5G TRANSFORMATION

The fifth generation of cellular networks, 5G, is transforming the world as we saw in our previous blog.  It is gradually replacing 4G networks in many regions of the world, which respond to the demands of smartphone users while accessing data. The network helps not just individuals, but also developers by allowing them to launch programs more quickly. On the other hand, it is critical to comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of 5G technology in order to understand what this technology has to offer. 

  1. Increased Transmission Speed

5G will see a tremendous improvement in speed. When compared to 4G, predicted speeds of up to 10 Gbps indicate a 100x improvement. Transmission speeds can reach 15 or 20 Gbps. That’s speedy enough to download a 2-hour movie in 10 seconds vs 7 minutes on 4G.

  1. Lower Latency and Higher Bandwidth

5G offers extremely lower latency – the time lag between sending information and receiving it back. 5G takes only 1 millisecond compared to 200 milliseconds for 4G.

The amount of data that may be transported from one point in a network to another in a given duration of time is called bandwidth. Higher bandwidth in 5G will allow for a larger amount of data to be faster. 

Consider the bandwidth of your connection to be a highway, and your data to be six cars traveling at the same speed.  A high-bandwidth highway would have six lanes (5G), allowing all cars to arrive at the same time in one second. A low-bandwidth highway would have only one lane (4G), allowing all cars to arrive in 6 seconds.

Now on the same highway with six lanes, the fastest cars will complete the round trip in the quickest period of time. This is what 5G brings to the table. With slower cars, this would not be achievable (4G).

  1. Enhanced Capacity

 According to estimates, 5G installations can accommodate one million connected devices every 0.38 square mile, compared to 2,000 for 4G. Enterprise networks using 5G can support a huge number of devices in their IT infrastructure, all of which may transport data at the same time owing to the network’s wider frequency range.

  1.  Network Slicing

The 5G also allows to implement of virtual networks (network slicing), create subnets, in order to provide connectivity more adjusted to specific needs.

Along with the advantages, there are certain disadvantages that may be challenging.

  1. Limited Coverage

The primary downside of 5G is that it has limited worldwide coverage and is only available in certain areas. Only cities will see significant benefits from the 5G network, while remote locations may not have service for several years. 

  1. Reduced Broadcast Distance

Although 5G operates at high speeds, it will not go as far as 4G. Large buildings and trees may impede the frequency of the 5G network, causing a variety of issues. Hence, more towers are required for coverage, which is time-consuming and costly. Rain may also wreak havoc on 5G coverage, which necessitates additional safeguards.

  1. Upload Speeds

Mobile phone users may expect excellent download speeds when compared to 4G, however, upload speeds won’t exceed 100 Mbps. 

  1. Weakened Device batteries

Phones with a 5G connection will experience significant battery drain, reducing their lifespan significantly. As a result, producers must invest in innovative battery technology in order to prevent batteries from damage and other issues.

  1. Cybersecurity

 5G could be vulnerable to hacking. The increased bandwidth makes it easier for hackers to steal the database. Because 5G lacks encryption, hackers can organize their assaults with more accuracy, which will have a significant impact on businesses. Thus, the network will need to take security precautions to avoid cyber assaults and secure its infrastructure. 

Despite the drawbacks, preparation for 5G is progressing aggressively. As per the confirmation, for the pilot project, 13 cities are selected and they will most probably get 5G around September-October 2022. PAN India, it will be made available by 2023.

With the advent of 5G, stocks of 2 industries will get affected majorly viz Telecom service and companies providing infrastructural facilities for telecom industries. 

Companies that can offer 5G are Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vi, and other telecom companies.

Companies having such telecom infrastructure are Indus Towers Ltd., GTL Infrastructure Ltd., HFCL Ltd., and Suyog Telematics Ltd.

With the world’s second-largest population and second-largest internet customer base, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of 5G at some time in the future, whether it’s tomorrow, next year, or five years down the road. Apart from the technological advantages, there are also significant benefits in terms of poverty alleviation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *