5G is the next generation of wireless technology. It will bring faster speeds, better performance, and a more reliable service for our mobile devices. The move from 3G to 4G was about faster connections, the evolution and migration to 5G has the potential to connect everything around us to a highly responsive network with ubiquitous coverage.
5G is more than "just a faster network"
5G technology promises to deliver a network that is 100 times faster than our current mobile network connection and 10 times faster than the fastest home broadband service. For example, 5G will enable users to download a high-definition film in under one second as opposed to the 10+ minutes it currently takes on 4G.
But it is not just about speed. 5G also offers greater capacity, allowing thousands of devices in a small area to be connected at the same time.
Supporting new technology
5G will help to enable new technology applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), factory automation, smart cities, big data, self-drive vehicles, drones, virtual reality, and many more to reach their much-hyped potential.
Not just for mobile devices
All of this sounds great for wireless access for 5G mobile devices. However, to enable the increase in 5G data rates for businesses and consumer homes, the continued implementation and expansion of high speed fibre optic networks will need to continue to ensure the potential benefits offered by 5G are delivered.
Supporting the growth of real-time data
The continued growth of the Internet of Things and Big data applications, which rely heavily on real-time data collection, transfer and analysis, will put increasing demand on system-wide data transfer. Fibre optic networks offer unlimited bandwidth potential which will be necessary to support the high bandwidth levels to ensure the data is transferred instantaneously.
5G will increase demand on networks
There are likely to be many more demands made on 5G networks: higher network availability levels, full wireless network coverage (no dead spots), higher bandwidth capabilities - because of an increase in connected devices.
Along with the increasing plethora of personal digital devices, many new devices will connect directly to the network and operate independently. It will be essential that fibre-optic networks reach to all extremes of the 5G network to enable efficient communication and connection of all devices and applications.
Fibre connects localised "small cells"
To achieve the expected performance levels for 5G networks, many more small cells will be needed to eliminate network bottlenecks. Business sites, manufacturing facilities, and stadia may choose to implement their own unique 5G network nodes to handle large amounts of data. Fibre optic networks will be required to connect to the small cells and enable unlimited data transfer.
Fibre can support the extra data that 5G will generate
Optical fibre is the preferred option for 5G because of its scalability, security, and ability to handle the vast amount of data traffic that the 5G network will generate.
Optical fibre solutions from OPT
As the 5G network develops, expands, and migrates to reach its full potential, optical fibre infrastructure solutions will be in much demand. OPT Services can design and produce high-quality fibre optic cable management products and specialist equipment to meet specialist needs and requirements.