What is 5G Internet and How Does it Work?
You’ve likely heard a lot about 5G. But what is it, exactly?
5G is the latest standard for mobile internet networks.
It is a new global wireless standard after the previous 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together for greatly enhanced digital experiences (such as online gaming, videoconferencing, and self-driving cars).
How fast is 5G?
5G mobile networks can transfer data at more than a gigabit per second, versus 4G networks that typically offer speeds closer to 50 megabits per second. And they do this with half the latency of 4G ones. That means it takes half as long for your web requests to come back. When you’re streaming a game, this translates to reduced lag.
5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-gigabit peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connects new industries.
Where is 5G being used?
Previously, 5G was only available in certain areas, largely in the U.S. and Asia. But now, more than one-third of the global population should have access to it, and by 2025, more than half the planet.
5G technology should improve connectivity in underserved rural areas and in cities where demand can outstrip today's capacity with 4G technology. New 5G networks will also have a dense, distributed-access architecture that will speed up data processing.
5G is the next step in mobile networks. Soon, it may change the way we think about the internet: from a useful and entertaining tool, to a framework that connects everything around us. A technology that you thought of as merely helping your cell phone will soon have a greater impact on your digital life.
How will 5G affect you?
The average consumer uses close to 11 GB of data per month on their smartphone. Mobile videos are experiencing explosive traffic growth as they increasingly become a primary source of media and entertainment. Always-connected user experiences and cloud computing are also experiencing massive growth.
5G is designed to do a variety of things that can transform our lives, including giving us faster download speeds, low latency, and more capacity and connectivity for billions of devices — especially in the areas of virtual reality (VR), the IoT, and artificial intelligence (AI).
For example, with 5G, you can access new and improved experiences including near-instant access to cloud services, multiplayer cloud gaming, shopping with augmented reality, and real-time video translation and collaboration, and more.
5G can also change home internet service by providing a wireless modem alternative to existing wires. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can now serve customers using 5G infrastructure — making the coverage, performance and deployment flexibility of 5G a compelling backhaul alternative to fiber, DSL or cabled solutions.
What’s the difference between 5G Internet and Fiber Optic Internet?
5G internet and fiber optic internet are both high-speed internet options, but they use different technologies and have difference strengths and weaknesses.
5G internet is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to transmit data between devices and cell towers. It offers faster speed and lower latency than previous generations of wireless technology, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we use the internet. With 5G, you can download large files, stream high-definition video, and play online games with minimal lag. It also has the advantage of being mobile, so you can access the internet on the go. However, 5G coverage is still limited in many areas, and the signal can be disrupted by obstacles like buildings and trees.
Fiber optic internet, on the other hand, uses fiber optic wires to transmit data. This wiring uses light to transmit data, which allows for much faster speeds than traditional copper cables. Fiber optic internet can offer speeds as high as 25 gigabits per second, which is much faster than most 5G networks.
Fiber optic internet also tends to be more reliable than wireless internet because the wiring is not affected by weather or other environmental factors. However, fiber optic internet requires the physical infrastructure of a network, which means it may not be available in all areas, and it can be more expensive to install and maintain.
So, 5G internet is a wireless technology that offers fast speeds and mobile connectivity, while fiber optic internet offers faster speeds and greater reliability, but requires physical infrastructure. Which one is better depends on your specific needs and location.
What are the Pros & Cons of 5G Internet?
While there are many advantages to this new technology, there are also some downsides that need to be considered. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of 5G internet to help you understand what you can expect from this new technology.
The pros of 5G internet are…
● Faster speeds than previous wireless technologies
● Lower latency than 4G, which means less delay in transmitting data
● Improved connectivity between multiple devices simultaneously
● Enhanced mobile internet experience, including faster speeds, smooth streaming and lag-free gaming
The cons of 5G internet are…
● Limited coverage since 5G networks aren’t available in all areas, and can be spotty in some locations
● Expensive infrastructure in new cell towers and equipment
● Signal interference from trees, buildings, and other obstacles
● Security concerns over the potential for cyberattacks and data breaches
Conclusion
Overall, 5G internet has the potential to revolutionize the way we use the internet, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, as the technology continues to develop and become more widely available.
Therefore, existing internet technology, such as fiber optic internet, will continue to be a more dependable option for most homes and businesses. It’s fast, reliable and widely available in not only densely populated areas, but many rural areas as well.
Chattanooga, Tennessee boasts the first-ever, community-wide 25 Gig network. EPB Fiber Optics, a local electric utility that also sells fiber optic internet and communications solutions, delivers the world’s fastest internet with speeds up to 25 Gigs available to every home and business.
EPB’s Fi-Speed Internet features equal upload and download speeds, when most providers skimp on upload speeds compared to their advertised download speeds. This symmetrical speed internet makes for faster data transfers, smooth video streaming and lag-free gaming. EPB also provides unlimited bandwidth with no data caps or added fees so you can use as much bandwidth as you need at no additional charge.
Learn more at EPB.com.
