5G

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5G: Basic Introduction

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What is 5G?

Fifth-generation wireless (5G) is the latest iteration of cellular technology, engineered to greatly increase the speed, capacity and reduce the latency of wireless networks. This blog post will discuss the technological evolution and benefits of 5G, along with use cases. This will be a high-level overview, designed to provide a basic understanding of 5G, as an entry point into mobile networks.

In the consumer world, the most anticipated benefit of 5G is increased speed which is achieved partly by using higher-frequency radio waves compared to previous cellular network generations. However, higher-frequency radio waves have a shorter range, requiring smaller and more densely packed cells. To optimise, 5G networks can operate on low, medium, and high frequency bands – to help balance capacity, coverage, and data rates of service for end-users in different environments and population densities. This allows more devices to be connected in a certain area without affecting the offered service.


3 Major Benefits of 5G

  • Service Improvements - Increasing the amount of radio frequency spectrum allows each network operator to offer more capacity. This increase in bandwidth is the radio-equivalent to opening an additional lane on a busy motorway - where more cars can travel at a higher speed, to get to their destination quicker. Typically enabling faster communication paths and increased bandwidth networks at pinch points will reduce “Latency”, the measure of round-trip time of packets. An additional way to improve latency is by bringing the service closer to the user. Continuing with the analogy, building a new restaurant closer to the users’ house allows a faster travel time and more likely to use the restaurant service. 5G virtualisation enables services to be located nearer to users, reducing congestion, allowing operators to create a more flexible and optimised service models over their infrastructure.
  • Cost Reduction - Over the long term 5G will allow providers to run networks cheaper, whilst maintaining or increasing levels of service. With virtualised software components, 5G networks can be run on generic compute devices and servers, removing the need for single-purpose specialised hardware, reducing the overall cost and waste from unused resources. Software based networking solutions simplify the continuous performance optimisation and remote upgrade processes, as opposed to the replacement of hardware when a new upgrade is required.
  • Tailored Networks - As a software dependent solution, 5G networks can be tailored to the network provider’s directed services and facilitate enterprise customers bespoke requirements with fewer constraints. The option to add and takeaway virtualised components allows for increased control to maximise the network for a specific scenario.

What was before 5G?

4G. The 4th Generation Mobile Network. Introduced in 2009 and is currently the most used mobile network.

  • Proprietary Hardware - The need for network hardware would often lock the network operator to one vendor, reducing the possibility to make vendor changes. This increased cost, and reduced post-sales market competition and innovation.
  • Generic Networks - 4G provides a “one size fits all” mobile network and does not have 5G’s advantages in tailoring the network through software-orientated, modular, and service-based capabilities.
  • Good, but not Great, Speeds - At the creation of 4G in 2009, its throughput was vastly superior to that of its predecessor, 3G. However, as the complexity of IT increases, the data speed requirements of new projects also increase beyond the speeds that 4G can offer. This is where 5G and edge computing can help.

    • What’s next?

    5G is enabling new technology, and its impact on everyone’s lives is still to be fully understood. However, at Reply we have identified several use cases that would benefit the population at large.

    An example of this, is the utilisation of drones, for commercial, and personal use. Because of 5G, innovation such as Edge Computing, DaaS (Drone as a Service) is becoming a real possibility! For more information on why 5G makes such a big difference for drones, check out this article from Future Networks Consultant, Kye Grundy.

    5G could also make a difference in the medical community, with the improved connection speeds allowing for surgery to be performed remotely, allowing specialists to be brought in whenever needed, reducing wait times in emergencies. For more information on this, you can read this article from businessinsider.com.

    If you would like any more information on anything written in this post, please get in touch with me , and check out our other blog posts that will be posted this month, including further information about 5G and related technologies.