Key Takeaways

• 5G is the latest generation of wireless cellular technology. 5G is 10 times faster than its predecessor – 4G, improving its speed and connectivity for more supported devices

• It’s revolutionising connectivity and driving innovation across industries. From smart cities to autonomous vehicles, it’s enhancing the way we live and work.

We unpack its benefits, as well as answering “What is 5G?”

What does 5G mean?

5G stands for “fifth generation” in mobile network technology. It is the latest cellular network, and is at least 10 times faster than 4G. It can be up to 100 times faster than 4G (the next fastest cellular network).

The advantages of 5G include faster internet speeds, improved network reliability and reduced latency (which means the delay between performing actions, e.g. clicking a link, and the expected outcome, e.g. the webpage loading, is much faster).

For society, this means more devices are able to connect simultaneously, making it easier for us to use innovative technologies like smart cities and autonomous vehicles, or simply use the internet as we move around.

It also means people who live and work in areas with reduced broadband connectivity may have access to faster internet speeds if 5G is available in their area.

What does 5G mean in WiFi?

In WiFi, 5G usually means the 5 GHz frequency band, which has faster speeds over shorter distances compared to the 2.4 GHz band. You may have seen the same WiFi network offer both a 5G option and a 2.4G option. This is the frequency your router is broadcasting for your devices to pick up.

This is different from 5G in cellular networks, which stands for the fifth generation of mobile technology. 5G in mobile networks provides faster speeds and lower latency over long distances.

While both 5 GHz WiFi and 5G mobile networks improve internet performance, they operate on different technologies and serve different purposes. WiFi connects devices locally to a router and is usually for use at home or in an office, while 5G connects devices to the internet via cellular towers.

It is also possible to have 5G broadband, which is where your home or office router connects to 5G networks. This is then connected to using your mobile phone, computer, gaming devices, tablets and other devices.

How does 5G work?

5G works by using higher frequency radio waves (millimetre waves) and advanced antenna technologies to transmit data much faster than previous generations of cellular networks.

5G relies on a network of small cell towers, which are placed closer together than traditional towers. This ensures strong signals over short distances and reduces congestion when many devices are using the technology at one time.

5G also uses beamforming, which directs signals to devices more precisely. This improves the speed of your connection and reduces interference.

Advantages & Disadvantages of 5G

What are the advantages and disadvantages of 5G technology?

What is the difference between 5G vs. 4G?

The main difference between 5G and 4G is the speed and capacity. 5G is up to 100 times faster than 4G, which means quicker data transfers and downloads.

5G also supports more connected devices simultaneously, making it ideal for emerging technologies. Its lower latency means faster response times for everything from online gaming to remote surgery.

However, 5G has a shorter range than 4G and is more sensitive to interference.

What is the difference between 5G vs. 3G?

5G offers a dramatic improvement over 3G. Speeds are up to 100 times faster, latency is lower for real-time applications, and far more devices can be supported simultaneously.

While 3G provided basic mobile internet, phone calls and messaging, 5G powers innovations. However, 5G’s shorter range requires more closely spaced cell towers compared to the broader but slower coverage of 3G.

Why was 5G introduced?

5G was introduced to address the growing demand for faster, more reliable mobile connectivity. It was also needed to support the increasing number of connected devices, including smart home technologies, autonomous vehicles, and advanced industrial applications.

The need for lower latency (faster response times) and increased bandwidth also drove the development of 5G. Its introduction improves real-time experiences like gaming, video streaming, and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR).

On average, 5G offers download speeds ranging from 50 Mbps – 1 Gbps or more, whereas 4G typically provides speeds between 10-100 Mbps, making 5G significantly faster and better suited for modern life.

Where is 5G commonly used?

5G is commonly used anywhere a lot of people are using mobile phones, like cities. It is currently being rolled out to more rural areas as well.

5G is also used to support Internet of Things (IoT) devices. which require fast internet. Examples of IoT devices include connected cars, environmental monitoring, wearables and smart home devices.

5G can be used for applications which require ultra-reliable, low-latency communications. This includes remote surgery and autonomous driving.

Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and smart cities are increasingly relying on the faster data speeds, reduced lag, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously.

What is 5G ultra?

5G Ultra, also referred to as “5G Ultra Wideband,” is a faster and more advanced version of standard 5G.

5G Ultra primarily uses millimetre-wave (mmWave) technology. This version of 5G offers significantly higher speeds, lower latency (faster response times), and improved capacity in densely populated areas compared to standard 5G.

What is next for 5G?

After answering “What is 5G?”, it’s time to think about what is next for 5G.

One of the next steps in the future of 5G is the widespread adoption of 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks, which will bring greater efficiency, speed and reliability without relying on 4G infrastructure. This evolution will support advanced technologies like network slicing (dedicating parts of the network to specific services) and edge computing, enabling real-time applications in industries like healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.

Beyond 5G, 6G technology is already in development and is expected to arrive by the early 2030s. 6G promises to bring us even faster speeds, potentially 100 times faster than 5G. It will operate on terahertz (THz) frequencies and support advanced applications like holographic communications, immersive extended reality (XR), and even brain-computer interfaces. 6G is expected to bring advancements in AI integration, allowing networks to become more intelligent and adaptable to users’ needs.

We look forward to bringing you the latest updates on 6G mobile networks.

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