5G technology represents a significant advancement in mobile communication networks, offering faster speeds and reduced latency compared to previous generations.
Already deployed in various global regions, 5G stands poised to influence diverse sectors worldwide. This discussion focuses on the underlying technology of 5G and its anticipated global effects.
5G technology: What is It and Who Invented It
5G technology has emerged from a global collaboration involving telecommunication companies, academic institutions, and technology standards organizations. No single entity claims the invention of 5G.
Major contributors include Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung, Huawei, and ZTE, each responsible for advancing critical components of 5G networks. The 3GPP and ITU, international bodies, have also played significant roles in setting 5G standards.
Innovations Driving 5G Forward
Companies like TDK are at the forefront of developing essential materials and components that enhance 5G networks, such as ultra-compact DC-DC converters and LTCC AiP devices.
These innovations are vital for improving the speeds and connectivity of 5G networks worldwide. TDK's initiatives like "Beyond 5G" focus on expanding the capabilities of 5G technology and contributing to its future advancements.
What is a 5G Network?
5G network, known as fifth generation cellular wireless technology, surpasses 4G LTE. It supports significantly faster download speeds, can connect more devices simultaneously, and offers remarkably reduced latency.
The standard for 5G was set by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) in 2018. This technology leverages existing infrastructure and expands into new radio frequency bands such as mmWave (millimeter wave).
Performance Enhancements with 5G
5G technology achieves peak download speeds up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps), which is a substantial increase from the 1 Gbps typical of 4G.
Latency, the delay before data transfer begins following an instruction, is minimized to just 1-2 milliseconds with 5G, a decrease from 20-70 milliseconds with 4G.
Global Impact of 5G
Globally, 5G's capacity to handle more data traffic revolutionizes several technologies.
It enables advancements in self-driving cars, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ultra-high-definition video streaming, and augmented and virtual reality applications, significantly impacting how people interact with technology worldwide.
What Is So Special About 5G?
5G technology enhances connectivity globally, transforming industries, urban development, employment, and economic dynamics. Unlike 4G, 5G introduces higher frequencies and significant advancements in network technology.
This innovation supports the growing demand for connectivity due to the expansion of cloud services, edge computing, and remote operations and enables a wide array of new applications in fields such as industry and agriculture.
The transition to 5G could accelerate revenue growth for companies, with those investing in this technology potentially increasing their revenue up to 2.5 times faster over the next three years, as found by Accenture. The core benefits of 5G include:
- Enhanced Speed and Reduced Latency: 5G dramatically decreases response times and increases speed, facilitating near-real-time remote control of devices and advancing machine-to-machine communications. Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) feature prominently in 5G, catering to critical applications requiring dependable, instant communication.
- Greater Capacity: With up to 100 times the capacity of 4G, 5G can support new applications in densely populated or technologically intensive environments like cities and factories, where high reliability and throughput are essential.
- Expanded Bandwidth: This increase allows organizations worldwide to process substantial data volumes more effectively, enhancing decision-making regarding products, customer relationships, and operational efficiencies.
- Network Slicing: 5G technology enables the creation of multiple virtual networks within a single physical network infrastructure. Each segment can be customized for specific applications, optimizing performance and efficiency for various uses.
- Improved Mobile Broadband: The enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) capabilities of 5G provide faster, more reliable internet access, particularly suitable for high-demand applications such as streaming videos in 4K resolution.
- Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC): 5G supports an extensive array of devices connected simultaneously, revolutionizing IoT applications that involve large-scale sensor networks.
How Does 5G Work?
5G technology transforms global connectivity through its use of diverse spectrum bands and sophisticated technologies, ensuring ultra-fast speeds and minimal latency. Here's how it works:
- Sub-6 GHz and mmWave: 5G operates on sub-6 GHz frequencies, which cover broad areas, and mmWave frequencies (24-40 GHz), which provide extensive bandwidth for high speeds worldwide.
- Advanced Antenna Systems: It employs MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) technology, which allows for multiple simultaneous connections, enhancing capacity and network density.
- Small Cell Networks: Crucial for 5G, these compact base stations are strategically placed on structures like light poles and rooftops to enhance local capacity.
- Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA): This modulation technique optimizes spectrum use, enabling simultaneous network access by multiple users.
- Network Slicing: Operators can create several virtual networks on a single physical infrastructure, each designed for specific uses or clients, enhancing efficiency and service delivery.
- Edge Computing: By processing data near users, edge computing significantly reduces latency, complementing the high speed of 5G, making it a pivotal technology for users and industries worldwide.
Why 5G Surpasses 4G in Technology
For various reasons, 5G is emerging worldwide as a superior choice over 4G. This next-generation network significantly enhances mobile and device connectivity, which is essential as digital landscapes evolve globally.
Unlike 4G, 5G offers much faster speeds and lower latency, which improves smartphone performance and enables high-tech applications like connected cars, smart hospitals, and automated factories.
These capabilities are critical for handling the vast data demands of today's technology-driven environments.
5G Is Better Than 4G
One of 5 G's primary benefits is its ability to support a higher density of connected devices within a single area, far surpassing 4 G's capabilities. This advancement is crucial for the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly in smart cities, industrial automation, and infrastructure management.
Applications such as factory automation, video surveillance, and connected vehicles benefit immensely from 5G's advancements in speed, throughput, and reliability compared to 4G networks.
These improvements are essential for supporting the complex network of devices that make up our connected world.
