Since its inception in 2019, 5G wireless networks have seen rapid expansion in both availability and application. Apple took an early plunge into this technology in 2020 by launching its iPhone lineup with 5G capability. This move opened the floodgates, leading to a situation where around 62% of smartphones today are equipped with 5G connectivity. Additionally, the number of networks continues to grow, with major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Verizon, Google, and AT&T now offering 5G connectivity for homes and businesses alike.
But what does the future hold? 5G has been touted as a disruptive force, on par with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) in terms of the transformational impact it could have. How much of this is grounded in reality, and how much is just hype? To answer this, we need to delve into the workings of 5G and understand what sets it apart from other technologies.
What is 5G?
5G, or fifth-generation mobile technology, is a new standard for cellular networks, developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in 2018, designed to replace the previous 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE standards. The goal was to establish a new set of standards for devices and applications compatible with 5G networks. Like its predecessors, 5G uses radio waves for data transmission. However, due to significant improvements in latency, throughput, and bandwidth, 5G networks can achieve much faster download and upload speeds, broadening their range of applications.
What distinguishes 5G from earlier generations of wireless networks?
The technological advancements embedded in 5G have been lauded for their transformative potential across various industries. This is mainly due to its capability to transmit large volumes of data quickly and securely between connected devices, at speeds never before attained. Since the advent of mobile broadband and its gradual integration into every aspect of work and home life, the data generated by networks and mobile devices has surged exponentially. Technologies such as AI and ML demand vast amounts of data that cannot be processed quickly enough by previous generations of wireless networks. In contrast, 5G, with its lightning-fast speeds and high-band frequencies (24GHz–40GHz), is ideally suited for applications requiring rapid, secure access to large data sets.
Here Are Some Important Distinctions Between 5G and Its Earlier Versions:
- Smaller physical footprint: 5G transmitters are more compact than those used in earlier networks, and its “cells”—the geographic areas that wireless technology depends on for connectivity—are smaller and require less power.
- Improved error rates: 5G’s adaptive Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS), a system for transmitting data, is more powerful than those used in 3G and 4G networks. This results in a much lower Block Error Rate (BER)—the frequency of errors within its networks.
- Better bandwidth: By utilizing more radio frequencies than previous wireless communications networks, including low-band (less than 1 GHz), mid-band (1 GHz–6 GHz), and high-band (24 GHz–40 GHz), 5G can support more devices simultaneously.
- Lower latency: 5G’s low latency—a measure of the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another—is superior to previous networks, making routine activities like downloading files or working in the cloud much faster.
How does 5G work?
Like all wireless networks, 5G relies on “cells” to operate. Within each cell, a wireless device, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, connects to the internet via radio waves that bounce between a 5G antenna and a base station. The same underlying technology that powered previous generations of wireless networks also powers 5G, albeit with notable enhancements. Notably, 5G networks can transmit data at speeds of 10 to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps)—over 100 times faster than 4G.
As the number of devices built for 5G increases, so does the demand for the networks themselves. In North America, all major telecommunications companies now offer 5G, covering more than 200 million homes and businesses, with that number expected to double in the next four years.
Three critical areas where 5G technology outshines its predecessors:
1. New RAT standard: The 5G NR (New Radio) standard for cellular networks defines the next generation of radio access technology (RAT) for all 5G mobile networks. Today, 45% of networks worldwide are 5G compatible, with that number expected to reach 85% by the end of the decade, according to a recent Ericsson report.
2. Network slicing capabilities: 5G networks allow telecom operators to offer multiple independent virtual networks (in addition to public ones) on the same 5G infrastructure. This enables users to do more things remotely with greater security than ever before.
3. Private networks: Along with network slicing, 5G allows users to create private networks with enhanced personalization and security. Enterprises seeking greater control and mobility for employees are increasingly adopting private 5G network architectures rather than relying on public networks.
The future of 5G: Upcoming innovations in the years ahead.
Interest in 5G networks, and the devices and applications they support, is high among both consumers and business leaders. According to a recent IDC white paper, in the US alone, nearly 120 million 5G devices were expected to ship by the end of 2023—a 9.3% increase over the previous year. By 2027, the final year included in the report, it is estimated that 155 million units will be shipped, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%.
Globally, the numbers tell a similar story. A Statista report estimates that global penetration of 5G-compatible smartphones reached 59% in 2023, with that figure expected to exceed 82% by 2027.
But beyond the statistics, what does this surge in interest signify? With new technologies, it’s often challenging to discern reality from hype. Here’s a detailed examination of the areas where 5G is anticipated to have an impact and the changes it is likely to introduce:
- Healthcare: In the healthcare industry, 5G is already driving greater efficiencies, deeper insights from data, and improved patient outcomes. Its low latency, high speed, and increased bandwidth will help doctors discover new treatments, perform critical procedures remotely using robotics, and access patient information in the field, regardless of location.
- Supply chains: As 5G connectivity expands, supply chains worldwide will gain from its ultra-fast speeds and enhanced reliability. The more digitized and automated a supply chain becomes, the more 5G can be leveraged to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security.
- Fixed wireless networks: The concept of ‘fixed’ wireless connections—delivering seamless wireless internet to homes or businesses via radio waves instead of cable or fiber—can make internet access more affordable and accessible. In a fixed 5G ecosystem, an antenna connects to the nearest 5G transmitter, delivering similar speeds, connectivity, and reliability as fiber or cable but at a fraction of the cost.
- Smart cities: Urban centers, where traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise pollution are longstanding issues, are poised for significant transformation due to 5G. The technology is already helping cities improve traffic flow and air quality with IoT-connected sensors, but its potential for further innovation is immense.
- Edge computing and AI: Edge computing, which relies heavily on 5G to perform computations closer to data sources, is set to give enterprises unprecedented control over their data, enabling faster insights. One area where edge computing is particularly well-positioned for growth is cloud computing, where AI demands immense power to process the data it analyzes.
5G solutions with Cloud Satellite
Before you can unlock all the potential that 5G holds, you need a platform built for it. For instance, IBM Cloud Satellite enables you to deploy and run apps consistently across on-premises, edge computing, and public cloud environments on a 5G network. All of this is supported by secure and auditable communications within the IBM Cloud.
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