In the next few months, 5G will be a term that you'll hear a lot. So, what exactly is 5G? How does it work?
5G is the fifth-generation of cellular network technology, which provides broadband access. 5G, unlike its predecessors, is a software-defined network that operates largely in the cloud. It promises faster data speeds, lower latency, and massive device connectivity. 5G is the foundation for next-generation applications like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and massive machine to machine communications for industries.
It is a mobile user's best option for faster Internet access, better video calls, and better network quality.
How is 5G different from 4G?
5G, on paper, should be faster with higher data speeds, lower latency, and better performance.
Data Speed: The theoretical maximum speed of 4G is 100 Mbps. 5G's maximum speed is 10 Gbps. 5G is 100x faster than 4G.
It is worth noting that a 2-hour movie downloaded on 4G takes approximately 6 minutes. A 5G download will take around 3.6 seconds.
Lower Latency: Latency refers to the time taken for data to move over a network. While 4G was able to transmit data at a latency time of 50 milliseconds over a network, 5G has a minimal latency of just 1 millisecond. This is 400 times faster than the actual blink of an eye!
Uses of 5G
Every generation of cell phone technology has seen an increase in the number of activities that can be done via the internet. With faster network speeds, users can not only surf social media and video streaming from their smartphones but also order food or hail cabs. The difference between previous generations of cell technology is the 5G application that goes beyond mobile phones.
"In simple words, 5G will mean that the network is ready for millions of devices, not just your smartphone." These 5G features will enable you to do a wide variety of applications.
Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC)
5G allows interconnectivity among a large number of devices. 5G's high connectivity density (around 1 million connections per square km) will allow for more applications in the Internet of Things (IoT). 5G is often referred to as the "connective tissue" of the Internet of Things.
Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) 5G offers high mobility, particularly in situations that require high data rates and a large coverage area.
Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC)
It allows for the development of latency-sensitive applications such as remote surgery or autonomous vehicles, as well as reliability in terms of packet loss.
What are the Challenges of 5G in India?
India's 5G ecosystem will spread faster than other countries, it is anticipated.
These are the obstacles that prevent India from developing a 5G ecosystem:
Auctions overpricing 5G
Each unit of 5G spectrum is sold at a base price of Rs. 492 crore ($69.2million). The same band was auctioned in South Korea at Rs 131 crore per megahertz in June.
Spectrum shortage
As only 700 MHz and 3300-3,600MHz bands are available for 5G services, only 175 MHz of the spectrum was made available for commercial use. This spectrum will only be sufficient for two operators, as each operator requires blocks of at least 80-100MHz to provide real services.
