Unveiled in 2018, 5G is the next generation of wireless technology that will bring unprecedented levels of performance and efficiency to our networks. Each generation (1G, 2G, 3G) describes different capabilities of network technologies. First came 1G – First generation cellular networks, and the devices that came with it that enabled us to make calls. 2G came next – which allowed us to send text messages and take advantage of local number portability. 2.5 G brought us mobile internet, followed quickly by 3G. Now, the world is preparing for the fifth generation of network standards. And just like 4G, it’s an iteration and improvement on previous cell phone standards. But what kind of power will we have at our fingertips once this new millimeter wave technology is readily available?
With its large bandwidth capacity, ultra-low latency, and superior machine intelligence capabilities, 5G will enable delivery of high-definition streaming video or 360-degree virtual reality in a snap. However, with all the hype surrounding 5G, there’s also some confusion around what it is and what it isn’t. Here, we debunk three common myths about 5G to set the record straight.
4G Will Cease to Exist Once 5G Becomes Mainstream
Don’t panic when you hear people say 4G is dead or that 5G will put 4G out to pasture. That’s a big, fat myth! The truth is, 4G and its multiple variants — which include the technologies LTE-Advanced and LTE-A Pro — will continue to coexist with 5G for the foreseeable future. While the move to 5G is sure to bring amazing new experiences to users, 4G will continue to be used for several more years.
5G Enables Faster Downloads and Uploads
Imagine being able to download a movie in just seconds. 5G will be a complete game-changer in that it can support movie download speeds of up to 10 Gbps. However, as important as faster download speeds are, what’s equally important is that you can do much more with those faster downloads. The near-zero latency offered by 5G means that you’ll be able to do several exciting things: enjoy immersive experiences like augmented reality and virtual reality, communicate with others in near real-time via video conferencing, and automate processes in your daily life.
Fixed Networks Have Nothing to Do with 5G
Wireline networks can actually play just as much of a part in 5G as wireless. You see, with the way smartphones are set up, cellular towers only make up a portion of the entire equation. Smartphones talk over airwaves, but once it hits the cell tower, it is primarily all fiber for the rest of the journey. This means if you have stellar wireless performance and your wireline network that connects you to your data center is severely lacking, then end-to-end performance will suffer substantially.
