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What is 5G? Is true 5G speed still a dream? Mobile network technology began a humble journey with G. G network provided the call and message facilities on mobile devices. With 2G network, mobile devices were connected to internet. 3G network boosted the mobile internet speed to the extent that we were able to see videos on internet. And with 4G network live television show streaming could be experienced in mobile devices. But so far we have been experiencing internet in our mobile devices but could never truly apply internet in our lives. With 5G network the era of application of internet begins.
So what is 5G? 5G network is the fifth generation of mobile network technology. With 5G it is believed that we could reach a speed of upto gigabits per second (Gbit/s) and a latency of 1/4 th of a millisecond. To put this in perspective, human eye perception time is 13 millisecond. So the perception in 5G network can be said to be almost instantaneous. Perhaps more than the speed, the immense reduction in latency time is what makes the application of internet possible through 5G network.
So what can be done with such high 5G speed? Firstly, application in medical surgery. The greatest problem in today's world regarding remote surgery is the feedback from the surgery machine. However with 5G network speed and reduced latency time, the feedback would be instantaneous, so a surgeon sitting in a remote location will be able to perform the operation in real time and with greater accuracy. This would really be helpful to patients living in remote areas because they will be able to benefit from the expertise of renowned surgeons. Secondly, agriculture will also benefit from this. The sensors will be able to sense the conditions of the soil and the environment in real time and accordingly provide the necessary corrective actions. Thirdly, the potential of internet of things (IOT) wouldn't be fully realised without a fast mobile network like 5G network. And the list of applications can go on and on.
So why true 5G speed is still a dream? To understand this, we have to understand the different 5G network types that would be available. Firstly, low band 5G network has a speed just little bit more than current 4G network. It works in the frequency range of 600 to 700 MHz and with speeds of 30-250 megabits per second (Mbit/s). It has a latency time of 1 millisecond. Secondly, mid band 5G network has a frequency range of 2.5 to 3.7 GHz and with speeds of 100 to 900 Mbit/s. It has a latency time of 1/2 millisecond. High band 5G network has a frequency range of 25 to 39 GHz and with speeds in gigabits per second (Gbit/s). It has a latency time of 1/4 millisecond. It is also known as mm waves. The problem of mm waves is its range is small, it works in line of sight, get obstructed by walls, trees, etc, and is very costly. And this mm waves is what will make application of internet possible and give the real feel of 5G speed.
Due to all these problems associated with high band 5G network, it will only be available in high density urban areas initially. So universal experience of true 5G network speed would take time.
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