 5G supported handsets. 

5. 5G Can Interfere with Meteorological Satellites

5G can now directly have an impact on the accuracy of weather forecasts. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), 5G network can create disturbance in the signals received through the meteorological satellites and that can influence the weather forecasts.

However, as 5G is still in the developing phase, there are bright chances of encountering solutions for the current issues. As soon as the 5G gets launched and made available for all to use, the bright era of the internet will pick up the pace as the best approaches of 5G will be put to action.

Conclusion

5G handsets are not far from becoming a reality. Because of the budget constraints and certain limitations of 5G networks, the concept is yet not popular and affordable in the market. However, the future surely sings the praises of 5G because of the extended functionalities and features it can offer. 

5G will not only connect humans but now things too, making the concepts of IoT (Internet of Things) a reality. Moreover, it can empower virtual reality because of the faster internet connectivity it offers.

Therefore, 5G is here to bring the best of all technology concepts in the market. Stay updated with the latest trends and technology updates of 5G to get your hands on the best technology of 2020 right away.

Author Bio

Deep is an aspiring entrepreneur and blogger having led 75+ startups on the right path with their information-admiring content. He crafts content on topics including on-demand services like uber clone, finances, technology trends and many more.