The Pros, Cons and Potentials of 5G

As 5G technology continues to evolve, it promises to reshape the future of communications and technology. The global rollout of 5G networks has sparked significant interest, offering faster speeds, reduced latency and expanded network capacity.

However, like any transformative technology, 5G has strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of 5G is key to making informed decisions about its adoption.

What are the pros and cons of 5G? In this article, we explore what 5G is, its benefits and drawbacks and how it differs from 4G technology.

What Is 5G?

5G refers to the fifth generation of wireless network technology. It offers significantly faster speeds, reduced latency and higher device capacity than earlier generations. While it still relies on radio waves like 4G, 5G operates across a broader range of frequencies and introduces innovations like network slicing and private networking.

How Does 5G Work?

5G operates on the same basic principles as earlier cellular networks — transmitting data wirelessly via radio waves — but it introduces substantial architectural improvements. 5G networks use a cell site system to divide their territory into sectors and transmit encoded data through radio waves. This technology changes the way data is encoded and offers many more options to carriers in terms of airwaves to use.

5G networks use orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing, a similar encoding to that of 4G LTE networks. The new system opens up "high-band," short-range airwaves that didn't work with 4G technology. However, 5G can run on any frequency, leading to three different kinds of 5G experiences — low, middle and high.

Unlike 4G and 3G networks, 5G operates on higher radio frequencies called millimeter waves. The millimeter waves are less muddled with other wireless communication signals, enabling 5G networks to transmit data significantly faster. 5G can also use multiple antennas and smaller transmitters on buildings and various street features, like park benches, to increase capacity and signals. Doing so allows the network to support more devices than 4G.

5G even has a feature called network slicing, which allows users to create subnetworks to specialize the connection for specific tasks. Network slicing reduces the risk of overloading a network so users can benefit from the high speeds. For example, a hospital may slice its 5G network by departments or floors to further maximize its capabilities.

What Is the Difference Between 4G and 5G?

The most notable distinction between these two generations of cellular networks concerns speed and capacity. While 4G was innovative when it launched in 2010, technology continues to advance and requires more efficiency, giving 5G advantages over 4G.

For example, while 4G connections have a standard latency of around 20 to 30 milliseconds, 5G networks can reach below 5 milliseconds of latency. 5G has the potential to be 100 times faster than 4G. In ideal conditions, maximum 5G download speeds can reach between 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps.

Additionally, there is a difference between 4G and 5G network architecture. 4G networks rely on large cell towers to provide coverage for users. 5G networks aim to use smaller, widely dispersed cell transmitters to provide a reliable connection to more users.

5G Advantages and Disadvantages

Every few years, a new generation of cellular networks becomes available, improving the speed at which we communicate. Unfortunately, cell carriers and network distributors face numerous growing pains while adapting to the new technology. As with previous generations of cellular networks and technology, the 5G network has advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of 5G Network Technology

The evolution from 4G to 5G brings a major leap in connectivity performance:

• Faster speeds: One of the most talked-about benefits of 5G is its ability to provide incredibly fast download and upload speeds. Under ideal conditions, 5G networks can reach up to 20 Gbps, far surpassing 4G speeds. These high speeds enable activities like ultra-high-definition video streaming, virtual and augmented reality and large file downloads in mere seconds.
• Lower latency: Latency is the interval between the moment a device sends data to a receiver and the moment the receiver can use the information. For example, you can measure the delay between a user clicking a link and the site loading in latency. 5G offers ultra-low latency, reducing communication delays between devices. Low latency enables near-instantaneous data transmission, critical for real-time decision-making in healthcare, robotics and autonomous systems.
• Increased bandwidth: 5G can transfer more data at once, leading to increased capacity and better service in crowded areas. 
• Potential for new technology: Higher speeds and increased bandwidth are opening new technological doors for many industries. For example, driverless cars are becoming a reality, and storage clouds are becoming more powerful for securely storing sensitive data like medical records.

What Are the Disadvantages of 5G over 4G?

While 5G offers unprecedented benefits, it also has its share of challenges:

• Limited coverage: While over 200 million users have already subscribed to 5G technology in North America, connectivity still remains concentrated in cities. Rural areas may have to wait several years for full coverage.
• Limited range of connectivity: Unfortunately, trees and tall buildings obstruct the high-frequency radio waves that carry 5G connection, thus decreasing the network's broadcast distance. Ultimately, this low penetration means more cellular towers will be necessary to achieve the extensive coverage we expect with 5G networks. It's possible to place small transmitters on buildings to increase coverage, though implementing this could take a while.
• Cybersecurity risks: The expansion of 5G networks increases the number of connected devices, raising the threat of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. With more data traveling over the network, the potential for cyberattacks or breaches becomes a concern. 5G also introduces more complexity in the form of software-defined networks and virtualization. Without strong encryption and updated security practices, it broadens the threat surface for potential attacks.
• Device compatibility: To fully benefit from 5G, users need a 5G-compatible device. Upgrading devices can be costly, and not everyone may be ready to make the switch, especially if they're satisfied with their 4G devices.

Transitioning From 4G to 5G

Currently, most telecommunication companies manage 5G signal transmission, device load and latency through non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) configurations.

NSA 5G is a transitional framework. It uses existing 4G LTE infrastructure as its core while layering 5G radio access on top. This hybrid setup allows carriers to offer faster speeds and reduced latency without a complete infrastructure overhaul. Most early 5G deployments — particularly those launched between 2019 and 2023 — followed this model to accelerate availability. According to a recent report, 45% of networks worldwide are already 5G compatible, with 85% expected to be compatible by 2030.

In comparison, SA 5G uses a dedicated 5G core network, supporting features like ultralow latency, network slicing and massive device connectivity. This version unlocks 5G's full capabilities, such as real-time automation in smart factories, high-precision robotics and enterprise-grade private networks.

When Will 5G Impact Future Technology?

The impact of 5G technology is already underway, transforming industries and creating new possibilities. With its ultra-fast speeds, low latency and vast connectivity, 5G is enabling innovations across various sectors, from healthcare to smart cities.

As 5G infrastructure continues to expand, its influence will grow exponentially, powering advancements like autonomous vehicles, industrial automation and AI-driven applications. These technologies, which require high bandwidth and real-time processing, are already benefiting from 5G capabilities and will be significantly enhanced as more regions adopt the technology.

The rollout of 5G is accelerating, with large-scale deployments in urban centers and selective rural areas. As this technology matures, its application will extend into more sectors, including manufacturing, logistics and agriculture. Smart factories and IoT devices will thrive in a 5G environment, offering higher efficiency, predictive maintenance and seamless communication between devices.

Get the Multilink Products You Need to Build a 5G Network Today

A reliable network requires effective equipment. As you build a 5G network within your community, office or business, ensure you're getting quality products by choosing Multilink. 

As a leader in the telecommunications industry, we have the products and expertise to get you started. From adapter panels to fiber assemblies, our specialists can help you find what you need or create a custom build for your unique situation. Contact us today to find out how we can help implement 5G in your company.

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