The theoretical peak speed of 5G technology is 20 Gbps, whereas the peak speed of 4G is only 1 Gbps. 5G also promises lower latency, which has the potential to improve the performance of business applications and other digital experiences (such as online gaming, videoconferencing, and self-driving cars).
Unlike previous generations of cellular technology (such as 4G LTE), 5G takes connectivity to the next level by delivering connected experiences from the cloud to clients. 5G networks are virtualized, software-driven, and take advantage of cloud technologies.
With seamless open roaming capabilities between cellular and Wi-Fi access, the 5G network will also simplify mobility. Mobile users can remain connected while moving between outdoor wireless connections and wireless networks inside buildings without the need for user intervention or the need for users to reauthenticate.
The new Wi-Fi 6 wireless standard (also known as 802.11ax) shares some characteristics with 5G, such as improved performance. Wi-Fi 6 radios can be placed where users need them to provide better geographical coverage while also being less expensive. A software-based network with advanced automation underpins these Wi-Fi 6 radios.
5G technology should improve connectivity in underserved rural areas and cities where demand may exceed 4G technology’s current capacity. To enable faster data processing, new 5G networks will also have a dense, distributed-access architecture and will move data processing closer to the edge and users.
How does 5G technology work?
5G technology will bring about advancements in network architecture. The global standard for a more capable 5G wireless air interface, 5G New Radio, will cover spectrums not used in 4G. Massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) technology will be used in new antennas, allowing multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time. However, 5G technology is not restricted to the new radio spectrum. It is intended to support a converged, heterogeneous network that employs both licenced and unlicensed wireless technologies. This increases the amount of bandwidth available to users.
5G architectures will be software-defined platforms that manage networking functionality rather than hardware. Virtualization, cloud-based technologies, and IT and business process automation advancements enable 5G architecture to be agile, flexible and to provide users with access at all times and from any location. 5G networks can create network slices, which are software-defined subnetwork constructs. Network administrators can use these slices to control network functionality based on users and devices.
