What is 5G? | CNBC Explains

Summary

5G, the next-gen mobile network, promises a 100x capacity boost over 4G, drastically cutting download times and enhancing response speeds from 50ms to 1ms. It's poised to revolutionize the Internet of Things, offering personalized network slices for tailored experiences. Despite its potential, widespread adoption faces challenges like high costs and infrastructure overhauls. Countries like China are aggressively pursuing 5G, while the West may see a slower, more competitive rollout.

Takeaways

• 📶 4G is the current mobile network used globally for communication and internet access.
• 🚀 5G is the upcoming generation of mobile networks, promising faster speeds and the potential to revolutionize the internet.
• 🌐 5G operates on a software-defined network, which could reduce the reliance on physical cables by leveraging cloud technology.
• 🔋 5G is expected to have 100 times the capacity of 4G, significantly enhancing internet speed and reducing download times.
• ⏱️ 5G will offer much faster response times, approximately one millisecond, compared to 4G's 50 milliseconds.
• 🚗 The reduced latency of 5G is crucial for technologies like self-driving cars that require real-time data processing.
• 🌟 5G is anticipated to be a key enabler for the Internet of Things (IoT), supporting the growth and connectivity of various devices by 2025.
• 🎮 Network slicing, a feature of 5G, allows for the creation of customized networks tailored to specific user needs, like gaming or social media browsing.
• 💼 5G has the potential to benefit businesses by providing personalized and scalable network solutions, especially during high-demand events.
• 🌎 The widespread adoption of 5G faces challenges such as high costs and the need for new infrastructure, which may lead to varied deployment timelines across regions.
• 🏦 Some countries, like China, are taking a more coordinated approach to 5G, which could give them an edge in technology leadership and production.

Q & A

What is 4G used for globally?

4G is used globally for making calls, sending messages, and surfing the web.

What is the main difference between 4G and 5G networks?

5G is a software-defined network that operates largely on the cloud, offering 100x better capacity and dramatically improved internet speeds compared to 4G.

How much faster is 5G expected to be in terms of downloading a two-hour film?

On 5G, a two-hour film can be downloaded in just over three and a half seconds, which is significantly faster than the 6 minutes it takes on 4G.

What is the improvement in response times with 5G compared to 4G?

5G will have response times around one millisecond, which is 400 times faster than the 4G network's response time of just under 50 milliseconds.

How does 5G enhance the functionality of self-driving cars?

5G provides a continuous stream of data to self-driving cars, allowing for quicker information delivery, which improves their performance and safety.

What is the potential impact of 5G on the Internet of Things by 2025?

5G could become the connective tissue for the Internet of Things, linking and controlling devices such as robots, medical devices, industrial equipment, and agriculture machinery, with the industry set to grow threefold by 2025.

What is network slicing, and how does it personalize the web experience?

Network slicing is a technique that creates separate wireless networks on the cloud, allowing users to create bespoke networks tailored to their specific needs, such as faster response times for gamers or data capacity for social media users.

How can businesses benefit from 5G during large events?

During large events, 5G allows organizers to pay for an increased slice of the network, boosting internet capacity and improving visitors' online experiences, especially in data-heavy situations.

What are some of the challenges faced by the mainstream adoption of 5G?

The mainstream adoption of 5G faces challenges such as high costs, the need for new infrastructure, and the potential for network operators to overhaul their current business models.

How are countries like China approaching the deployment of 5G?

Countries like China are taking a more coherent approach to 5G deployment, with government, operators, and companies like Huawei and ZTE launching large-scale trials, positioning them at the forefront of equipment production for the new technology.

What is the predicted timeline for 5G adoption in the West?

The West is expected to adopt 5G more gradually, with key industrial zones likely to adopt the technology quickly, while rural areas may have to wait longer. Some analysts predict that by 2025, nearly half of all mobile connections in the U.S. will be 5G.