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5G, the next generation wireless technology

5G is the newest form of wireless technology. It stands for fifth generation. It is 10 times faster than the previous generation, 4G (LTE). holds a much more promising future. This allows for much quicker and faster download speed, and many more device connectivity. A whole game, that usually takes an hour using 4G, can be downloaded in seconds using 5G. Almost every device in our life starting from toothbrush to car is becoming smart. With 5G devices can communicate with each other a lot more efficiently. Due to faster response it considered as godsend connectivity solution to robotics. Currently the major challenge is implementation of 5G infrastructure. Now, 5G is not accessible in most places. Even when we can access, it only appears when you are in one exact spot. Most of the 5G we have access today is the slower version of 5G.

How 5G Works

Standard wireless communication works by using the electromagnetic waves. These waves are from the right part of the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves are also called as microwaves. Microwaves are contained in the right half of the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum contains all waves, arranged from high to low frequencies, left to right. The left contains the harmful stuff like UV rays. The lower the frequency of the microwave, the less powerful it is. The closer to the left side of the spectrum the stronger the power of the waves. Standard 4G LTE wifi frequency is about 2 – 8 GHz. 3G the older version is even lower than that at about 1.8 – 2.5 GHz. However, 5G is a lot more powerful than those two outdated versions. Its frequency is anywhere from 25 GHz, all the way up to 39 GHz. The only problem is the higher the frequency, the harder it is to make it go farther. The signal goes through an obstacle rather than over or around it, in the process losing its energy. This means it is incredibly hard to implement 5G, as it can travel only short distance. It requires signal boost with an amplifier or node at the end of say about every city block. It takes time to put such infrastructure for 5G. That is why most networks like Verizon and AT&T use a lower frequency version of 5G. It is much slower than the ultra-fast 5G. It is referred as 5GE.

Home of the Future

In my recent video blog, I talked about an electrical engineer, Grant Imahara, the Mythbusters fame, who unfortunately recently succumbed to brain aneurysm. I was discussing some of his projects and inventions. One such project is called the home of the future. In this home he used state of the art technologies to make it as modern as possible. However the one thing that I want to talk about is how he used 5G technology. He setup a system of 5G transmitters and amplifiers inside the home to help to create the fastest home connectivity possible. He used the 5G technology to connect all of the devices and made every single device in the home communicate with each other. For example, the refrigerator can send you a text when you are out of an ingredient and so on. He used 5G to create the most seamless experience possible. There was no buffering, everything was lightning quick.

At present, 5G is not rolled out in most of the places. However, I can assure you that when 5G is ready, the future is going to be fast and furious. What do you think?