With all the recent debate on 5G in the news lately, do you actually know what it really means?
What is 5G?
5G is short for ‘fifth generation mobile networks’. The fifth generation of mobile networks used when not connected to a Wi-Fi network to ring or send someone a message. 5G is also set to be much faster than its previous generation 4G. 5G is wireless technology that is ready to bring massive changes to the mobile and fixed wireless data networks and is also set to boost the bandwidth, capacity and reliability of cellular broadband.
What will be the uses of 5G?
The uses of 5G will include more data, more devices and instant response. The networks will be able to cope with several high-demand applications at the same time from self-driving cars, virtual and augmented reality, mobile wearables, IoT (Internet of Things) and provide quicker HD live video streaming for users supported by the use of 5G.
The three broad categories of 5G use are:-
- eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband
- mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communications
- uRLLC: Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications
What are the benefits of 5G?
There are several benefits and capabilities of 5G for both businesses and individual users, 5G will be able to deliver much faster speeds and better mobile broadband providing a better and quicker response rate and experience for users. 5G will provide greater capacity so networks can cope better with many high-demand applications from self-driving cars, smart home devices to IoT (Internet of Things) and support many more cutting-edge technologies including virtual reality, augmented reality city tours and quicker HD live video streaming.
5G will improve consumer experience enabling even more IoT devices smart energy networks and environmental monitoring and instant responses including drone delivery, remote control and smart manufacturing, enabling an even wider range of applications and services which will benefit both businesses and users. Being connected to a 5G network will enable users to have a faster and more stable connection with improved bandwidth as well as saving them a significant amount of time one example being able to download films and games in seconds and watch them without any buffering when connected to a 5G network.
What are the challenges of 5G?
There are several challenges of 5G ranging from technological, 5G coverage, security and backhaul connectivity to spectrum availability, Ofcom has begun a 5G spectrum auction to help cope with demand for radio frequency as 5G will run on new higher radio frequency bands to be able to carry information much faster to deliver faster data speeds. Users will also need a 5G-capable phone to connect to 5G, some mobile device launches start 2019.
There is also the threat of evolving competition in the fixed and wireless markets, along with potential restriction accessing sites to expand geographic coverage and capacity. There are also regulations and policy issues to consider in relation to shared network infrastructure.
What are the next steps for 5G?
5G testbeds and 5G trials programmes are already taking place within the UK, and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are trialling some of the new technologies that will underpin 5G, especially 5G New Radio (NR) which could provide increased data capacity and faster speeds.
The development of 5G is in its early stages but is gaining momentum, the first 5G handsets will becoming available from 2019, UK roll-out isn’t set to begin until late 2019 or 2020. The UK Government has launched a series of 5G testbeds and 5G trials programmes for 5G development and deployment. UK MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) are trialling some of the new technologies that will underpin 5G, especially 5G New Radio (NR) which could provide increased data capacity and faster speeds.
Full-fibre infrastructure is also important for mobile broadband because the masts that transmit mobile broadband must be connected to a core network (backhaul). Future 5G applications may see increasing numbers of small cells (base stations) being deployed onto cell towers, lampposts, buildings and other structures which will require a dense fibre infrastructure to support them, and masts as higher frequency spectrum cannot travel long distances.
How Rainford can help with 5G projects?
Rainford Solutions is a world-class UK based designer, manufacturer and supplier of high quality indoor and outdoor electrical enclosures specially designed to meet the requirements of the mobile network operators market.
Rainford provides an innovative and agile approach developing solutions for mobile network operators to cater for rapidly evolving network technology upgrades, in metro and 5G small cell sites as well as LTE, 4G and 5G infill, upgrade or greenfield deployment.
Rainford have extensive experience working with numerous MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) delivering bespoke projects throughout the UK, providing a range of mobile telco cabinets and enclosures specially designed for mobile and wireless communications networks.
Their 5G, mobile telco portfolio range includes competent advice, planning and assembly of mobile cabinets prototypes, telecommunication cabinets and wireless network site solutions.
Combined with cutting-edge technology, an extensive range of capabilities, new product development and efficient manufacturing processes, Rainford delivers an innovative range of 5G, mobile telco solutions to deliver the quality 5G infrastructure needed to carry huge amounts of data, allowing mobile operators to provide smarter and quicker network connectivity to 5G users.
Please contact us to discuss how we can help you with your 5G projects, 5G mobile roll outs and 5G testbeds with our mobile telco enclosure solutions or email us: webenquiries@rainfordsolutions.com
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