5G, as you may well know it in networks stands for Fifth Generation of mobile networks. 5G or 4G may sound familiar if you use your mobile phone or internet a lot. In describing cellular connectivity, we refer to the overall technology, speed, frequency and system in numeric generations such as GPRS, Edge, 2G,3G, 4G and now 5G. These generations have evolved over time and each one has unique technologies that define them.

What 5G and 4G Networks Are

5G Networks

The latest generation which is 5G technology, brings bigger channels for faster speeds, lower latency and the ability to connect a lot of devices at once. As the world becomes more connected with wireless technology showing no signs of slowing, the need for 5G is has now become of utmost important, especially by companies that depend largely on data or internet.

5G is nothing new but a mobile technology almost similar to 4G. 5G is developed and conceptualized with a range of collaborations of standard organizations that are spanning across the world. The 5G network can work anywhere across all kinds of products across the globe. The group of organizations that are responsible for 5G is called the 3rd Generation partnership project.

4G Networks

4G network is the predecessor for the 5G network and the differences are pretty obvious that 5G is a better version of the 4G. But currently, 5G networks are just starting to have an impact around the world. 5G devices are growing in number as networks become more readily available.

However, a lot of these networks rely on 4G for assistance. At the beginning, 5G networks used 4G to establish their initial connections. We are beginning to move to “standalone” networks (without 4G) but there can be issues with connectivity.

On top of this, demand for 4G continues to rise. As 2G and 3G services come to an end, many are looking to 4G LTE networks as the replacement. 5G coverage is not widely available at the moment, especially in rural areas, so 4G is the best choice for a lot of consumers as at now.

Pros and Cons of 5G Networks

Many carriers are weighing up the pros and cons of having a standalone 5G network or one that integrates both 4G and 5G seamlessly. Standalone 5G seems like the next step for the future of mobile networks, but we are not there yet.

Pros of 5G network

• High speed

This is pretty obvious, the 5G network definitely works faster on mobile phones and on all devices compared with the 4G network. Download speeds will have a boost and download times comes from minutes to seconds. Just like 4G, The 5G network also uses the millimeter-wave band paired with an advanced radio technology expected to be 100 times faster than the (4G) networks with transmission speed up to 10 Gbps.

• Increased capacity

Since the 5G network uses more spectrum, it allows connection with a greater number of devices, a 100 times increase in traffic capacity,.The 5G network has a capacity to deliver 100 times more speed when compared to a 4G network. It can help companies to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi wireless networks which could help them in better performance and capacity.

• Low latency

Latency refers to the time interval between receiving an order and executing the order. With this feature improved, the 5G network can support new technologies like artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and virtual reality efficiently because of its low latency when compared to 4G networks. The delay time for 5G networks is around 4–5 millisecond(ms) and can be reduced to 1 ms, i.e, 10 times less than the latency of 4G

• More bandwidth

Another main advantage of the 5G network is its higher bandwidth which can help transfer data as soon as possible. Moreover, mobile phone users will have a faster connection with more bandwidth after switching to the 5G network.

Cons of 5G network

• Higher Cost

Implementing 5G technology requires the replacement of existing mobile infrastructures that are not compatible with 5G technology. This inevitably leads to increased cost in terms of money and time.

Due to its intricate nature, it demands a large number of skilled workers to maintain a proper connection, adding up to the cost factor.

• Limited Global coverage

in comparing 5G vs 4G, the main disadvantage of the 5G network is its limited Global coverage and its availability only in specific locations. Only cities might benefit from the 5G network at the start. Because a lot of infrastructures have to be laid across the country remote areas may not get the coverage in the initial years. The expenditure for setting towers is relatively high when compared with any other network.

• Lack of encryption in the connection process

The 5G network lacks proper encryption and this becomes an advantage for the hacker to play their attack. Efforts are being taken to improve security. However, consumer education is a necessary step for enhancing the security process.

• Decreased broadcast distance

All the 5G network is known for higher speed the traveling distance is low when compared with 4G. Tall buildings and trees may become a hindrance to the frequency of the 5G network which would result in a lot of problems. To tackle the problem, more towers should be installed and this requires a lot of time and expenditure.

• Weakened device batteries

Manufacturers have to invest in new battery technology to protect the damages to battery caused by the 5G networks. Since its a new revolution, it may not yet be fully compatible with the infrastructure that currently exists. Mobile phones that are equipped with a 5G connection will have a battery drain that can reduce the lifespan of the phone.

Take Away on 5G vs 4G Networks

Considering all the points indicated above, it is pretty obvious that 5G technology is still under progress, overcoming obstacles, improving and enhancing itself to suit human requirements, and formulating better plans for its establishment and utilization. Hence some 5G Cons listed here may be resolved in the near future especially the technically points.