Q: what is 5G?
Answer: 5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is the new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G networks. 5G is creating a new type of network that is designed to connect almost everyone and everything together, including machines, sensors and devices.
5G wireless technology is designed to deliver maximum peak data rates of multiple Gbps, ultra-low latency, greater reliability, huge network bandwidth, increased availability, and a more consistent user experience for more users.
Q: What are the differences between previous generations of mobile networks and 5G?
A: Previous generations of mobile networks: 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G.
First generation - 1G
1980s: analog voice transmission.
Second generation - 2G
- Developed in the 90s of the last century;
- The most common standards are GSM, D-AMPS and IS-95, which over time has evolved into the more well-known CDMA today;
- Maximum data transfer rate - 10 Kb / s;
- The main purpose is to support voice communication, although the Internet is also present here.
Third generation - 3G
Early 2000s: a mobile data transmission standard (eg CDMA2000). This allowed almost unlimited access to the network at a speed initially of 14 Mbps, and after many updates even up to 28 Mbps. The first 3G network was launched in 2001 in Japan. It was a real revolution, which allowed using the Internet from anywhere in the world (of course, only within 3G coverage).
Along with the development of the 3G network, smartphones flooded the market, which combined the traditional functions of a telephone and a multimedia device, which gave almost unlimited access to the Internet. Today, the 3G network is widely used. However, according to many experts in the telecommunications market, the 3G network was not entirely successful and did not meet the expectations of efficiency and economic viability, due to the expensive installation and maintenance of infrastructure. That is why the next generation quickly took over.
Fourth generation - 4G LTE
The 4th generation mobile network (4G) was first used in 2009 in Scandinavia. This made it possible to transfer data at speeds unattainable for stationary Internet connections - theoretically up to 300 Mbps. In practice, the speed ranges from 10 to 100 megabits per second. Nevertheless, the 4G network provides the fastest and best data transfer quality today.
Often, in the context of 4G networks, the abbreviation LTE is also mentioned. This is the name of the data transmission standard used by 4G networks. It is an abbreviation of the English "Long-Term Evolution" which means "long-term evolution". It is worth emphasizing that 4G LTE is a technology that is still being deployed, with hundreds of new transmitters being installed every year, providing fast mobile internet to more and more recipients.
Q: How does 5G work?
A: Similar to 4G LTE, 5G is also based on OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) and will operate on the same mobile network principles. However, the new 5G NR (New Radio) radio interface drastically improves OFDM, allowing for much greater flexibility and scalability.
5G will not only provide faster and better mobile broadband services than 4G LTE, but will expand service in new areas such as mission-critical communications and super-massive IoT connectivity. This is achieved through new design technologies for the 5G NR radio interface.
Q: How fast does 5G work?
A: 5G technology is designed to provide maximum data rates of up to 20 Gbps in line with IMT-2020 requirements.
But 5G is more than just speed. In addition to higher peak data rates, 5G provides much more network bandwidth through spectrum expansion such as mmWave. 5G also provides much lower latency for faster response times and can create an overall smoother user experience so that data rates remain consistently high even as users move.
Q: Where is 5G used?
A: 5G is used in three main types of connected services:
1) 5G mobile technology can open up new possibilities like VR and AR with faster and more uniform data rates, lower latency and lower cost per bit.
2) 5G can enable the deployment of new services that can transform industries with ultra-reliable, affordable low-latency links such as remote control of critical infrastructure, vehicles and medical procedures.
3) 5G is designed to seamlessly connect a huge number of embedded sensors almost anywhere, with the ability to reduce data rates, power and mobility, providing extremely cost-effective and low-cost connectivity solutions.
Q: Is 5G available now?
A: Global carriers started launching new 5G networks in early 2019. In 2020, many countries are launching nationwide 5G mobile networks. In addition, all major Android phone manufacturers are selling 5G phones.
5G technology has been deployed in over 40 countries around the world. There is a much faster rollout compared to 4G. Consumers are very pleased with the high speeds and low latencies. It is difficult to predict when everyone will have access to 5G, but we are seeing an extremely fast pace of 5G launch in 2019-21.
Q: Is 5G available in Russia?
A: In Russia, 5G technology at the beginning of 2021 did not go beyond the test zones, where it is likely to remain in the next couple of years.
The most ambitious 5G testing program by the Big Four operators is being implemented in Moscow. At the beginning of September 2019, during a demonstration of the operation of the experimental zone in the Tele2 showroom on Tverskaya Street, the deputy head of the Moscow Department of Information Technology (DIT) Alexander Gorbatko said that all operators would launch their test sites by agreement with DIT. In particular, Beeline intends to study the technology in Skolkovo, MTS - at VDNKh and in Gorky Park, MegaFon - in the Moscow City business center and near Moscow State University, and Tele2 provided coverage of Tverskaya Street from the Kremlin to the Garden Ring. The representative of DIT clarified that the “big four” will use the 28 GHz band in all cases.
Q: What awaits us in the near future?
A: 6G is the sixth generation wireless technology for digital cellular networks. 6G will use the upper end of the radio spectrum and support speeds of 1 Tbps or more. This will bring communication latency down to one microsecond - 1,000 times faster than 5G latency.
When to expect 6G to arrive?
Every ten years or so, a new mobile network standard will be in the spotlight. This means 6G could be introduced in the early 2030s, or at least that's when most smartphone makers will be testing 6G.
What are the prospects for 6G?
Augmented / Virtual Reality: Similar to video applications saturated with 4G networks, the proliferation of AR and VR applications will deplete the 5G spectrum and require networks with more than 1 Tbps bandwidth, instead of the only 20 Gbps target defined for 5G. Low (micro-level) 6G latency will provide real-time user experience in immersive environments.
Holographic Telepresence: A 3D holographic display with full parallax, colors and 30 frames per second will require data rates over 4 Tbps and latency less than ms.
E-health: Lack of real-time tactile feedback and high cost are the two main limitations of e-health services. 6G is expected to remove these barriers through remote surgery and healthcare workflow optimization. Ultra-low latency, high reliability, and improved intelligence of 6G technology will provide a tenfold increase in spectral efficiency.
Ubiquitous connectivity: The number of mobile devices is expected to surpass 125 billion by 2030. 6G will connect all of these devices, as well as autonomous vehicles and sensors. However, it needs to be 10 to 100 times more energy efficient than 5G networks to enable inexpensive, scalable deployments with better coverage and low environmental impact.
Robotics and unmanned mobility: Connecting large autonomous transportation systems requires low latency and unprecedented levels of reliability to ensure the safety of passengers even in extremely high mobility environments. In addition, the growing number of sensors on vehicles and drones will require more data. 6G technology can pave the way for these connected systems with advances in software, hardware and new connectivity solutions.
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