All About 5G: The Next Big Thing After WiFi

The world's digital connections are about to be transformed with the next generation of wireless connectivity. 5G is the next buzzword in the field of wireless tech-net. The fifth generation of technology is expected to be bigger, faster, and better.  This disruptive technology pushes the connectivity barrier for next-gen technologies such as AI, IoT, AR, and VR.  

The network is poised with the goal of connecting everything and everyone. That is people, buildings, cities, sensors, smartphones, robots, and drones. Will all be engaged in inclusive interactions. It will offer higher data rates, increased system capacity energy and cost reduction. These new capabilities will create opportunities for our societies and business.  

Obviously, 5G is coming to dive us deeper into the new era of data processing and connectivity. However, this debunks the misconceptions — widely spread about being a network of doom. It hasn’t come to harm anyone, nor does its rays cause  provocative health hazards.

What is 5G capable of doing? 

We’ve all been thinking of  what makes 5G better and the key differences it has come to make. So far, with technologies like 4G, we’ve mostly imagined connectivity as human-to-human, or human to the internet. But, with 5G, that will no longer be enough; it’s glaring 5G is bundled with lots more.

The next natural connectivity evolution will not only be machine to humans. But will now migrate into machines to other machines. In fact, the whole story behind 5G is the interconnection of our environment with itself. Hence, terms like Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will no longer be fanciful notions. As these amazings experiences will be unlocked on the back of 5G. So they will not seem far as — innovations to happen in the future. 

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (EMBB), Superfast Broadband   

5G enhanced mobile broadband refers to faster data rates (up to 10 Gbps). With higher throughput, more capacity, and wide coverage areas. In addition, 5G network eMBB will be instrumental in improving various functions, including ultra-HD and 360° video streaming, AR, and VR.    

Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC)   

Ultra-reliable, low-latency communication refers to the increased speed and quality of the network. For mission-critical applications that require uninterrupted, real-time data exchange without compromising the connection reliability. For instance, compared to 4G, the network's uRLLC reduced the latency time from 20ms down to <1ms with 99.999% reliability. This provides a crucial real-time experience for applications such as autonomous driving, robot-enabled remote surgery, and factory automation.    

Massive Machine-Type Communications (MMTC)   

5G also supports massive machine-to-machine-type communications. That enables the connection to a large number of machines and devices. In a wide area that involves the generation, transmission, and processing of data. With zero human intervention. 

The 5G network will benefit from a big boost with a 100-fold increase in the number of connections at once. This key benefit provides a huge potential for industrial IoT applications. Where sensors, devices, and robotics can communicate together for autonomous actions. 

As a result, some of the most promising applications that will benefit from the networks, will begin from manufacturing and factory automation. Where sensors and devices communicate in real-time in a closed private network environment.

Privacy And Security   

Another critical driver that increases companies' interest in 5G is the improved privacy and security. Companies can build private 5G networks for their own applications. For instance — creating a private network in a smart factory. 

Companies can take full advantage of 5G network eMBB, uRLLC, and mMTC. While having more precise network controls of their connected assets and applications. This will help increase the security against external attackers. That targets and exploits the vulnerability of the public network. 

In addition, since 5G mmWave spectrum bands are unable to pass through solid objects, attackers need to enter the facility to access the company's private network.     

Power Efficiency, High Reliability/Availability, And Efficient Energy Use   

Despite the robust performance of 5G networks. It will offer better energy consumption and lower costs compared to previous cellular network generations. Connected 5G devices will intelligently detect how to control their energy usage. During the active or idle state. 

5G is capable of decreasing 90% of the core network consumption by allocating energy usage in an efficient manner.