When the 5G network hit the market, there were numerous theories about how the ground-breaking technology was going to transform the digital world. From smartphones to artificial intelligence. With large companies and countries throughout the world adopting it, we think it is about time you learned everything there is to know about the network. As such, we have put together a detailed post to explain how 5G works, why it is important and the role it plays in revolutionizing communication in the world today. Keep reading to find out more.

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth-generation mobile network. It is a global wireless network preceded by 1G,2G, 3G, and 4G. This ultra-modern network virtually connects people, objects, machines, and mobile devices. 5G wireless network delivers high multi-Gbps data speeds that have not been witnessed with former mobile networks.

It also displays extremely low latency. Latency is the time it takes for a packet of data to be transmitted. In the past, latency has been a significant hindrance for technologies, especially with critical machinery that requires fast speeds. It has also been a problem in the cloud gaming sector with customer complaints due to the lack of a seamless, engaging experience. 5G reduces latency to provide up to ten times lower latency than the 4G network. This improves user experiences and paves way for new opportunities in the smartphone and gaming industries.

Some of the other prominent benefits of the 5G network include:

• Tremendous network capacity
• More reliability
• Improved availability
• Consistent user experience for more users

The high level of performance offered by the 5G network allows for new industries to crop up and new ones to upgrade their systems. Improved user experience is one of the main benefits we are witnessing with this conventional mobile network.

How is 5G different From Previous Technologies?

You have most certainly used 3G and 4G mobile networks, the most recent technologies before 5G. would you like to know what sets 5G apart from these previous networks? Mobile network technologies keep improving to adapt to the growing number of mobile phone users globally. An increase in users means higher data demands and higher expectations for fast, uninterrupted internet access.

Bandwidth

For instance, the 3G network allowed smartphones to enjoy average download speeds of 2Mbps. 4G upgraded to speeds between 100 and 150 Mbps. At its peak, the 5G network has download speeds of a whopping 10 Gbps. An enormous leap from anything we have seen before.

Speed

The 5G network generation can support more users with higher data rates. This facilitates seamless YouTube streaming, video calls, and more. A 3G network tower can provide fast service for an average of 80 people while a 4G tower can do the same for at least 300 people. This explains that the evolution of network generations brings with it more digital data, speeds, and efficiency. Each network upgrades on an already existing internet experience and so far, 5G takes the crown.

Frequency

5G technology uses high frequencies of about 28 GHz compared to an average of 1600 MHz for a 4G network. This translates to more data transmission, faster speeds and less congestion.

The 5G technology also utilizes a New Radio Interface which allows for numerous devices in one geographical area to enjoy fast internet speeds. 5G can support close to a million devices per kilometer while 4G can support approximately 4,000. You get to enjoy video streaming services with no buffering, even with limited air space.

Use

5G is significantly different from 4G in terms of usage since 5G has paved way for worldwide connection in terms of the Internet of Things (IoT). 5G is expected to drive data-oriented companies, infrastructure management, and smart cities. More devices can work efficiently compared to the capabilities we would have been open to with 4G. 5G network can be used across numerous devices for an out-of-this-world digital experience.

Is 5G Harmful?

There have been countless theories about the 5G technology, its radioactive components, and its impact on your health. If you are worried about the 5G network and its health implications, this piece will put things into perspective.

5G has been theorized to cause cancer due to DNA damage, production of stress proteins that cause diseases, and even oxidative harm that leads to premature aging. You have probably seen these theories on social media. These concerns stem from radiofrequency radiation (RFR), a form of radiation that emanates from x-rays, microwaves monitor light, radio waves, and even the sun. RFR is not essentially dangerous. As such, we need to find out under what circumstances it can be harmful.

RFR is categorized into ionizing and non-ionizing groups to determine how dangerous they are. Non-ionizing radiation is too weak to break or alter chemical bonds. These include infrared, visible light, radio waves, ultraviolet and other RFR with low frequencies. Non-ionizing radiation is found in da-to-day technologies including power lines and Wi-Fi.

However, microwaves are an exception to the non-ionizing theory. Its radiation is tuned to react to water molecules and can severely damage tissue. Save for microwaves, other non-ionizing radiation forms are not even known to have the slightest biological impact.

Researchers are still carrying out studies of the same with some scientists reporting that 3G RFR has caused several brain, heart and adrenal glands tumors in male rats. Concerns about 5G and the necessity for more wireless transmitters bring up the risk of potential health concerns. However, doctors say that the power and frequency of 5G, though higher than that of previous networks, is lower than that of light from the sun. 5G is considered a form of non-ionizing radiation with no proven harm.

Do I Really Need a 5G Service?

Contrary to popular opinion, you will not need to change your phone with the onset of 5G: not for a couple of years, at least. 5G connectivity is not an absolute necessity at the moment. There is an expansive leeway for mobile phone adoption and transmitter set up in different locations. As such, you can expect several years before smartphones start using the exclusive 5G network. So, take your time and learn more about the network: we still have a long way to go.

Do All Devices Support 5G?

No, they don't. Most mobile devices are currently configured to operate with 2G, 3G, and or 4G. however, some phone companies are way ahead of the curve and have begun rolling out devices that have 5G connectivity. These include OnePlus 8, iPhone 12, and recent Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Newer models are still launching 5G smartphones so be on the lookout if you want to grab yourself one.

Where Is It Implemented Nowadays?

South Korea was the first country to implement the 5G network. Other nations like China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States have also been at the forefront of the 5G implementation. As mentioned earlier, the implementation process which begun in 2018 is steadily gathering speed and it may be some time before you can experience 100% 5G connectivity in your region.

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