So far, with technologies like 4G, we have mostly imagined connectivity as human-to-human, or human to the internet. But, with 5G, that will no longer be enough. The next natural evolution of connectivity is to not only connect everyday machines and devices to humans but machines to other machines. In fact, the entire promise behind 5G lies in connecting our entire environment with each other! With the number of connected devices globally set to triple by 2030 to 25.4 billion, terms like Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence will no longer be just fanciful connotations of what will happen in the future. All these amazing experiences will be unlocked on the back of 5G.

 According to 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 5G delivers value by enhancing three major applications : 

1. Enhanced mobile broadband (EMBB) – Faster data rates, wider network coverage areas, enhanced ultra-HD video streaming 

2. Ultrareliable, low latency communication (URLLC) – Increased communication speed and quality in critical functions such as robots and drones.

4G vs 5G-



For starters, think of 5G as not the natural evolution of 4G but a new, more advanced technology itself. While earlier generations used cell towers to transmit signals, 5G will use small cell technology. This means that carriers will deploy high band 5G smalls cells in multiple locations. Additionally, as part of its OFDM coding, 5G technology is built to use 100 to 800 MHz channels instead of 4G’s 20 MHz. Remember, the higher the channels, the more the download speed. Thus, 5G is 20 times faster than the previous generation, has much lower latency and tremendously improved reliability. It allows a higher number of users to connect simultaneously, while lower latency will ensure greater download speed.

Bandwidth-
4G- 200 mbps
5G- 1 gbps

Download Speed-
4G- 1 gbps
5G -10 gbps

Latency 
4G- 60-90ms 
5G- 1ms

Base Station 
4G- Cell towers 
5G- Small cells 

OFDM Coding 
4G- 20MHZ channels 
5G- 100-800 MHZ channels