A review of Fifth Generation Networks (5G)

— Anthoneal Knight

What is 5G?

Rouse (2020) defines Fifth generation wireless (5G) as the most recent cellular technology existing with the main function being to increase the speed of wireless networks.  This network facilitates the transmission of data over a wireless broadband multigigabit speeds estimated as high as 20 gigabits per second.  5G networks will gradually be installed in stages. Its introduction is expected to positively impact the introduction of new applications and devices.

Advantages:

Greater speed in transmissions

As a result of higher data transmission speeds files will be accessed in significantly shorter times and applications to be accessed remotely will appear as if being accessed directly.

Lower latency

In 5G the wait time will be ten times less than in 4G, being able to perform remote actions in real time.

Greater number of connected devices

With 5G the number of devices that can be connected to the network increases greatly, it will go to millionaire scale per square kilometer. All connected devices will have access to instant connections to the internet, which in real time will exchange information with each other. This will favor the IOT.

It is anticipated that a common home will have a hundred connected devices sending and receiving information in real time. If we think of industrial plants we would speak of thousands of connected devices.

 Network slicing

The 5G also allows to implement virtual networks (network slicing), create subnets, in order to provide connectivity more adjusted to specific needs.

The creation of subnetworks will give specific characteristics to a part of the network, being a programmable network and will allow to prioritize connections, as could be the emergencies in front of other users, applying for example different latencies or prioritizing them in the connection to the network so that they can’t be affected by possible overloads of the mobile network. IOTSWC (2019)  

Disadvantages:

Old devices will need to be replaced as they cannot be configured to connect to 5G networks.

5G coverage is limited to narrowly defined areas in specific cities. As a rule, the carriers will be expanding their network in areas with the greatest population. If you live or work in certain areas of big cities, you will most likely be the first to benefit from the 5G technology. For everyone else, especially in remote areas, it will be some time before it arrives. Carriers are more likely to spend their network upgrade dollars where the greatest number of their users reside or work.

Battery drain/heat: Phones running on 5G will experience a huge battery drain. Better battery technology will be needed if the object is to run your phone a full day on a single charge running a 5G connection. Users are also reporting that phones are almost hot to the touch while running 5G.

When is 5G coming? 

Where is 5G technology in terms of roll-out, standardization, and how long will this take?

End of October 2019, 50 mobile operators have launched commercial 5G services in 27 countries across all continents.

ITU-R launched “IMT for 2020 and beyond” in 2012, setting the stage for 5G.

Japan and Korea started to work on 5G requirements in 2013.

NTT Docomo did the first 5G experimental trials in 2014.

Samsung, Huawei, and Ericsson started prototype development in 2013.

South Korean SK Telecom demoed 5G in 2018 at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

Ericsson and TeliaSonera made commercial services available in Stockholm and Tallinn in 2018.

North America 5G is available in some locations in 2019. It won’t take off in most areas until 2020.

In the US, more precisely, AT&T is announcing nationwide coverage in the first half of 2020. Verizon 5G was the first carrier to roll out 5G. 

Deutsche Telekom started 5G in Berlin, Darmstadt, Munich, Bonn, and Cologne in Sept 2019.

In the UK, many cities will see 5G in 2019 and more in 2020. EE, Vodaphone, and O2 are actively deploying 5G since mid-2019.

India is targeting 2020 for 5G roll-out

Japan’s target is to launch 5G for the 2020 Tokyo summer Olympics.

China Unicom has set up 5G in a few locations in 2019. 460 million 5G connections are expected by GMSA in China by 2025.

More resource: 5G availability around the world as of January 2020. 

References:

IOTSWC (2019) ADVANTAGES OF 5G AND HOW WILL BENEFIT IOT Retrieved from:https://www.iotsworldcongress.com/advantatges-of-5g-and-how-will-benefit-iot/

Introducing 5G technology and networks (definition, use cases and rollout) Retrieved from: https://www.gemalto.com/mobile/inspired/5G

Margaret Rouse(2020)Introduction to 5G: Your guide to fifth-generation wirelessRetrieved from: https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/5G