What is 5G?
As Samsung released Samsung Galaxy S20, we welcomed the first 5G-enabled smartphones. 5G is the 5th generation mobile network that is designed to increase speed, reduce latency, and improve the flexibility of wireless services. Compared to 4G, 5G networking is expected to enable data-driven industries, smart cities and so forth. Generally, 5G is a technical revolution that allows much more data transferring across blocks of spectrum and enables a larger capacity and better efficiency [1].
Future of 5G
With the implementation of 5G within our smartphones, it opens the possibility of 5G being used in our everyday lives. For instance, the potential for smart cities is increased as technology advances. In that scenario, smart cities would take advantage of smart sensors and actuators. Sensors are used to measure the critical parameters of the environment, machines, and the human. Actuators perform an output to control some external device in response to the signal of the sensor. Within a smart city, 5G may support self-driving cars; we might also expect the deployment of new applications including air quality monitors, smart parking, emergency response, traffic management and so forth. All of which would significantly increase the quality of life [2].
Furthermore, 5G can be beneficial for factories. Robots can be given commands over wireless 5G network to complete tasks with higher levels of efficiency and productivity. In the medical industry, 5G may support remote surgery with robot surgeons controlled in real time by professional surgeons from the other side of the world. In healthcare industry, 5G would allow people to monitor and care of elderly people remotely, which also would help to deal with emergencies when necessary [2].
However, there are some potential issues about 5G. For instance, there may be increased deforestation due to new cellular towers built to support the technology. Moreover, the 5G technology is costly and is still being researched. Another aspect to consider is that some countries do not yet have the resources to support this technology.
Conclusion
Although there exist potential issues about 5G, 5G development is one of the major technological advancements in the next 5 years and will open the possibility to innovative technology beyond our current imagination.
References
[1] Vella, H. (2020, October 01). 5G vs 4G: What is the real difference between them? Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.raconteur.net/technology/5g/4g-vs-5g-mobile-technology/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20due%20to%20the%20new,less%20interference%20and%20better%20efficiency.
[2] Aggarwal, P. (2019, March 06). How 5G will change your Life? Everything you need to know. Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://yourstory.com/mystory/how-5g-will-change-your-life-everything-you-need-t-92cao67fap#:~:text=5G%20promises%20faster%20speeds%3B%20less,of%20sensors%20and%20heavy%20traffic.
