What You Need to Know About the 5G Mobile Network

5G is the 5th generation mobile network and, as expected, is the fastest internet speed today.

13:42 10 February 2020

Since the existence of mobile networks, users always wanted the best and for each generation that was launched, it was the fastest and greatest to have ever existed in its prime. However, there is always the thirst for more, which is why we have the 5G today. For the average human in this modern age, the internet means a lot and is also an integral part of our existence. In simple terms, we can hardly exist today without the internet.

Some of the benefits of 5G include: 

• Greater number of connected devices.
  
  
• Greater speed in transmission.
  
  
• Improved performance, efficiency, and cost.
  
  
• Redefined industries, including retail, education, transportation, and entertainment.
  
  
• Network slicing, which allows the possibility of implementing virtual networks.
  
  
• Advanced massive MIMO antenna technologies.
  
  
• Advanced spectrum sharing techniques.
  
  

However, while this looks great and the best thing to ever happen in the internet world, there are 5G Challenges to be concerned about. 

Major Challenges of the 5G Network

1. Frequency Bands

The frequency bands required for the 5G to function are as high as 300GHz, compared to 4G that relies on 6GHz, which could cost over $690 million. 

2. Device Challenges

5G-enabled smartphones are needed to run the 5G mobile network, but there are only a few available. This is due to several reasons, including the cost of production for manufacturers based on the multi-band support of upper and lower frequency bands, increased heating, higher data rates, bandwidths, and more. Developed countries like the U.S., South Korea, and Japan are already ahead with 5G-enabled devices but it might take a little while for others to catch up. So, while 5G is here to stay, not everyone would experience it any time soon.

3. Deployment and Coverage

5G requires higher frequency due to the increase in speed and bandwidth and as a result, there will be higher directional radio waves. However, the antennas for 5G would have to be in smaller sizes- small enough to be installed on buildings. This is the only way to enjoy the benefits of 5G, as it beams out over shorter distances. While 5G has been built to handle more users, speed, and data, the deployment and coverage might be a huge challenge.

How does 5G work?

5G is OFDM-based and is designed to operate on the same mobile networking principles as the 4G network. The only difference is that 5G delivers at a higher degree of frequency, delivers faster, and has better mobile broadband services. To provide a continuous connection from 4G LTE, most operators will integrate the 5G with 4G and make them work on local servers before fully migrating to the 5G. 

Conclusion

5G is generally expensive to manage but with the rate at which technology keeps improving, this mobile network is here to stay. While it is still new and yet to be available in many parts of the world, we should expect more devices to unfold in the coming months and years to accommodate the latest generation mobile network.