5G Mobile Technology

5G Mobile Technology

Hello Readers!!!  in past years, I have written about mobile technology.  In those issues the technologies that were discussed were 1G 2G 3G 4G.  I will elaborate on the 5G technology.  With the advent of 5G technology there are many devices that can be integrated.  Before we get started we need to have a general description on the 5G technology.

5G technology is wireless broadband that represents the fifth generation of mobile cellular networks and promises speeds 10 to 20 times faster than today’s 4G cellular networks.

The primary focus and reason for needing an upgrade network is to support the growing number of devices that demand internet access. Many of them are requiring so much bandwidth in order to function normally that a 4G simply doesn’t cut it anymore.  5G technology will require different kinds of antennas, operate on different radio spectrum frequencies and connect many more devices to the internet, minimizing delays, and delivering ultra-fast speeds.

So, what are the differences between 4G and 5G?  Here is a quick overview.

5G is believed to be faster, smarter, and more efficient than 4G technology.  Low latency is a key differentiator between 4G and 5G.  Latency is the time that passes from the moment information is sent from a device until it can be used by the receiver.  Reduced latency means that users will be able download and upload files quickly and easily without having to worry about the network or phone going down.  Users could also be able to watch a 4K video almost immediately without having to experience any buffering time.

The advent of 5G technology brings a new set of technology terms. The most used new terms are “small cells”,” millimeter waves”, “Multiple-input Multiple –Output(MIMO)” “ beamforming”, and “full duplex”.  These terms will become more commonplace, so here is a brief definition of each.

Small Cells – Small cells are miniature cell phone towers that can be placed in inconspicuous places like light poles, or on the roof of buildings.  They don’t require as much power as full-sized towers, and perform better when clustered.

Millimeter Waves – Millimeter waves are used by small cells to transmit data.  They occupy high frequencies that  are high enough to avoid interference from surrounding signals, but too high to pass through physical barriers.

Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) – MIMO is a wireless system that uses multiple radios to send and receive data simultaneously.  Today’s 4G LTE networks  support a maximum of eight transmitters and four receivers, but 5G cell towers can theoretically support dozens.

Beamforming – Beamforming uses algorithms to choreograph wireless signal movements and increase their strength by focusing them in a beam.

Full-Duplex – Full Duplex helps boost the signal even further.  Most current cell towers and phones can’t transmit and receive data at the same time, but full-duplex phones can route incoming and outgoing signals simultaneously, potentially doubling their bandwidth.

The four main wireless carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint) are currently  in the development phase for 5G technology.  Some are planning to implement their programs as early as 2019.  Your current phone will still be able to use the 4G technology, but if you want to venture into the world of 5G you would need to have to purchase a new phone.