The origin of 5G technology has taken the world by storm. With faster speeds, lower latency, and more
reliable connections, it promises to revolutionize the way we interact with the internet. But how does 5G
infrastructure differ from the 4G networks that have been in use for the past few years?
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between 5G and 4G infrastructure.
- Speed: Perhaps the most significant difference between 5G and 4G infrastructure is the speed at
which data can be transmitted. While 4G networks are capable of speeds of up to 100Mbps, 5G
networks can achieve speeds of up to 10Gbps. This is made possible by the use of higher frequency
bands, which allow for more data to be transmitted in a shorter amount of time. In addition to
faster speeds, 5G networks also have much lower latency than their 4G counterparts. - Latency: It refers to the amount of time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. While
4G networks typically have a latency of around 30-50 milliseconds, 5G networks can achieve
latencies as low as 1ms. This is a significant improvement and makes 5G ideal for applications that
require real-time responsiveness, such as VR and gaming. - Network Capacity: Another key difference between 5G and 4G infrastructure is network capacity.
5G networks are designed to handle a much larger number of devices than 4G networks, which is
important as the number of connected devices continues to increase. This is made possible by the
use of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) technology, which allows for more efficient use of
the available spectrum. - Spectrum: Spectrum refers to the range of radio frequencies that can be used to transmit data. 5G
networks operate on higher frequency bands than 4G networks, which allows for more data to be
transmitted in a shorter amount of time. However, higher frequency bands also have a shorter
range than lower frequency bands, which means that more base stations are required to provide
coverage. - Infrastructure: Building a 5G network requires a significant amount of new infrastructure, including
new base stations, antennas, and fiber optic cables. In addition, the deployment of 5G networks is
more complex than 4G networks, as it requires the use of new technologies such as beamforming
and massive MIMO. As a result, the rollout of 5G networks is expected to take longer than the
rollout of 4G networks. - Cost: Finally, 5G infrastructure is likely to be more expensive than 4G infrastructure. Building a 5G
network requires a significant investment in new infrastructure, as well as ongoing maintenance
and upgrades. This is likely to be reflected in higher prices for 5G services, at least initially.
Global 5G Market Dynamics
According to RationalStat Market Report, Global 5G infrastructure is expected to grow more than 50%
between 2019 and 2028. The demand for 5G infrastructure has increased due to the growing demand for
data-heavy services and low latency high-speed data.
The market can be divided into two segments based on core network technology: network function
virtualization or SDN (software-defined network). The global market for 5G infrastructure is dominated by
NFV technology.
Future demand of 5G Infrastructure
The rapid demand for faster bandwidth from consumers and businesses for different applications like
entertainment, virtual meetings and IoT has accelerated market growth. Future growth is expected to be
driven by the increasing adoption of technologically advanced products and the rising internet penetration
in the Asia-Pacific region. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of the digital ecosystem has seen
vital responses.
Conclusion
While 5G infrastructure shares some similarities with 4G infrastructure, there are several key differences.
5G networks offer faster speeds, lower latency, higher network capacity, and operate on higher frequency
bands than 4G networks. However, building a 5G network requires a significant investment in new
infrastructure and is likely to be more expensive than 4G infrastructure. As 5G networks continue to roll
out around the world, it will be interesting to see how they transform the way we interact with the
internet.
RationalStat’s market research analysis can help organizations to grow in the 5G infrastructure industry by
providing market intelligence reports.
