5G is finally becoming a reality. It has already started and is expanding in all US states and its global spread is expected in 2020. Unlike the 4G known to most of us, 5G features are more upgraded.
What is 5G?
Before we explain how 5G works, we need to explain what 5G is. 5G is the next generation of mobile broadband, which will replace or at least increase 4G LTE connectivity. With 5G, you see the very fast download and download speeds. The delay or time required to communicate with wireless networks will be drastically reduced.
How does it work;
Unlike LTE, 5G operates in three different bandwidth zones. While this may not seem important, it will have a dramatic effect on your daily use. The low bandwidth can also be described as a spectrum below 1 GHz. The low bandwidth range offers a large coverage area and wall penetration. Top data speeds will exceed 100Mbps.
Procedure
T-Mobile is the protagonist when it comes to the low-frequency spectrum. The carrier has amassed a huge 600MHz range at an auction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2017 and is using it to quickly build its national 5G network.
The medium bandwidth provides faster speeds and lower latency. However, it fails to penetrate buildings as effectively as a low bandwidth spectrum. Maximum speeds of up to 1Gbps are expected in the mid-range range.
Sprint has the majority of the unused mid-range in the United States. The carrier uses Massive MIMO to improve penetration and coverage area in the middle zone. MIMO bulk groups group multiple antennas into a single box, and into a single hive tower.
These antennas are designed to create multiple simultaneous beams on different users. Sprint will also use Beamforming to enhance the 5G service in the middle zone. This sends a single focused signal to each user. The systems that use it monitor every user to make sure they have a consistent signal.
High-frequency spectrum
The high-frequency range is the one that offers the highest performance for 5G, but with great weaknesses. It is often referred to as mmWave. The high-frequency range can offer top speeds of up to 10Gbps and has extremely low latency. The main disadvantage of the high zone is that it has a low coverage area and the penetration of the building is poor.
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are releasing the full range of high frequencies. 5G coverage for carriers will be withdrawn by LTE while they work to build national networks. Since high-frequency spectrum sacrifices create penetration and coverage area for high speed, they will rely on many small cells. These are low consumption base stations that cover small geographical areas and can be combined with Beamforming to enhance coverage.
