As demands on Wi-Fi and cellular networks increases, the need for improved performance and speed becomes crucial for business continuity. 5G is expected to be the solution, but what is it really and how does it work?
Global mobile data traffic is expected to grow by nine times between 2019 and 2022 with applications like 4K/8K video streaming and virtual reality. These applications require higher bandwidth, lower latency, greater capacity, and security.
5G is designed to meet the large growth of data and connectivity of modern users. 5G networks increase the speed, reduce latency, and improve the flexibility of 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks. Theoretically, 5G networks can reach speeds of 20 Gbps, while the peak speed of 4G is only 1 Gbps.
What is 5G Technology?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, a substantial evolution of current 4G networks. 5G technology is based on a software-defined architecture that includes cloud virtualization and automation. This software-defined function takes place in virtualized environments at or near the network edge. Edge computing enables 5G networks to support low-latency services.
Latency is the time it takes for devices to respond to each other over a network. The communication between end-user devices and the network becomes much faster when the network is located on the edge. The latency of a 5G network is as low as one millisecond. 3G networks had a typical response time of 100 milliseconds, and 4G had around 30 milliseconds.
Use Cases of 5G Networks
There are three main categories of use cases for 5G networks:
- Internet of Things (IoT)—involves connecting multiple devices without human intervention. This includes modern industrial processes and applications like connected farming, smart city sensors and more.
- Reliable communication—includes mission-critical apps like industrial robotics, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, autonomous driving, and transport networks. Low latency reliable communication enables remote medical care and treatment.
- Enhanced mobile broadband—high-speed mobile broadband connection with up to five gigabytes per second rate.
How Does 5G Technology Work?
Most mobile operators initially integrate existing 4G networks with 5G networks to enable continuous connection in areas with limited 5G connection. A 5G mobile network has two main components, the ‘Core Network’ and the ‘Radio Access Network’.
The Core Network
The core network manages all of the mobile internet and data connections. The core network of 5G is designed to integrate with cloud based services, like Oracle on AzureOpens a new window , and reduce latency with local cloud servers. In addition, the core manages many of the 5G advanced features including network slicing and Network Function Virtualization (NVF):
- Network function virtualization—a 5G technology that uses software-based virtual machines to run network functions such as firewalls and encryption. NFV enables networks to process functions in real-time at any desired location in the operator’s cloud environment.
- Network slicing—separates the network to multiple segments. Each segment is aimed at a specific industry, application or business. For instance, emergency services can operate on an independent segment from other users.
Learn More: The Looming Impact of 5G on Crypto AdoptionOpens a new window
The Radio Access Network
Radio Access Network (RAN) includes different types of facilities that connect wireless devices and mobile users to the core network. Facilities like cellular towers, small cells, and dedicated indoor systems. Virtual, and dynamic RAN enables 5G networks to operate at very low latency and high throughput. In addition, RAN enables the mobile network to adjust to changes in network traffic, network issues and new requirements.
Small cells and millimeter waves
Small cells are short-range, low power, wireless transmission systems that cover a small geographical area. Small cells are based on advanced transmission techniques like Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMOOpens a new window ), beam steering, and millimeter waves.
Millimeter waves are a band of radio frequencies with high signal bandwidth and increased transmission speeds. Millimeter waves technology enables transmission on frequencies ranging between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. These frequencies are referred to as millimeter waves because they have wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Previous mobile networks used only frequencies below 5 GHz, and had wavelengths of several dozen centimeters.
On the downside, millimeter waves support connection only for very short distances. Therefore, larger macro cells used for wide area coverage are not capable of transmitting millimeter waves. Small cells, however, are designed for local coverage usually between 10 metres to a few hundred metres. As a result, they are well suited for 5G networks.
Learn More: 5G Networks Are Coming, So is a New Set of Security VulnerabilitiesOpens a new window
Massive MIMO in 5G Networks
MIMO is a wireless technology that transmits and receives more than one data signal simultaneously over the same radio channel. Traditional MIMO networks use up to four antennas.
Massive MIMO networks use a very high number of antennas. More antennas mean more possible signal paths and better performance in terms of reliability and data rate. As a result, more people can connect simultaneously to the 5G network and maintain high connectivity. This is especially useful in places with large gatherings of people like sports arenas and theaters. 5G mobile devices also have a built-in MIMO antenna technology for millimeter waves frequencies.
Beam steering
Massive MIMO antennas use beam steering technology to direct radio signals only to devices and users. The beam steering technology determines the best path for the radio signal. This is done based on advanced signal processing algorithms. Beam steering often leads to increased efficiency and eliminates unwanted radio signals.
Conclusion
The fifth generation of mobile networks was commercially launched in late 2018 in countries like South Korea, Germany, United States, and the United Kingdom. These four countries are leaders of 5G technology, thanks to expert 5G companies and the availability of compatible mobile devices.
More countries, including Finland and Switzerland, still have very limited 5G coverage. However, experts believe that 40% of the world will use 5G networks by 2024. The European mobile provider Swisscom, plans to make Switzerland a 5G country with nationwide coverage by the end of 2020.
Let us know if you liked this article on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We would love to hear from you!