4G vs. 5G
Like the home broadband market and its fleet of unlimited wireless Internet services, the cell phone industry opens new doors of communication and convenience every year. Mobile broadband is proving to be a pure blessing for those who are always on the go and need fast Internet access in the most remote areas. Mobile carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile offer calling, texting, and data services with relay connections via cell towers located throughout the United States.
Similar to other technological advances, mobile networks have undergone a remarkable evolution. Cellular networks have absorbed upgraded features, broader signal coverage, and a better user experience, bringing about the emergence of 4G and 5G. What are the differences between these two generations of mobile networks? Let’s find out below.
Explanation of mobile network
Mobile networks are wireless telecommunications systems that provide voice, data, and other services to mobile users in an area. These cellular networks usually consist of interconnected cell towers that transmit data in the form of radio signals. Users can access the frequencies of these mobile networks and become part of the network to take advantage of the mobile broadband services they support.
Technically speaking, cellular networks are distributed in different geographical areas called “cells.” These cells have at least one transceiver or base station that helps roll up data. Multiple small cells join together to cover a large geographic area, allowing nearby portable transceivers to connect. These transceivers can be from cell phones and laptops to modems, routers, tablets, and other broadband devices.
Today, we have best-in-class mobile networks that facilitate high-quality communications in every corner of the world. Over time, several advanced features have been introduced to mobile networks to cater to users’ needs. These features include.
- Better connection quality
- Increased capacity
- Reduced battery consumption due to closer cell distances
- Reduced signal interference
- Greater geographic radio coverage
- All of these improvements allow for a smoother communication experience without any obstacles.
Timeline of cellular network generations
Each iteration of cellular network technology is referred to as a “generation.” Let’s take a look at the timeline of cellular network generations, considering their features and drawbacks.
1G
1G was the first generation of cellular networks introduced in the 1980s. This generation was based on analog telecom standards. In other words, 1G fully supported analog voice calls. The disadvantages of 1G-based cell phones include low battery life, low audio quality, unstable reception, and poor security. 1G provides a maximum speed of about 2.4 Kbps.
2G
Cellular network technology changed dramatically with the advent of 2G. This second-generation mobile network involved digital telecommunications. Compared to 1G, the revolutionary 2G cellular network has more efficient features. It was launched in Finland in 1991.
2G allowed people to send text messages and multimedia. It also provided adequate network coverage with a maximum speed of 50Kbps and better voice calls. SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) were implemented with 2G. 2.5G and 2.7G were also introduced as a branch of the second-generation mobile network. Although several generations of upgraded cellular networks have emerged, some parts of the world still use 2G.
3G
The third generation of cellular networks brought the concept of mobile broadband. 3G was enabled in 1998 or early in the 21st century. 3G makes our lives easier through faster data transmission, allowing us to send voice data, make video calls, and access the Internet. It supported non-mobile devices at a maximum speed of 2 Mbps. Shortly after 3G, advanced features emerged with 3.5G, 3.7G, and even 3.95G, ushering in the fourth generation of mobile networks.
4G
The fourth generation is what is currently in use around the world. It was released in 2008 and offered excellent data transfer and cellular network performance. 4G allows you to access online games, make high-quality voice calls, conduct video conferences, watch TV, and enjoy more options. 4G offers a maximum speed of 100 Mbps for mobile devices.
5G
5G is the latest and upcoming generation of mobile networks. It strives to achieve the next level of data transmission, reliability, security, and reduced latency. We can call this generation a game-changer for the cellular network industry. The most anticipated generation of mobile networks is designed for a user-friendly experience and theoretically supports a maximum speed of 20Gbps.
4G vs. 5G: Definition
Now that we have explored the timeline of cellular network generations, starting with the first generation to the upcoming iterations, let’s move forward and focus on the differences between 4G and 5G.
What is the fourth generation of cellular networks or 4G?
4G is a mobile broadband connection that is currently in use by everyone. It takes over from 3G and offers a variety of options that make our daily work more accessible in almost every way. Mobile network access, secure connectivity for work, IP telephony, entertainment versatility, and advanced portability are some of the things you get by using 4G.
4G brings all of these features that were only a figment of the imagination before its introduction. The cost of buying a 4G plan is higher than 3G, but the price paid is worth it because it works in the long run.
What is the fifth-generation mobile network or 5G?
5G is just an idea proposed in 2019, and since then, a lot of research has been done to make it the mobile broadband connection that everyone wants. It is predicted that 5G networks will have more than 1.7 billion subscribers by 2025, and numerous 5G wireless plans are already in the market. The concept behind fifth-generation cellular networks is extended bandwidth, which will result in the fastest download speed output to date and an overall excellent mobile Internet experience.
4G vs. 5G: Technology Differences
With a basic understanding of the concept of 4G and 5G cellular networks, let’s move on to discuss the technical differences between the two.
5G is the groundbreaking generation of cellular networks as it improves on the shortcomings of 4G. The main difference between the two is that 5G networks involve radio frequencies that are not found in 4G networks. 4G deals with a frequency range of up to 6 gigahertz (GHz), while 5G networks have up to 30 gigahertz (GHz). The higher the radio frequency, the higher the data transfer rate and the better the performance of the cellular network.
In addition, 4G cell towers are omnidirectional, transmitting radio waves in all directions. The distance between them is also increasing. 5G cell towers, on the other hand, are more potent as they are packed together and use beamforming technology to transmit radio signals selectively. In addition, they have smaller antennas to maintain the accuracy and quality of signal throughput. Because of 5G’s broader spectrum, calls are more robust and more reliable than 4G. Signal strength remains consistent regardless of distance.
