pic: Thimo Pedersen @thimo
Each technological innovation brings in not only advantages, but also misgivings. Why should we change something that it’s working properly? Sometimes even the most strange conspiracy theories arise.
Such is the case of the fifth generation technology, commonly known as 5G.
Nothing can stop progress. The need for developing cutting-edge technologies that will improve our communications and lives is vital. So far, technology has made our lives far easier and much better.
In a world that has to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and where the Internet is allowing many companies to stay alive, 5G is a necessity for the development of any country.
Advantages of 5G
Since the arrival of cellular technology, each technological improvement has taken the advancements of the previous generation and empowered them. This also applies for 5G networks, which keeps the advantages of 4G technology but will also develop:
More speed
While 4G networks can reach a maximum of 1Gbps, 5G exceeds 10Gbps. Therefore this new technology will multiply the current speed by 10, speeding up browsing and reducing downloading times.
More bandwidth
High-speed 5G networks increase bandwidth, allowing more data volume and greater network capacity in terms of coverage, consistent connectivity and performance.
Lower latency
Latency (the time it takes for a request to travel from the sender to the receiver and for the receiver to process that request) is reduced from 20 milliseconds in 4G networks to 1 or 2 milliseconds. This opens up the field for applications that require low response times such as autonomous driving, egaming, etc…
More devices on the network
The 5G antennas are based on mMIMO (massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology in order to provide better throughput and better spectrum efficiency. While a 4G network can link 100,000 devices per square kilometer, mMIMO exceeds one million devices connected at the same time.
Creation of private networks
5G technology allows the creation of private networks segmentation and defines services to guarantee priority access. Therefore, private networks can be established for multimedia services, low latency for autonomous driving or guarantee emergency services in critical situations.
Promotion of other technologies
Technologies such as the Internet of things, cloud computing and artificial intelligence instantly benefit from the speed and low latency of 5G, freeing up space in Cloud storage and streamlining real-time data processing.
It will facilitate new business
The arrival of 5G will generate new business opportunities previously unknown in the area of services, data control, building automation, smart agriculture and logistics, among many others.
The detractors of this technological advance have argued strange theories such as that 5G weakens the immune system, produces a greater risk of cancer and even that it is responsible for the spread of COVID-19. These statements have been denied by experts and research agencies.
According to the most conservatives estimates by 2024 40% of the world’s population will be interconnected by a 5G network. So it might be a good idea to start learning about 5G now.
