5G is the 5th generation of mobile network. The kickoff was given on November 18. This technology, which is based on new frequencies, makes it possible to respond to the explosion in mobile traffic and to have more speed. Find out all you need to know about 5G!
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile telephony. The new network has been marketed by operators Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange and SFR since the end of 2020. They have all activated the new mobile network in several cities and offer a range of 5G packages or you can check Speedcheck.
In the field of telecommunications, the launch of a new generation of mobile telephony is a major event. A little step back is necessary to understand the interest of having a new network. In 1986, the first generation made it possible to make calls, the second to send SMS. Founded in 2004, 3G made mobile internet possible. As for 4G, which appeared in 2011, it has made it possible to develop the use of mobile Internet more quickly. What about 5G?
First of all, 5G must make it possible to respond to the explosion in our data consumption. According to operators, they are increasing by 40% per year. At this rate, the 4G network will be saturated within one to two years. In 2025, in fact, one in 5 users will consume 200 GB every month. This is the main interest of 5G: avoiding network saturation in very dense areas, such as stations, airports or even stadiums, by providing it with oxygen thanks to new frequencies. This fall, 310 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band were thus auctioned off to operators (90 MHz for Orange, 80 MHz for SFR and 70 MHz each for other countries and Free). In addition, operators can switch to 5G the frequencies they have available for 4G, namely the 700, 800 and 900 MHz bands, the 1.8, 2.1 and 2.6 GHz bands. Finally, in the coming years, but not before 2022 or 2023, the 26 GHz frequency band will also be allocated to 5G.
How is the deployment of 5G going?
Four operators (Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange and SFR) are deploying their own 5G network. The deployment of 5G is being done gradually, starting with large cities and towns, where the risk of 4G network saturation is greatest. Before spreading to less dense areas. As of January 31, 2021, according to figures from Arce, the telecoms regulator, there were 6,273 5G sites open commercially for Free, 1,885 for Bouygues Telecom, 953 for Orange and 869 for SFR.
Operators can deploy 5G where they want and at the pace they want. They must nevertheless respect certain rules. Among the obligations set by the government and by Arce, good 5G mobile coverage for the benefit of all French people is a “major objective” for the government. Understand that operators will not only have to equip large cities but also areas with lower population density.
Another objective, quantified this one: the deployment of 3,000 5G sites in 2022, 8,000 in 2024 and 10,500 in 2025 (including 25% in low-density areas). That is two thirds of the population covered in 5G in five years. A rule that applies to each operator. As for a 100% 5G network, it is hoped for 2030.
How to get 5G?
The 5G mobile network is different from the 4G mobile network. And, you have to meet three conditions in order to be able to have 5G.
The first condition goes without saying: you must be in one of the cities covered by 5G. On the other hand, for the uninitiated, the other two conditions seem less obvious.
First of all, you have to subscribe to a new 5G compatible package, or, as many companies offers, keep your current package but take the 5G option. A sine qua non condition in order to be able to take advantage of the new mobile network, in addition to 4G.
Finally, the last condition is to have a 5G compatible smartphone. The story repeats itself. Indeed, it was the same in 2011 for the launch of 4G. Also, having 5G will require the purchase of a new smartphone. They are generally more expensive. It is therefore in your best interest to choose your 5G smartphone.
Should we switch from 4G to 5G?
5G is announced for November 18. But, when the first offers are marketed, will it be necessary to rush over and absolutely subscribe to a 5G package to be among the first to benefit from the new mobile?
Not necessarily, for several reasons. First of all, at first, the gains for 5G users will remain limited. Even operators recognize it: 5G will be an improved 4G. So, is it worth taking out a new plan and paying more for it for marginal gain?
Another question, which concerns 5G mobile coverage. It will take time and will primarily concern large cities. So, unless you live in an area covered by the mobile network, there is no point in getting into 5G.
Finally, the last constraint: the switch to 5G requires you to equip yourself with a 5G smartphone. However, they are all still very expensive. Better to wait a few months. There will be more models, they will be more elaborate and probably, also, a little less expensive.
What are the benefits of 5G?
To understand the value of 5G, there are three important words to remember: throughput, latency and density.
- The flow. 5G will make it possible to obtain much faster Internet connection speeds than 4G. Ultimately, 5G will be to 4G what optical fiber is to ADSL. The speed of 5G will be up to 10 times faster than the speed of 4G. It must make it possible to reach up to 1 GB / s of speed in reception (300 Mb / s in transmission). Obviously, this is a theoretical flow. However, operators will need to provide users with a minimum of 100 Mb / s from the start, then 240 Mb / s in 2022.
