INTRODUCTION
5G is the fifth-generation mobile network that offers a new global wireless standard. It is an improvement on 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of mobile network that is designed to feature 3 new aspects:
- Bigger channel: This helps in speeding up data
- Lower latency: To improve its responsiveness.
- Ability to connect with several devices simultaneously
The speed and bandwidth of 5G will make it about 100 times faster than 4G. This implies that a 6-hour movie that would take 2 hours to download on a 4G network will take about 4 seconds to download on 5G. However, making this a reality comes with different challenges.
4G LTE currently operates on frequency bands below 6GHz. Yet, 5G requires networks that are as high as 300GHz. These bands have higher capacity and great speed that are 20 times better than LTE fastest theoretical throughput. Achieving this can be quite demanding.
There is also an issue of deployment and coverage. Despite the fact that 5G possesses greater speed and bandwidth, it will require greater infrastructure to improve its coverage. 5G antennas – even though they can handle more users and data – beam out over short distances.
Furthermore, building this network is very costly. To raise the money to achieve this, the cost of acquiring this network service will be expensive. The obvious solution to these problems is collaboration.
One of the hottest topics for discussion is whether the 5G network will be evolutionary or revolutionary. To be honest, it will be both. Basically, it is designed to be largely evolutionary. Yet, the revolutionary aspect of 5G lies in the business model that will inevitably develop. The complexity of the mission, network, and economics make this a formidable challenge.
Virtually all the respondents indicated that they need all the help they can get from their support ecosystem. In terms of needs, they selected: standardization between vendors for interoperability, expertise in the deployment of the network, and effective equipment. The best solution that is needed to solve these issues is for us to work together. Despite all the challenges posed by the implementation of the 5G technology, several countries are eager to make it a reality.
For instance, Malaysia is working hard on its plan to build a national 5G network. The Malaysian government has pledged to spend about 15bn ringgit to set up an institution that will be in charge of the operational scope to regulate the 5G roll-out. In addition to this, there are several 5G phones available in Malaysia. Among these are Oppo A53s 5G, ZTE Nubia Z30 Pro, ViVo V21, Xiaomi Redmi K40 Game enhanced edition, Samsung Galaxy F52 Vivo V21E, and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G.
Differences between 4G and 5G
In case you are wondering how 4G is different from 5G, the difference between both technologies is more than waveform. They are compared below in terms of their latency, speed, base station, OFDM coding, and cellular density.
Latency
This is one of the biggest differences between both networks. While 4G latency lies within the range of 60ms and 98ms, 5G has a latency below 1ms. It’s worth noting that lower latency triggers improvement in certain areas like download speed.
Potential download Speed
The 5G network is built on the promise of the capabilities of 4G and to enhance potential download speed. While 4G downloads can reach 1Gbps, the goal of the latter is to reach 10Gbps. This implies that your download will be 10 times faster with 5G.
Base Station
Another difference worth stating is the base station needed to transmit signals. While 4G transmits signals from cell towers, 5G utilizes small cell technology owing to its faster speeds and millimeter (mm) wave frequency levels. However, for its lower frequency spectrums, 5G will use cell towers. Mm waves are known to transmit weaker signals across shorter distances. Small cell base stations must be located appropriately in 5G-capable areas for easy network access for users.
OFDM encoding
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a signal modulation that splits different wireless signals to prevent interference and also significantly increase bandwidth. This can improve the download speed of both technologies as they would have individual signals, rather than a shared channel between them. 4G uses 20 MHz and 5G will use channels within the range of 100 MHz and 800 MHz.
Cell density
The use of small technology allows 5G to possess more cell density and promote bigger network capacity. This network promises to be denser and supports more users and device connections. This understandably results in higher mobile device and connection capabilities.
The significant improvements the 5G network has on its predecessors are the reason for its apparently difficult implementation. Yet, these features allow this technology to provide almost unlimited satisfaction to users.
Streaming speeds of steroids
As explained above, 5G is the fifth-generation wireless network and is the latest advancement in cellular technology that is designed to significantly boost the responsiveness and speed of wireless networks. 5G network allows data to be transmitted over at ultra-high speed, with peak speeds as high as 20 Gbps. 5G also offers a low latency below 1ms. Its implementation has become a subject of constant discussion.
On February 19, 2021, the Malaysia Prime Minister announced that Malaysia’s 5G spectrum will be rolled out in stages towards the end of 2021. He also stated that Digital Nasional Bhd (SPV) will lead the provision of 5G. The SPV will be granted all the necessary 5G spectrum and will design, build, and manage the infrastructure and lease the spectrum to telecommunication networks willing to provide 5G services.
The announcement by the government, introducing the SPV as the only institution that will be allocated the 5G spectrum, came as a surprise to the major stakeholders in the industry – even though the acceleration of the 5G rollout from 2023 to 2021 was lauded.
According to the government, it is believed that the structure will enable the 5G service to be offered to consumers at a fair price by preventing the unnecessary burden of expensive investments by the private sector. Of course, this has raised a few eyebrows.
Internet Of Things
This describes the great network of physical “things” that are embedded with sensors and other similar technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices over the internet. In other words, it talks about the billions of physical objects across the globe – including cars, baby monitors, kitchen appliances, and lots more – to the internet, thereby sharing and collecting data. The significant increase in speed of 5G – 10 times faster than its predecessors – allows Internet-Of-Things devices to communicate and share data at an unprecedented speed.
Furthermore, 5G can help the Internet of Things by supporting enormous machine-type communication whereby a great number of devices can collect and share data without human interaction. With this technology, the IoT phenomenon will grow significantly.