6 Key Features and Benefits of 5G Technology Worldwide
Key benefits of 5G include low latency, high bandwidth, and faster speeds, transforming industries worldwide. In mining, 5G automation cuts costs, as seen in a Swedish mine, reducing drilling and blasting expenses by 1%.
Manufacturing also gains efficiency, like a European Ford factory using 5G for gesture recognition and VR to streamline production.
Healthcare benefits as well—5G-connected IoT sensors help hospitals track critical equipment, such as insulin pumps, ventilators, and EKG machines, enhancing operational efficiency globally.
Here’s how 5G technology brings benefits globally:
- Speed
- Low Latency
- Bandwidth
- Network Slicing
- Coverage
- More Connected Devices
Speed
5G speeds vary due to factors like location, network usage, the type of 5G network, and the device in use.
In regions such as the U.S., low-band 5G dominates, while some networks are advancing mid-band 5G deployment. Mid-band 5G handles substantial data and covers extensive distances, delivering faster speeds than low-band.
High-band mmWave spectrum offers exceptionally fast downloads but lacks penetration and range, making it ideal for dense areas like stadiums.
- 4G Speed — Up to 100 Mbps
- 5G Speed — Up to 20 Gbps
Low Latency
5G significantly reduces latency, vital for data-heavy and critical applications. Latency, or the time it takes to send data, can drop to as low as 1 millisecond with 5G.
This ultra-low latency enables rapid responses in autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and robotics.
In autonomous driving, for instance, 5G allows vehicles moving at high speeds to detect obstacles and initiate braking almost instantaneously.
- 4G Latency — 200 milliseconds
- 5G Latency — 1 millisecond
Bandwidth
5G operates across three major frequency bands, each with distinct benefits.
Low-band 5G runs near 4G and 3G frequencies, enabling quicker deployment on existing infrastructure. Mid-band balances speed and range, covering large areas with speeds from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
High-band mmWave delivers up to 10 Gbps under optimal conditions, though limited in range and ideal for crowded urban settings.
- 4G Bandwidth — 4G LTE bands cover 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 1.7/2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz, and 2.5 GHz.
- 5G Bandwidth:
- Low-band — Reaches wider areas with moderate speeds.
- Mid-band — Covers large regions with a balance of speed and capacity.
- High-band — Fast speeds for short distances, suited for high-density zones.
Edge Slicing
5G edge slicing allows the network to create multiple virtual private networks, each catering to unique industrial needs.
This enables secure, isolated connections within designated areas or facilities, perfect for applications that require low latency and high bandwidth.
For example, 5G RAN slicing supports vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications, ensuring rapid data flow and system responsiveness.
- 4G Edge Slicing — Limited network slicing capabilities
- 5G Edge Slicing — Supports applications like V2X and advanced industrial processes
Coverage
5G coverage is expanding globally. In the U.S., around 62% of households can access high-speed 5G. Worldwide, 30% of the population currently benefits from 5G coverage, a number projected to rise to 85% by 2028.
This growth aligns with the demand for 5G-driven services, with mid-band 5G expansions essential to keep pace.
- 4G Coverage — Covered 85% of the global population by 2021, expected to reach 95% by 2028
- 5G Coverage — Expected to cover 85% of the global population by 2028
More Connected Devices
5G networks support extensive IoT integration, connecting up to 1 million devices per 0.386 square miles.
This capability brings enormous advantages for the industry, allowing devices to operate efficiently and consume less power.
For devices that don’t require 5G’s full capacity, LTE-M and NB-IoT networks offer efficient alternatives, supporting simpler devices and longer battery life.
- 4G Connected Devices — LTE-M and NB-IoT enable low to moderate speeds
- 5G Connected Devices — Supports dense IoT networks, essential for industrial growth
How 5G Technology is Changing the Way We Live
5G technology, with its ultra-fast speeds, minimal latency, and capacity to connect millions of devices, will transform everyday life across the world. Here’s how it’s impacting various areas:
Business Advancements
5G enables smart offices, seamless remote collaboration, and real-time analytics.
It powers applications like connected logistics, robotics, and remote control of machinery, benefitting industries from retail to finance. Enhanced connectivity brings faster, smarter operations across all sectors.
Smart Cities and Government
5G supports smart infrastructure worldwide—think intelligent traffic systems, IoT-based environmental monitoring, and efficient city services.
5G also provides faster mobile broadband for communities, improving service delivery and enhancing quality of life globally.
Healthcare Innovations
5G allows real-time patient monitoring, telehealth, and even remote surgeries. Doctors can access medical records instantly, and wearables can continuously update health data, offering better care and faster responses worldwide.
Industrial Manufacturing
From automation to quality control, 5G optimizes manufacturing processes.
Its connectivity powers 24/7 equipment monitoring, supply chain management, and enhanced productivity, allowing industries globally to operate at peak efficiency.
AR and VR Experiences
Immersive augmented and virtual reality applications become mainstream in retail, education, design, and entertainment. 5G enables interactive shopping, virtual tours, and 3D product views, reshaping global consumer experiences.
Autonomous Vehicles
5G is essential for autonomous vehicles, providing fast navigation, obstacle detection, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication. This technology makes self-driving cars more practical and safer.
Conclusion
5G technology is a leap in wireless connectivity, offering high speeds, low latency, and vast device support. It enables advancements like self-driving cars, smart cities, and remote healthcare, transforming global interaction.
Unlike previous networks, 5G connects everything worldwide, paving the way for an efficient, automated future with endless possibilities.