- The latency. This is the other huge benefit of 5G. Latency is the reaction time between the moment you place an order and the moment it is reflected on the screen. With 5G, it would go from 10 to 1 MS. This responsiveness is crucial for certain 5G applications. Indeed, constant and almost immediate exchanges are required to bring about new uses.
- The density. This is the last major promise of 5G. Ultra-connectivity allows for a greater density of connected devices per km 2. At a minimum, 5G will be able to support 1 million devices per square kilometer, or a connection density multiplied by 10. Indispensable when we know that there will be 50 billion connected objects in 2025.
However, for 5G to reach this level of performance, it will be necessary to wait until the 26 GHz band is allocated to 5G.
What will 5G be used for?
At first, “5G will be quite close to 4G “, explains Jean-Paul Ariel, network director of Bouygues Telecom. As we have said, 5G will first of all make it possible to avoid saturation of the 4G network. But, it will also allow a significant increase in flow. At the launch of 5G, operators will indeed have to guarantee users a minimum speed of 100 Mb / s. This is already much better than the average speed in 4G: 41.5 Mb / s in 2019 Even if the gains in 5G are relatively limited for users, the new mobile network will still make it possible to improve existing services for the general public. We think in particular of streaming in 4K or 8K quality, cloud gaming, or virtual reality or augmented reality.
However, 5G should not be seen as a simple evolution of 4G. It is in fact a disruptive technology. It “differs from previous generations in that it aims, from its conception, to integrate a number of unprecedented use cases “, notes the National Frequency Agency. But, “the changes of uses, the new uses, and in a somewhat massive way, it is not before 2023 “, assures Jean-Paul Ariel. We will therefore have to wait for 5G to fully express its potential.
Ultimately (not before 2023), the 5G mobile network will allow a revolution in uses. In particular, it will promote the development of the Internet of Things. Then, thanks to its low latency, 5G will find a large number of applications, with upheavals in the field of health (telemedicine), transport (autonomous vehicles), the smart city (energy control) or even factories of the future (automation).
How does 5G work?
5G is therefore a mobile network called upon to take over from 4G. However, to function, a network needs two essential elements: frequencies and antennas to transmit the signal.
Let’s start with the 5G frequencies, they are what allow us to have communications. For the new mobile network, three frequency bands have been selected, with different properties:
- The 3.5 GHz band. It has been allocated exclusively to 5G and it is the preferential band of the new mobile network. It is the only frequency band which allows a really significant increase in flow.
- 4G frequencies. They are made up of low frequencies (700; 800; 900 MHz; 1.8; 2.1; 2.6 GHz). Low frequencies have the advantage of carrying further, which theoretically limits the number of relays for deployment. They are perfectly suited to rural areas. In addition, it penetrates well inside buildings. As for frequencies a little higher in the spectrum (from 2.1 GHz), they cover a smaller area, so they are well suited in urban areas, while ensuring good throughput. They also represent a good compromise for 5G.
- The 26 GHz band. We are talking about millimeter waves. With very high frequencies, the 26 GHz band, never before used in mobile telephony, will make it possible to reach very high speeds on the move. On the other hand, they have a poor range and poor penetration inside buildings. The 26 GHz band will be allocated to 5G in the coming years, but not before 2022/2023.
Communications or mobile data, which pass through frequencies, are relayed by antennas. This is why operators will have to deploy their own 5G mobile network. Initially, they will rely on already existing supports, pylons equipped with 4G for example, to install 5G antennas.
These are specific antennas, called Massive MIMO. Equipped with a large number of connectors, they can reach a greater number of users. In addition, rather than spraying an entire area with air waves, they emit a signal targeted to each user, thanks to beamforming, and adapted to their needs, thanks to network slicing.
But that’s not all. As we have just said, in the long term, 5G will be based on millimeter waves. As they have a short range, this will require the installation of Small cells, miniature antennas, in addition to macro antennas, in very dense areas.
Is 5G a threat to the environment?
The impact of the new mobile network on the environment: this is the other fear of anti-5G to justify their request for a moratorium, in vain. But what is the real impact of 5G on the environment? There is no worldwide study on the subject. There are, however, two main ideas that emerge.
The first is that 5G is a more energy efficient network than 4G. Admittedly, 5G equipment consumes up to 3.5 times more energy than a 4G antenna, at maximum power. However, for the same energy consumption, 5G allows more data to pass through. It offers better speeds and can support a larger number of users. This means that for the same volume of data processed, 5G is more efficient. So much for the first point.
Author:
Anum Sanaullah, the writer finds immense pleasure in seeking out new terrains and then writing about them over a cuppa!
