With the growing advancements in wireless technology especially mobile communication, we are getting a lot more options in cellular networks with high data rates using 4G system architecture. 4G already has data rate as high as 10G bps which makes it useful for broad data-centric applications. But still, it cannot handle applications like IoT, virtual reality, 3D gaming. So a new technological epoch of the 5G system has evolved, which provides data rates up to 20Gbps, low latency, and high connectivity.
World with 5G technology
5G is not an evolved version of 4G but a new design architecture and approach which can replace any shortcomings of 4G systems. The breakthrough in 5G technology makes it possible to connect the whole world in a real-time. The 5G revolution will change the current scenario of the mobile ecosystem with new realms by making unknown innovations possible like remote surgery, self-driving cars, the precision of satellite communication, advanced IoT, digitized logistics. 5G is the next generation of a wireless system that has the flexibility to adopt future services that are unknown today. The emergence of the 5G network creates new user’s experience by immersing the latest technology for VR and AR, uniform data rate, and providing wide range coverage with greater bandwidth.
Technologies like Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), network slicing, beamforming, and network function virtualization (NFV) are some of the important phase approach to new 5G network deployment.
5G at Global level
The 5G deployment will change the way of communication from the drawing board to virtual reality in no time. The new 5G development cycle operators and industries are in emerging trends that will lead to the collective realization of expedited 5G network deployment service and standardization.
India’s telecom company Bharti Airtel has successfully conducted a 5G test in collaboration with the Chinese telecom firm Huawei under a test setup. Many Indian telecom giants are collaborating with different companies to launch 5G such as JIO with Samsung, Airtel with Huawei and Nokia, Vodafone-Idea with Ericson and, BSNL with Nokia.
Challenges with 5G network
The fundamental architecture of 5G makes its deployment complex and multi-layered endeavor that can only be accomplished by public and private networks in aggregate across the globe. The biggest hurdle in 5G deployment is hardware infrastructure. Unlike 4G, 5G requires a complete overhaul of all the hardware architecture such as base station, mobile, routing, and switching protocols. This requires heavy investment and capital infusion along with skilled engineers with subject knowledge and experience.
A common misconception among people without any wireless background is “5G network are hazardous” but this is a hoax theory. German-based scientific body confirms international commission on non-ionizing ration Protection (ICNIRP) has published guidelines for millimeter waves of 5G. They have given all set of protection guidelines when the body is exposed to radiation from 100 kHz to 300GHz. Also, 5G networks radiate less power when compared to 4G. This can be understood with a simple example of microwave and mobile. A microwave oven operates on the same frequency as Bluetooth and WiFi of a mobile phone. The only difference is the power radiated. The 5G towers radiate very small power and they cover a small area compared to 4G. 5G systems are still evolving and it will take time to deploy them in the near future.
