5G: The new mobile network explained
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5G is the latest generation of mobile networks. It promises a faster data transmission, a reliable connection and better coverage, therefore serving as the technological basis for new use cases.
Definition and meaning of the 5G technology
The abbreviation 5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile networks. It is the successor to 4G and brings the following improvements compared to previous generations:
Data is transferred faster
More data is transferred in less time
The response time increases
The latency time decreases
The frequencies used increase
While 2G, 3G and 4G are primarily used for voice communication and the mobile internet, 5G is aimed at broader fields of application, these include autonomous driving, Industry 4.0 and smart cities.
How does 5G work?
5G technology uses the existing 4G infrastructure. In this case, it is referred to as 5G non-standalone (5G NSA), as the network does not yet function independently. The full performance will only be achieved with an independent 5G standalone (SA) network that will require new transmission masts with advanced technology.
The current expansion of the 5G standard
New radio sites were set up for the 5G network architecture and the existing mobile nets were upgraded with small cells, massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output) and macrocells all being used.
Small cells: These small radio cells in lanterns and on buildings only cover a limited area, but transmit a large amount of data. They are used in densely populated areas such as cities and supplement the existing network.
Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Several antennas are attached to a single transmission mast which improves signal transmission and increases network capacity in cities.
Macrocells: The so-called macro sites are large radio cells on the roofs of buildings or free-standing transmission masts. Macrocells strengthen the network in rural areas.
More frequency ranges in the new mobile standard
5G uses low and medium frequencies up to 2 GHz, like the older generations of mobile technologies, whilst newer generations use high frequency ranges between 3 and 4 GHz. In the long term, data is to be transmitted at 24 GHz and higher.
The lower the frequency, the longer the waves, which increases both range and building penetration. However, less data is also transmitted. At high frequencies, the waves are shorter and the amount of data transmitted is higher. However, the range and building penetration is correspondingly smaller.
The 5G standard covers low to high frequencies and serves various needs. Low frequencies up to 1 GHz enable 5G in rural areas and support critical applications such as autonomous driving or telemedicine, which require a stable network connection over long distances. High frequencies from 3 GHz are sufficient for small areas and are ideal for Industry 4.0 or railroad stations. Such applications require a fast and reliable 5G net with a shorter range in limited areas.
Beamforming: Targeted transmission of signals
Conventional antenna masts send signals aimlessly in all directions, whilst masts with beamforming technology direct the radio waves specifically in the direction of certain devices and increase the efficiency of the 5G technology. As a result, more devices can be served simultaneously, the connection can be maintained in heavily frequented areas and data transmission can be adapted to meet demand.
Network slicing: Dividing the 5G net into segments
Demand adjustment is made possible by network slicing, where the technology divides a 5G net into several layers. Each layer can then be tailored to specific requirements as well as use cases and operated in parallel with one another.
An example is the separation of networks for industrial applications and for consumers. One network slice offers low latency and high reliability for autonomous vehicles, while another slice is optimized for streaming video.
The advantages of 5G
The 5G technology achieves data rates of up to 10 gigabits per second, this is around 10 times faster than with 4G. The latency time, i.e. the delay in data transmission, is reduced to less than ten milliseconds. 5G transmits data both via conventional frequency ranges of 2 GHz and via new frequencies between 3.4 and 3.7 GHz.
What does that mean for consumers and businesses?
Large amounts of data: The high data rate means that large amounts of data are transferred faster. Large files and videos are downloaded in just a few seconds.
Low latency: The low latency enables real-time applications, such as autonomous driving and augmented reality, to be operated quickly and reliably.
Fast network coverage: The use of different frequencies allows comprehensive and fast coverage, with 5G able to connect up to 50,000 devices simultaneously without compromising on speed.
Greater bandwidth: 5G simultaneously offers greater bandwidth and data transmission all in less time. Data-intensive applications such as telemedicine also benefit from the higher performance.
Efficient data transmission: 5G uses network slicing to intelligently adapt data transmission to different applications. The network is therefore more energy-efficient than previous generations of mobile communications.
