In the realm of digital transformation, 5G technology plays a crucial role, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Business leaders must grasp the three types of 5G, each offering specific use cases and capabilities.

5G wireless is segmented into low, mid, and high bands, each supporting a different range of radio frequencies.

• Low-band 5G transmits data on frequencies between 600 and 900 MHz.
• Mid-band 5G operates between 1 and 6 GHz.
• High-band 5G transmits within the range of 24 to 47 GHz.

All major North American carriers, like AT&T, Verizon, and Google, provide all three bands. To delve into the capabilities of each band, it’s essential to understand 5G technology itself, its mechanisms, and why enterprises are keen on its capabilities.

What Exactly is 5G?

5G, the fifth-generation mobile technology, was developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3DPP) in 2018. It sets the standards for devices, such as smartphones, PCs, and tablets, designed to operate on 5G networks.

Unlike previous generations like 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE, 5G operates on radio waves but boasts improved latency and bandwidth, enabling significantly faster upload and download speeds. Some 5G networks can reach download speeds as high as 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), making them ideal for cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and IoT.

In North America alone, more than 200 million homes currently have access to 5G speeds, a number expected to double in the next four years.

How 5G Functions

Similar to other wireless networks, 5G technology functions within distinct geographic cells. Devices like 5G phones, PCs, or IoT sensors connect to the internet within these cells via radio waves. However, with 5G, advancements in technology have enabled much faster speeds.

New RAT Standard

The 5G NR (New Radio) standard, established in 2018 by 3DPP, defines the next generation of radio access technology specifications for all 5G mobile networks. This standard opens up the 5G spectrum above 6 GHz, previously unused by cellular devices.

Network Slicing

Another significant development in the 5G rollout was the introduction of network slicing, enabling telecom providers to deploy independent virtual networks alongside public networks on the same infrastructure. This feature, unique to 5G, enhances user functionality while maintaining a high level of security.

Private Networks

Enterprises leveraging 5G can establish fully private networks with customized security features, providing increased control and mobility for employees across various use cases.

Distinctions Between 5G and Other Networks

5G has garnered praise for its transformative potential across multiple industries due to the higher frequencies it utilizes and its advanced capabilities in transferring large data volumes swiftly. Since the inception of broadband technology in the early 2000s, data generation from wireless devices has risen dramatically. Today, state-of-the-art technologies like AI and ML necessitate substantial data quantities that older networks struggle to support. In contrast, 5G devices are tailored for applications with extensive data needs. Here are some key differences between 5G and its predecessors.

• Smaller Physical Footprint: 5G transmitters are smaller than those in 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE networks, and the smaller cells they cover require less power.
• Improved Error Rates: 5G relies on an adaptive Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) for data transmission, more potent than schemes used in 3G and 4G networks, resulting in significantly lower Block Error Rates (BER).
• Enhanced Bandwidth: With a broader range of radio frequencies, 5G can support more devices simultaneously compared to previous networks.
• Reduced Latency: 5G boasts lower latency, accelerating activities like gaming, file downloads, and cloud operations in comparison to other wireless networks.

Types of 5G Networks

An exploration of the three types of 5G networks is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their connectivity.

Low-band 5G

Operating on frequencies between 600 and 900 MHz, low-band 5G offers speeds notably faster than 4G, making it suitable for users prioritizing reach over speed.

Mid-band 5G

With frequencies ranging from 1 to 6 GHz, mid-band 5G surpasses low-band in speed but falls short of the demands of advanced applications such as AI, ML, and IoT. Connectivity can be hindered by solid structures.

High-band 5G

High-band 5G excels in delivering the blazing speeds essential for futuristic applications like autonomous vehicles and smarter cities. The utilization of millimeter waves (mmWave) technology contributes significantly to its performance.

5G Capabilities and Standards

Beyond its speed, 5G technology offers enhanced safety and reliability, unlocking new features and benefits applicable to various enterprises.

• Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications: URLLC supports instant communication across IoT and other high-demand applications on 5G networks, catering to automation, remote operations, and AR/VR pursuits.
• Enhanced Mobile Broadband: eMBB enhances bandwidth and reduces latency when compared to 4G, boosting data rates and throughput across networks and improving various media services.
• Massive Machine Type Communications: mMTC, designed for IoT applications, enables high-speed, low-latency communication among numerous IoT devices on a single network, ideal for smart transportation, factories, and energy grids.

5G Use Cases

5G, with its speed, low latency, and reliability, is revolutionizing industries, enabling advancements like autonomous vehicles, smart factories, and edge computing.

• Autonomous Vehicles: 5G is pivotal in the development of autonomous vehicles, from taxis to drones, by meeting the high data demands of these innovations.
• Smart Factories: In conjunction with AI, ML, and IoT, 5G is enhancing safety and efficiency in factories through technologies like remote cameras and drone-assisted operations.
• Smart Cities: Leveraging 5G for real-time data analytics, smart cities optimize resources in law enforcement, waste management, and disaster response, among other areas.
• Smart Healthcare: The healthcare sector benefits from 5G with applications like remote surgery, mobile health, and contact tracing, aiding in faster, informed decisions and crisis management.
• Edge Computing: Facilitated by 5G speed and connectivity, edge computing is revolutionizing data processing, with a predicted 75% of enterprise data processed at the edge by 2025.

Empower Your Business with IBM Cloud Satellite for 5G Solutions

To fully harness the potential of 5G, enterprises require a robust platform. IBM Cloud Satellite offers a consistent environment for deploying apps across on-premises, edge computing, and public cloud setups, empowered by secure communication within IBM Cloud.

FAQ

Q: What are the three types of 5G networks?

A: The three types are low-band, mid-band, and high-band, each operating on different frequencies.

Q: How does 5G differ from previous networks?

A: 5G offers lower latency, higher bandwidth, improved error rates, and a smaller physical footprint compared to its predecessors.

Q: What are some notable 5G use cases?

A: 5G is driving advancements in autonomous vehicles, smart factories, smart cities, smart healthcare, and edge computing.