Is it possible to combine a coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, and smartphone into a single network? There is such a solution, and it is called the Internet of Things (IoT). This network infrastructure allows you to combine all smart digital devices, and its basis is a new generation of 5G cellular communications. If you are interested in using the 5G network in the UK, this article is for you.
Basic Characteristics of 5G
The international radio frequency standard 5G/IMT-2020 defines the requirements for 5G networks:
- High average data transfer rate within 1–2 Gbps (maximum 20 Gbps);
- Delay time (ping) 1 ms;
- High network capacity (connection density) – up to 106/km2;
- High power efficiency equivalent to 4G;
- Operation in device-to-device mode with total traffic in the coverage area of 10 Mbps/(s*m2).
Now, let’s translate these obscure values into a digestible form and look at an example of why 5G is better than previous generations and what it will give users.
Where Is a Short Ping Very Important?
Everything is clear with the maximum speed – the higher it is, the faster your favorite series will be downloaded. Reducing data latency is equally important and plays a decisive role in the following areas:
- autonomous transport;
- telemedicine;
- cybersport;
- remote control;
- video conferencing, and more.
The shorter the signal delay time, the faster the response of the network and network clients to user actions. In other words, with a short ping, the remote computer will respond faster to a keystroke by the operator. When managing devices and mechanisms, response time is critical.
Why Do You Need a Large Network Capacity?
Network capacity is a characteristic that determines the maximum possible number of subscriber devices connected to it. It is logical that the higher it is, the more smartphones, modems, smart gadgets, and network equipment can be connected to 5G networks.
Each piece of equipment on the network has its own unique address. Previously, IPv4 was enough to issue addresses, but now its capacity has been exhausted. IPv6, which replaced it, has such a large capacity that it allows you to allocate up to 5 * 1028 addresses for each inhabitant of the planet. But its integration is still going slowly, and all hopes for the development of the protocol are connected precisely with the massive use of 5G.
What Is Device-to-device?
In 5G networks, it is planned that the equipment will not only be connected according to the “client-server” scheme but will also actively interact with each other. In addition, all smart home equipment and IoT devices can be combined into one large global blockchain and conduct distributed computing together. Figuratively speaking, 5G will help create a giant all-planet supercomputer, where even a teapot or coffee maker will be assigned a role in computing while they are idle for their main work.
Energy Efficiency And The Evolution of Smartphones
The 5G mobile network in the UK takes cloud computing to the next level. All data processing and storage will be done in the cloud. The smartphone will simply become a thin client, consisting of a 5G modem, a capacious battery, and minimal hardware for stable operation of the browser OS.
Thanks to cloud computing, powerful gaming processors and video cards in smartphones will become unnecessary, which will reduce their power consumption to a minimum. Thanks to a short ping, everyone will be able to enjoy all the benefits of cloud gaming. It is possible that in the future, game consoles will be replaced by thin clients from GeForce Now, PlayStation Now, Google Stadia, and any other services that replace them in the future.
5G Has a Beneficial Effect On The Development of Neural Networks
Consolidation of smart devices will increase traffic and Big Data volumes. This is what neural networks need to develop. It is possible that it is 5G that will bring the moment of creating a full-fledged AI closer.
Myths About 5G
Humanity is characterized by conservatism, which is why everything new often causes mistrust among people. There are still a lot of rumors and conjectures around the new generation 5G network. Let’s take a look at the most popular:
1. 5G development will kill 4G
Absolutely not. Rather, 5G will offload 4G so that the connection will be better. The launch of 5G will allow operators to squeeze out all subscribers who create a high load on the network. For example, the launch of 4G did not destroy but unloaded 3G. The advent of 3G made communication on 2G freer to the point that some frequencies were not needed. They are simply transferred to 4G service. So, even if you’re not in a hurry to switch to 5G, the improvement will not bypass you.
2. Between 3G, 4G, and 5G, there is no difference at all
Proponents of this myth believe that telecom operators are deceiving them. They give out speed and traffic depending on their wishes. Therefore, there will be no difference, even if 10G appears.
Measurements show that the average speed in 4G networks is about 3 times higher than in 3G. The difference is achieved due to the bandwidth of the frequencies used, and 5G has much more. Plus, a higher density of towers will reduce the amount of interference. The limit for 4G is approximately 20,000 subscribers per square kilometer. You can feel it at any mass event – the speed of the Internet drops. 5G in the same area is able to withstand about a million connections.
3. 5G is not needed. 4 G is enough
4G may be enough, but the key question here is what for? GIFs and videos load well, but 5G is not only high speed but also minimal latency. Here, new opportunities open up, far from watching the next video. We’re talking about a new application of mobile data. Here is an impressive list:
- Unmanned aerial vehicles will no longer be tied to the remote control and will be able to fly over the entire coverage area of the 5G network, receiving a signal from a remote operator.
- Development of VR technologies. It is impossible to build powerful components for rendering a photorealistic image into a helmet – technology does not allow it yet. But 5G opens up another possibility: the signal is sent to the cloud, where it is processed and returned back in a split second.
- No wires, no lags – just virtual reality. Robotic vehicles that will communicate in real-time with each other and road infrastructure. With the development of the Internet of Things – houses will become even smarter, and it will become more convenient to manage them.
Final Thoughts
The world is launching 5G, the fifth generation of mobile communications, which will take the speed and reliability of the connection to a new level. If you are one of the 5G enthusiasts who is already using or planning to take advantage of the new connection, we recommend that you contact UCtel. The company will advise you on the deployment of the UK 5G network, as well as help with the installation of repeaters if necessary.
