In the last few decades, tech has experienced several concurrent revolutions. With each new generation of products, we get stunning features and functionality we previously thought impossible. Something similar can be said for 5G, the latest iteration of mobile networks.
Unlike its predecessors, 5G networks make large data transfers a possibility. They’re crucial for IoT devices, but also any other complex equipment that works in real time. For example, 5G is vital for automatic cars, medical equipment, and geo-location equipment.
In this article, we want to compare the differences between 5G networks and its direct predecessor, 4G. During the 4G era, we saw an introduction of various exciting technologies. At this time, smartphones became a necessity, while we were also in awe of the possibilities that cloud and IoT provide.
Unfortunately, as the 2010s went on, it became painfully obvious that 4G networks are not up to snuff. They simply couldn’t support fast speed or provide high cell density. As a result, we had to think of coming up with something fresh in the form of 5G network architecture.
4G Network Basics
As mentioned, 4G is the direct predecessor of the 5G technology and the 4th generation of mobile telecommunication networks. It relies on a simple system of antennas to transmit radio frequencies over large distances. As such, it is a crucial enables of mobile devices as they’re trying to connect to local and global networks.
Back in the 2010s, 4G was seen as extremely sophisticated technology. It provided users with enhanced VoIP capabilities, boosted cell density, and improved bandwidth. Most importantly, it was more than adequate for the contemporary devices.
With 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution), we also set the basis for the creation of 5G technology. The great thing about 4G networks is that they allow all sorts of mobile traffic, which wasn’t the case with the previous iterations.
5G Network Basics
5G is an incredibly flexible technology that supports various devices, capabilities, and features. You can use it for OFDM (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing), network slicing, and transferring large data files over long distances.
It is also vital for BSF or Binding Support Function (click on the following link to learn more about BSF). 5G tech introduced 5G New Radio, a new standard that will substitute the existing LTE. The best thing about this particular function is that it will take the best out of existing 4G LTE and build upon it. For example, it will enhance its energy savings and connectivity.
It’s worth noting that the 5G operates on a mmWave or millimeter wave. This is a new high-frequency spectrum that works on 30 GHz to 300 GHz wavelength. When compared to 6 GHz LTE wavelength, this is a major step forward in terms of power.
Comparing 5G and 4G Features
There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to 4G’s and 5G’s differences and similarities. Here’s a breakdown of the networks’ most important features and how they stack against each other:
- Latency
The main thing that separates these two concepts is latency. 5G has an incredibly low latency of below 5 milliseconds, providing almost real-time connectivity and updates for the devices within the network. On the other hand, 4G goes from 60 ms to 98 ms, which is still great but not enough for the needs of modern software and hardware.
- Download Speed
5G networks made a major leap in terms of download speed when compared to 4G tech. To understand the difference, all you need to know is that 4G provides a download speed of around 1 Gbps, while 5G networks are looking to increase that number by at least ten times.
- Call Density
5G networks rely on small-cell technology. This allows them to improve network capacity as well as cell density. Back in the day, 4G networks tried to do something similar, although the technology of the time simply wasn’t advanced enough.
In theory, due to enhanced density, 5G networks can support many more devices and users, making them ideal for IoT hardware. People within the network can enjoy faster transfer of data and real-time updates. Unfortunately, practice is a completely different thing, as 5G falls short with certain features.
- Base Stations
Another major difference between the two technologies comes in the form of infrastructure. 4G networks rely on cell towers to transmit signals over large surfaces. On the other hand, 5G is dependent on small cell tech, which takes barely any space. Nevertheless, 5G also utilizes cell towers for its low-frequency spectrums.
- OFDM Encoding
By relying on OFDM technology, we’re able to split wireless signals into numerous channels. We do so to avoid potential interferences with the signal while achieving greater bandwidth.
Given that OFDM relies on different frequencies for its encoding process, we gain more download speed in return. The thing that sets these networks apart is the fact they rely on their own signal channels instead of using a shared channel. 5G uses channels that go from 100 MHz to 800 MHz, while 4G networks use channels of up to 20 MHz.
Practical Uses
4G brought a real revolution in its time. It allowed us to stream videos and music on the go without relying on desktop computers and home networks. 5G networks took things a bit further, allowing real-time broadcasting without any loss of data. Furthermore, 5G is touted as a technology that allows the use of just about any device.
For example, even a smartwatch can rely on this type of network, providing user internet access while using minimal energy in the process. 5G can also utilized in robots, as it provides superior connection, both in terms of speed and reliability. This will be vital going forward, as we’ll see more and more interconnected devices, each with its own set of requirements.
Whatever the case, 5G was the necessary upgrade over 4G. It makes the use of modern technology possible while also enhancing the performance of old computers and devices.