5G is the next generation of wireless technology that promises faster connection speeds and greater capacity than 4G. 5G technology also has the potential to create new opportunities for the Internet of Things, smart cities, and more, but that’s not the only thing it can do. It will also raise new safety and privacy concerns related to this new wireless technology. 5G technology will be significantly different than 4G.
What is 5G Technology?
First, let’s look at what 5G technology actually is. “5G” is short for the fifth generation of wireless technology. It’s the evolution of 4G LTE (mobile data communication technology). 5G’s new wireless technology will use much higher frequencies (known as millimeter wave technology) to provide much faster connection speeds. This is why 5G technology is called 5G. But 5G is also known as 5G New Radio (NR) technology because it is the fifth generation of radio technology. This is used for wireless devices, like smartphones and tablets, but this time on a wider scale. In contrast to 4G technology, 5G works across a wider frequency spectrum, reaching greater capacity across longer distances.
5G and the Internet of Things
The internet of things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we manage our physical environments and interact with the world around us. If you have a Fitbit or another fitness tracker. You’ve likely seen that device on the wrist of your significant other, friend, or family member. IoT technology is also taking root in our cars. Today, many cars, from Subaru to Mercedes-Benz, provide turn-by-turn directions on smart displays or displays embedded in the dashboard. Drones are also getting smarter, with many manufacturers adding features like built-in drones, improved voice control, and better crash detection. Using drones for search-and-rescue missions, delivery, and more is also becoming more common.
5G and the Smart City
5G technology is still in its infancy, but it is clear that it will revolutionize how people live their lives, from the way they communicate and interact with one another to the way they work and experience their communities. By far, the biggest benefit of 5G is the speed at which it can deliver service. 5G wireless technology delivers up to 1-1.6 gigabits per second of data transfer speeds. With that speed, users are able to do things like download a full HD movie in less than six seconds. 5G wireless technology will enable smarter cities where there will be many fewer connections between devices. This would be a great relief from the crowded and overloaded cities that we live in today.
5G Technology Safety
A number of safety issues have been raised by researchers and government agencies. The National Transportation Safety Board has raised safety concerns with the emerging 5G technology. Earlier in May 2017, the NTSB released a safety assessment stating that “… the 4G LTE networks that LTE-Advanced is replacing do not allow the near real-time monitoring of vehicle location and performance in all operational conditions. The ability to enhance the performance of collision avoidance systems limits by the need for intrusion into the vehicle cabin to allow the signals to send and receive. There is no capability to determine the position of a vehicle relative to other vehicles in its coverage area, and the capability to prevent vehicular collisions is limited.
5G Privacy
Privacy is an issue that is increasingly important to consumers. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is urging consumers to be aware of 5G and to share their concerns about that possibility and the changes they may experience as a result of it. 5G Wi-Fi Privacy: Are You Ready for the 5G Future?. These changes are significant because they will impact each of us differently in various settings. Broadband speeds and affordability will depend on how much 5G equipment we use. How often we use it, and whether or not it collects or transmits data that we don’t want to share. 5G use will affect the way our Internet-connected devices operate and the devices that support them, with all the information they transmit and receive.
Conclusion
In our quick survey, many people were interested in learning more about 5G technology and how it might benefit them. I hope this post has given you a good overview of the types of questions you might have and ways to find answers to them. Whether you’re currently thinking about joining an IT career or whether you’re an IT job seeker. This post is a great starting point for your research.