Is your facility connected to a mobile network that is slow in speed? Is your equipment taking too long to upload pertinent system information? Are you often having to deal with frustrated employees or customers as a result?
In this quick informative article, we introduce you to the 5G mobile network – the answer to slow and delayed communication. Learn about how 5G compares against the previous generation and how it could potentially affect your business.
What is 5G?
5G is the new global wireless standard, known as the 5th generation mobile network. The network is designed with the intention of connecting everyone virtually, with the inclusion of machines, objects, and devices.
It is a wireless technology that delivers higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform experience for its users.
What are the Technologies that make up 5G?
The 5G network is based on Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM). This is a method that modulates a digital signal across multiple channels so that interference is reduced. The network also implements 5G New Radio (NR) air interface that works together with OFDM for a significantly faster and more responsive mobile network experience. The use of 5G NR will enable more people and devices to access the network so that a variety of functions can be performed.
Macro cell towers were used to transmit over long distances for the four previous generations of mobile networks, however, 5G will make use of wider bandwidths. This is done by expanding the usage of spectrum resources, from a minimum of 3 GHz that is used for 4G to approximately 100 GHz and more. It will also operate in the lower bandwidth range, resulting in a wider capacity, multi-Gbps throughput and a lower latency.
The below diagram depicts the Range of Frequencies each of the Mobile Network Generations Operate in.
How is 5G better that 4G?
1. Speed
5G is significantly faster than 4G.
2. Greater capacity
The mobile network is implemented to support a 100 times increase in traffic capacity and network efficiency.
3. Lower latency
The network decreases the latency by up to 10 times, so that it can deliver instantaneous, real time access.
4. Greater capability
4G LTE was designed to provide faster mobile broadband services when being compared to 3G, but 5G focuses on delivering a unified, more capable platform which elevates mobile broadband experiences and supports new services such as mission-critical communications.
5. Better use of Spectrum
5G is designed to use most of every bit of spectrum from low bands below 1 GHz, to mid bands that are between 1 GHz and 6 GHz, as well as operate on higher bands that are known as millimetre wave (mmWave).
How could 5G potentially impact your Business?
Manufacturing
The use of 5G technology in a manufacturing plant could allow for the production operations to be more flexible and efficient, whilst enhancing safety. It will also enable manufacturers to enhance their ‘smart factories’ which leverage automation, artificial intelligence or augmented reality. Robots could also be controlled, monitored, or reconfigured remotely over the mobile network.
Read more about Industry 4.0 here.
Energy & Utilities
The use of the 5G mobile network could lead to innovative solutions in energy production, transmission, distribution, and usage. 5G could also unleash the next wave of smart grid features and efficiency. As the number of smart grids increase, energy management will become more efficient whilst a reduction in electricity peaks and energy costs will occur. 5G increases the lifespan of battery-dependent devices and supports drones that are used to monitor transmission of production assets.
Retail
Online shopping has become popular amongst consumers globally and the migration to mobile shopping has occurred because of 4G. The online shopping experience could be vastly improved if mobile connections were 10 times faster. 5G could allow for Virtual Reality (VR) dressing rooms as well as Augmented Reality (AR) experiences in store and at home. This will allow customers to try on as many outfits as they would like from the comfort of their home.
Read more about the Internet of Things here.
When will 5G be implemented?
Carriers started rolling out the 5G network in 2020, but with limited availability as it is still in the earliest phase of deployment. The network will be more available for users by the end of 2021.
The implementation of 5G in your business could improve productivity of your employees, increase sales and ensure customer satisfaction is achieved continuously. If it is already available in your area, make the switch to this high speed, low latency network!
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