Disadvantages and challenges of the 5G technology
The 5G standard has been continuously expanded since 2019. However, it will be some time before a complete and independent network is available,mainly due to the costs and infrastructure expansion.
High implementation costs: The construction of 5G networks requires considerable investment in new equipment, whilst operation and maintenance are also cost-intensive.
Necessary infrastructure changes: 5G requires denser network coverage and therefore requires more antennas and base stations. Existing networks and devices must be upgraded or replaced in order to be 5G-compatible.
Rural network coverage: The expansion of 5G in rural areas is progressing slowly as the high costs and lower population density make it less profitable for mobile network providers. On top of this, the range of the high 5G frequencies is limited and makes coverage in rural areas more difficult.
Negative environmental impact: The construction of many small radio cells, especially in cities, can increase energy consumption, whilst manufacturing and installing the new infrastructure requires additional resources and can have a negative impact on the environment.
New use cases with 5G
The use of different frequencies and new technologies, such as beamforming and network slicing, makes new applications possible. 5G distinguishes between three areas for different requirements: eMBB, mMTC and uRLLC.
Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
eMBB technology offers extremely high data rates for applications that need to transfer large amounts of data at high speed.
Typical applications for eMBB are:
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): VR and AR both benefit from the high speeds and low latency of the 5G technology that enables smooth and immersive experiences in high quality.
Streaming in 4K and 8K: High-resolution streaming requires high data rates, which can be provided by eMBB.
Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC)
This application area optimizes machine-to-machine communication and connects a large number of low-cost and low-energy devices.
Application examples for mMTC are:
Smart cities: Connected cities use sensors to monitor and control traffic flows, energy consumption and public safety. This enables intelligent traffic control, efficient energy management and improves public safety.
Smart agriculture: In agriculture, sensors monitor soil moisture as well as temperature and automate irrigation systems. This increases productivity and conserves resources.
Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (uRLLC)
The technology supports applications with very low latencies that must not fail.
These include:
Autonomous driving: Vehicles need to communicate with their surroundings in real time. A stable and fast connection is crucial for the safety and efficiency of autonomous transportation systems.
Medical applications: Telemedicine requires reliable and fast data transmission. Important remote operations and patient monitoring can take place in real time.
Risks and security aspects of the 5G technology
5G nets are more complex and extensive than previous generations. This opens up new possibilities for cyber criminals. The high level of networking and the large number of connected devices make it easier to find and exploit vulnerabilities, whilst faulty implementations of network slicing or massive MIMO can also lead to security gaps.
With 5G, large amounts of data are collected and processed which, if not adequately protected, can lead to massive data protection problems. The protection of sensitive information is particularly important in the Internet of Things (IoT).
New security functions of 5G
New protective functions should make the 5G technology significantly more secure than previous generations of mobile standards.
Separate security for individual components
5G components are secured separately and individually protected with new cryptographic solutions where if one component is compromised, the others remain secure. This increases resilience and makes the entire network more reliable.
Secure roaming with Authentication Confirmation (AC)
When roaming in a foreign network, the end device sends cryptographic proof of the identity of the foreign provider to the domestic provider, who can then verify the identity of the device. In this way, AC ensures that a recognized device is in a network and that the exchanged data remains protected, and an unknown device can be rejected.
Encryption of the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
5G transmits a user's International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) in encrypted form which protects the identity of network subscribers from eavesdropping. Encrypting the IMSI significantly increases the security of user data.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about 5G
What is 5G? 5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks and the successor to 4G.
What is the difference between 4G and 5G? 5G offers higher speeds, lower latency, real-time communication and greater network capacity than 4G.
How fast is the 5G standard? The new mobile technology can achieve data rates of up to 10 gigabits per second, 10 times higher than with 4G.
How does 5G work? 5G uses more frequencies and newer technologies such as beamforming and network slicing. These can improve coverage and signal quality.
What will 5G do for us? The 5G technology transmits data faster and connects more devices with each other. The mobile communications standard makes new applications such as autonomous driving and smart cities possible.
What are the disadvantages of 5G? The disadvantages are the high implementation costs, extensive infrastructure restructuring and slower network expansion in rural areas.