How will we benefit from 5G?

The global race to introduce the fifth generation network is on. 

Network suppliers from around the world are promoting the benefits of 5G, but how will we benefit from latest edition of the telecoms technology? 

To paint a picture of the suburban landscape after the roll out, leading composite technology company, Exel Composites, has created an infographic that explains the benefits of 5G and how infrastructure will adapt to integrate the technology

Boasting lower latency, increased capacity and exponentially faster downloading speeds, 5G has the potential to transform the way we communicate and handle data. 

The technology will be a major boon for both consumers and businesses, and it is vital that infrastructure is implemented to keep pace with its wealth of benefits.

To facilitate download speeds upwards of five times faster than previous 4G networks, 5G frequencies will include novel millimetre wave frequencies. These millimetre waves broadcast at frequencies between 30 and 300 gigahertz (GHz). Compared to the six GHz used on devices in the past, this is radically higher than any previous generation.

While we prepare to harness the benefits of millimetre wave frequencies, 5G technology is not without its challenges. 

As the wavelengths are much shorter, they will not travel as far as previous longer waves and signals are attenuated faster, meaning that 5G could have trouble penetrating buildings, trees and other objects.

To overcome the issues of transmission and penetration, a far denser network of antennas and receivers will be required. 

As the technology will require a number of changes to our infrastructure, it’s vital that network suppliers begin to prepare for the overhaul.

“It’s fair to say that 5G is a major talking point of 2019,” explains Robert Glass, head of marketing at Exel Composites.

“The entire world is gearing up for its roll out. But if we are to feel the full benefits of 5G, we must have the correct infrastructure in place. The increasing importance for radio frequency-transparent materials opens up more opportunity for the composites market, for example in smart lighting pole networks and penetration-enabling infrastructure like RF transparent window frames, there are plenty of opportunities for product design and development.

“This infographic highlights the importance of infrastructure in the roll out. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the new technology, but without the structures in place to facilitate it we will not be able to make the most out of this disrupting update.

“We wanted to highlight the vital role that composites will play in this overhaul, as fibre glass’s high strength, incredible ability to withstand all sorts of weather conditions, and design freedom allows us to make the material the enabler of a better-connected society.”