The fifth generation mobile internet network (5G) promises faster data download and upload speeds and more stable connections. In addition, according to experts, by using the best radio spectrum, the 5G internet will allow more than 1 million devices to connect at the same time per square meter. With this, it is possible to have famous Internet of Things (IoT) actually applied to numerous devices simultaneously in a small space.
In terms of comparison, the fastest 4G mobile networks offer, on average, approximately 45 Mbps (megabit per second), theoretically reaching a maximum of 1 Gbps against a speed of 20 Gbps for 5G. In addition to faster download and upload speeds, another great advantage of 5G internet is the significant reduction in latency. Latency measures how long it takes for a packet of data to travel from one device (or server) to another device or computer, regardless of the size of the packet. Therefore, latency measures the delay time in the network. This is a very important factor for new technologies such as self-driving cars, which do not have drivers, and “virtual” robotic surgeries, as these technologies depend on instantaneous communication. With 5G technology, latency can be in the 1 millisecond (ms) range, compared to latencies of around 20 ms typical for 4G.
To use the 5G internet, it is necessary, in addition to a device with a 5G receiver, which can be a cell phone or any other, to have an antenna emitting electromagnetic waves at the 5G frequency. It is still a distant reality for Brazil, where approximately 30% of the population still does not have access to 4G internet. In Brazil, there are about 100 4G antennas, while in China there are already more than 600 5G antennas. However, for the fifth generation of mobile internet to become a reality in Brazil, it is not enough just to build 5G antennas; frequency is available. For this, even before cell phone operators start installing 5G antennas, the first step is the auction of 5G frequency bands, which is scheduled for the first half of 2021.
One of the main differences of 5G internet is the wave frequency it uses. 5G uses very high wave frequencies, which are capable of carrying more data. This is the great advantage of providing very fast speeds, but on the other hand, it is also the main problem of 5G internet, as high frequency waves are less penetrating, traveling a shorter distance and being more easily blocked by obstacles. . The same 4G internet tower can serve entire neighborhoods, while 5G waves have difficulty crossing walls. To get around this problem, many 5G antennas will be needed to serve an entire city with 5G connectivity. Even in more developed countries, 5G technology is still not as widespread.
The chart below shows that in only 5 countries were 5G users able to stay connected to the network more than a fifth of the time.
Figure 1 – 5G availability by country. Source: OPENSIGNAL
Despite not having 5G internet available to the population yet, an example of 5G use is already possible to be observed in Brazil. Huawei, a Chinese technology company, installed 5G in its distribution center in Sorocaba, in the interior of São Paulo.
The fifth generation of mobile networks has been used by Huawei to maintain automated distribution lines and robots that manage products stored in the 22 m² space. According to the TeleSíntese portal, Huawei is already reaping good results from the use of technology, such as the reduction of the production cycle from 17 to 7 hours and the drop in the percentage of errors with sending material by 35%.
Although this technology is still in its infancy in the world, and even more so in Brazil, the application examples that can already be seen reveal the great potential that 5G connectivity will bring, enabling numerous possible implementations, including for increase the efficiency of logistics operations.
References:
UOL - What is 5G? Ask your questions about the fifth generation of telephony
VIAVI - What is 5G technology?
Technoblog - Huawei installs 5G in a distribution center in the interior of SP
