What's That Term?: 5G
5G is the next step in cellular technology, bringing with it a new age of faster speeds and converting important technologies to mostly all-software networks. This all sounds great, but what exactly is 5G? In this article, we'll discuss what 5G is, why you might be hearing so much about it, and give our advice on the matter.
What is it?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks. It's a new worldwide wireless standard that has succeeded earlier generations like 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G. It aims to provide more users with faster multi-gigabits per second (Mbps) peak data rates, better latency, greater dependability, bigger network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience. New user experiences and connections between new industries are possible with this enhanced performance and efficiency.
This will make it ideal for applications such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and the internet of things as well as being essential for the development of autonomous vehicles and other advanced transportation technologies.
5G will require completely new infrastructure, and it is expected to be rolled out in more and more stages over the next few years. 5G potentially represents a huge leap forward for mobile technology.
Creators
5G is not owned by any one company or person, but rather by several companies within the mobile industry who are working together to bring it to fruition. Out of these partnering organizations, Qualcomm has had a large hand in creating the various technologies that form 5G and propel the industry forward.
5G OFDM (Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) operates similarly to 4G LTE, yet the new 5G NR air interface can enhance OFDM flexibility and scalability. It is much faster than 4G and with this greater accessibility, more people and devices can utilize 5G for a variety of different needs.
Why you heard it
A recent study showed that the 5G industry could support 22.8 million jobs worldwide, which is more than one job per person in Beijing, China. There are still many applications that have yet to be discovered for 5G technology. In time, we will see what sort of economic impact 5G will have on the world.
Where it's used
In general, there are three main types of connected services that 5G can be used for, including massive IoT systems, enhanced mobile broadband, and mission-critical communications. One of the key features of 5G is that it is designed to be forward compatible, meaning it can support future services that we don't even know about yet.
1. Massive IoT platforms
The fifth-generation cellular network, 5G, is designed to link a large number of embedded sensors in anything from vehicles to buildings through the capacity to scale down in data rates, power, and mobility—offering extremely low-cost connectivity solutions.
2. Enhanced mobile broadband
5G mobile technology can provide new immersive experiences such as VR and AR by allowing for faster, more uniform data rates, lower latency, and lower cost-per-bit.
3. Mission-critical communications
5G will enable new services that can revolutionize industries with ultra-reliable, available, low-latency connections like remote control of vital infrastructure, vehicles, and medical procedures leading to smarter businesses and smart cities.
The monthly average of data consumed by internet users in the same period was 513.8 GB, or over half a terabyte. Video traffic is exploding because mobile phones are increasingly becoming the go-to source for media and entertainment, as well as with the growth of cloud computing and online experiences that stay connected.
5G is not only incredibly fast, but also much more reliable than other data networks. This will have a major impact on businesses by enhancing their efficiency and giving users faster access to information through increased internet connectivity.
Some industries, depending on the sector, may be able to make full use of 5G features, especially those that need high speed, low latency, and network capacity. Smart factories might utilize 5G to operate industrial Ethernet in order to increase manufacturing productivity and precision.
Our Advice
While 5G technology is set to revolutionize the way businesses operate, it is important to know the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating it into your business or using it in general.
With download speeds up to 20 gigabits per second, 5G will make it possible for businesses to transmit massive amounts of data quickly and seamlessly. This will enable companies to stream video and audio content, download large files, and conduct online meetings with no lag time. In addition, 5G will provide a more secure connection and improved cybersecurity. Businesses that adopt 5G technology will be able to operate more efficiently and effectively and will be better equipped to compete in the global economy.
While it has many potential benefits, it also has some drawbacks that businesses should be aware of.
Transitioning Networks
Though 5G devices are able to connect with 3G and 4G networks, moving over from these earlier versions of the network infrastructure can leave your device just as vulnerable to data breaches and other security threats that it was created to fix.
Without taking the right precautions, organizations that implement 5G technology can actually open themselves up to more cyber security threats than before. Even after 5G is widely available to the public, we will still need to use 4G networks occasionally as cellular operators improve their 5G infrastructure for more reliable connections.
More devices means more opportunity
5G networks are expected to be much more interconnected than previous generations of wireless technology, which could leave businesses and consumers vulnerable to cyberattacks. The more devices you have on a network, the more chances hackers and cybercriminals have to break through and steal valuable information.
Software-driven networks
5G will switch from a hardware system to that of software. Hardware-based networks are more secure because they use on-premises equipment that can only be accessed in person. If you manage your network with software programs, remote hackers could access your system from anywhere in the world.
Overall, while 5G has many benefits that will change how we operate moving forward, its drawbacks are things businesses should be aware of before diving into integrating 5G.
How to protect against these
There's never been a greater need for organizations to invest in cybersecurity. It's more essential than ever to proactively invest in IT security and risk management, as businesses face an increasingly complex IT environment. With cyber attacks not subsiding any time soon, small and medium-sized enterprises that lack the resources or capacity for their own IT team need to be able to combat hackers.
If you're one of the many who rely on IoT security devices and cloud technology, it's important that your cybersecurity strategy is up to par. New risks come with 5G devices integrated into your existing infrastructure, so take steps now to defend against future threats.
Using AI programs can also be beneficial for making a transition to 5G. By configuring algorithms to operate “on the edge” or directly within your IoT applications, you can enable these smart devices to make decisions faster and compute in real time.
To protect your corporate data and sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands, you must create stringent BYOD policies. You can better safeguard your company's information by doing so.
As 5G technology rolls out, companies need to be prepared for the influx of new attacks that will target not just our devices but also our critical infrastructure. It’s more important than ever that businesses invest in robust cybersecurity solutions and train their employees on how to stay safe online. 5G may bring great benefits to society, but we mustn’t forget the dangers it poses to our digital security.
If you feel like you need assistance with implementing new technologies or adapting to stay ahead, contact Kotman Technology today.
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