4G vs. 5G: Speed
Speed is an essential feature of any network connection, whether it’s home broadband or mobile broadband. Without speed, nothing is possible. 4G offers a decent speed for calls, multimedia transmissions, and Internet use. However, 5G provides much higher data transfer speeds. How so? Let’s take into account the theoretical 4G vs. 5G Mbps rate. 4G cellular networks transfer data at a maximum speed of 100 Mbps, while 5G cellular networks give you 10 Gbps or 10,000 Mbps. Realistically, 5G networks can download at 7 times the speed of 4G networks! Isn’t it amazing that the download speed of 4G vs. 5G is a standout difference and a prime selling point for the latest generation of products?
Especially in this day and age, internet speed is of critical importance. It’s not just necessary for streaming or gaming. Nowadays, the world is moving towards the massive application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in all sectors of society and envisages a higher standard of smart cities. For this, a high-speed, low-latency network with best-in-class capabilities is necessary, and while 4G may not be fast enough to support the digital future, 5G is ideally suited for this role.
4G vs. 5G: Latency
Before we discuss latency in 4G and 5G mobile networks, let’s talk about what it means. Latency is the time it takes for a packet to get from one point on the network to another. It is usually measured in milliseconds. Latency is most important in activities where you need a fast response from the web server, such as gaming. The lower the latency, the quicker the round data trip, and the more efficient the network experience.
4G cellular networks have a latency of about 50 milliseconds, while 5G cellular networks claim latency of about one millisecond 5G’s lower latency opens the door to cloud processing, intelligent use of artificial intelligence (AI) in real-time navigation, and AR in advertising. And so on, to name a few.
4G vs. 5G: Coverage
Signal coverage is another critical specification. Many people in remote areas still use 3G because 4G coverage is not available. 4G took quite a long time to spread geographically, and during that time, some areas still faced poor signals and slow speeds. On the other hand, 5G has not yet been rolled out on a large scale. It is expected that 5G networks will take quite a long time to cover the most significant areas, as the technology is advanced and installation is considered quite expensive. 5G is currently available in nearly 100 cities in the U.S., while 4G has relatively broader coverage nationwide.
4G vs. 5G: Bandwidth/capacity
The general rule of thumb is that the greater the bandwidth, the higher the capacity of the network to carry packets of information per second. Compared to 4G networks, 5G is considered to have more bandwidth. It has three different frequency bands, high, medium, and low, with different speeds and frequency ranges. 4G, on the other hand, works on a narrow slice, meaning it uses a specific content of the available spectrum, from 600 MHz to 2.5 GHz.
That’s why 5G has a broader spectrum and thus a higher capacity to carry and transmit more data in a second.
4G vs. 5G: The Impact
So far, we’ve examined the latency, bandwidth, and speed of cellular networks. Let’s dive into the impact of these two generations below.
The impact of 4G
4G has given the world a better perspective. Speed, capacity, coverage, latency, and overall performance are all entirely satisfactory. Currently, 4G caters to a wide range of consumers by distributing voice, SMS, and data services within its coverage area.
The digitization that has occurred due to the spread of 4G is invaluable. Today’s smartphones are made to encapsulate 4G cellular networks. Each of us can agree that smartphones have changed the entire technology landscape and are the key to future connectivity.
During the pandemic, most businesses shifted to remote work. Thanks to 4G, you can run large projects from your personal computer and cell phone, either at home or on the road. Thanks to 4G, remote work has been simplified. Overall, fourth-generation cellular networks are valued for their spectacular output, public availability, and cost-effectiveness.
The Impact of 5G
This generation of cellular networks surpasses 4G regarding speed, latency, capacity, coverage, and accessibility for IoT and cloud processing. Fifth-generation network technology may be a bit on the expensive side, but its benefits make it worthwhile.
A study suggests that by the end of 2035, 5G will support major areas and innovations such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automated industry, and the Internet of Things. Smart homes, intelligent roads, intelligent buildings, smart parking meters, innovative healthcare, smart education, smart manufacturing, intelligent logistics, and smart cities will be possible thanks to 5G and its peak speeds, low latency, energy efficiency, data capacity, and smooth deployment. In addition, 5G cellular networks will generate approximately $13 trillion in economic output globally.
4G vs. 5G: Availability
The availability of 4G and 5G draws the mainline between these two cellular networks, as 4G is readily available worldwide, except in some rural areas. If we talk about 5G, it is promoted globally in only a few cities. The fourth-generation network has been gradually established, so replacing 4G with 5G in a day is impossible!
Major mobile manufacturing companies are working tirelessly to roll out more phones available for 5G, including large flagship companies like Samsung. 5G deployment delays are due to the poor state of infrastructure in most countries. However, enterprises are taking advantage of 5G private connections because they are fast, reliable, and stable.
As things stand now, more people have access to 4G than 5G. The world hopes to witness the advent of fifth-generation cellular networks soon.
4G vs. 5G: The winner
Each generation of cellular networks introduces unique features that are amazing and hold their specific value. Over time, newer generations have entered the arena, replacing older ones and creating new avenues of convenience for people. That’s the beauty of technology. It is dynamic. In other words, it builds on itself and keeps getting better than ever before.
Today, we can find 3G, 4G, and 5G networks all around us. 3G is used by those who don’t have access to 4G. Likewise, 4G is used by those who do not have access to 5G facilities. 4G networks are considered a widely used cellular network. The introduction of 5G cannot tear down the services provided by fourth-generation networks for decades. Meanwhile, 4G serves as an acceptable mobile network standard, fulfilling the objective and making lives easy for everyone out there.