5G increases productivity
This is not just a next-generation network technology, it is a great leap in terms of capacity and speed. With the great speed this technology possesses, the benefits will be felt across the globe. This will significantly improve the service rendered by business owners. 5G is necessary to bridge the digital divide and is the key to unleashing the full potential of every part of the world. Products and services will be delivered at an unprecedented rate and this will inevitably increase productivity.
The advent of this era-defining technology will bring about several advantages. Some of these are explained below:
Lower latency
This is important because latency is the delay you experience before you see a result whenever you take an action. A high latency refers to a longer delay. Each time you type in a request on the internet, a signal is sent to a server to bring back the information to you. This latency is measured in milliseconds (ms). With such advanced technology like the 5G mobile network, you get the result of any request you place online in less than 1ms. Of course, this insignificant delay makes you have a good user experience on the internet. Also, low latency, as promised by this technology, enables video game players to have the best gaming experience.
High data transfer rate
The 5G technology is over 10 times faster than the 4G mobile network. This speed has many benefits in our daily activities. Being faster in getting your results makes you more efficient, productive, and gets things done easily. It also allows you to save time for other activities.
Larger capacity
As mentioned earlier, 5G allows IoT devices to communicate and share information. It is capable of connecting almost a million devices per square kilometer. With this large capacity, lots of users can connect and share data amongst themselves simultaneously at a great speed. This also allows you to get jobs done more efficiently, thereby, improving productivity.
Pros and Cons of 5G
5G promises so many benefits. However, virtually every good thing has shortcomings – this is no exception. Below is a table that contains the pros and cons associated with the use of this technology:
| Pros | Cons |
| With a download speed of about 10 Gbps, which is about 100 times that of a 4G network, 5G offers a great level of excitement to potential users | The signals can only travel across a short distance. The connectivity can be interrupted by physical objects, including buildings, trees, towers, and lots more. These obstructions can block or absorb high-frequency signals. |
| Its low latency implies that the delay you might experience before getting the result for any action you initiate will be negligible. You have a better user experience when accessing the internet via this novel technology. | The costs for the rollout are high. For instance, as mentioned above, the Malaysian government will spend about 15 bn ringgit to set up an entity that will build, own and manage the 5G network. Furthermore, the cost of maintenance will be really high. |
| One of its greatest advantages is that a great number of things can connect, and share information while maintaining a high speed of transmission. In other words, it creates a fertile ground for the Internet of things. | There is also a problem of limitation of rural access. While urban areas will undoubtedly enjoy the benefits of the technology, its availability for the residents of rural areas will be limited. |
| Another advantage of this technology is the increase in bandwidth. The combination of ultra-high-speed and large capacity enables a larger amount of data to be transmitted than the 4G | The battery must advance to accommodate this improvement in technology. With very fast connectivity, phones get hotter, thereby draining the battery in a shorter time. |
| It enables the prospect of implementing virtual networks and its advent can also significantly help improve the efforts made in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and other similar technologies. | Another problem is that upload speeds do not match download speeds. |
Smartphones that have 5G networks
5G phones are faster, more efficient, and provide a great user experience. Below are 3 examples of smartphones adopting this technology with their features and functions.
Samsung F52
Features
- 5G technology
- Dimension: 164.6mm × 76.3mm × 8.7mm
- Weight: 199g
- SIM: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual standby)
- Resolution: 1080 × 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 PPI density)
- CPU: Octa-Core (2×2.2GHz Kryo 570 $ 6×1.8GHz Kryo 570)
- Internal Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/u/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
- Battery type: Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Functions
- Its lightweight makes it comfortable to handle.
- It has a fast-charging feature that makes charging easier for you.
- Its high PPI density allows you to get better lines, images, and fonts.
Xiaomi Redmi K40 gaming edition
Features
- 5G Technology
- Dimension: 161.9mm × 76.9mm × 8.3mm
- Weight: 205g
- SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
- Resolution: 1080 × 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 PPI density)
- CPU: Octa-Core (1×3.0GHz Cortex-A78, 3×2.6GHz $ 4×2.0GHz)
- Internal Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/u/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct hotspot
- Bluetooth: 5.2
- Battery: 5065mAh, non-removable
Functions
- Its high PPI density enables you to get a whole lot more detail for everything that is displayed on your screen. You get better quality.
- Its good battery enables a low discharge rate, allowing you to enjoy your device without charging.
Huawei Nova 8 Pro
Features
- 5G technology
- Dimension: 163.3mm × 74.1mm × 7.9mm
- Weight: 184g
- SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
- Resolution: 1236×2676 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~439 ppi density)
- CPU: Octa-Core (1×2.58GHz cortex-A76, 3×2.40GHz cortex-A76 $ 4×1.84GHz cortex-A55)
- Battery: Li-Po 4000mAh, non-removable
Functions
- Its high PPI density ensures high picture quality
- Its lightweight allows you to move around comfortably with it.
Conclusion
5G has become a subject of constant debate across the globe. Its fast speed, lower latency, and high rate of data transmission make it a better prospect than its predecessors. The advent of this technology is important for the significant advancement in the Internet of things technology by creating faster, more stable connectivity and sharing of data between billions of devices simultaneously.
There are several smartphones and smartwatch that adopt this novel technology. Among these are Maxis 5G, Huawei 5G, and Samsung 5G phones. Several countries are eager to build their single national 5G network system. An example of this is Malaysia. The country is currently making plans to implement this technology. In fact, several 5G phones are available in Malaysia. This evolutionary mobile network promises to provide you with the best internet experience. You can drop a comment below if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Malaysia have 5G?
Malaysia is eager to implement 5G deployment across the nation via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which is granted the right to build, own, manage and lease the network to telcos by the end of 2021.
When is the 5G Malaysia launch date?
The exact date is unknown, but it has been accelerated to the end of 2021
How do I know if I have 5G in my area?
You can find these signals by using a 5G cell phone and a coverage map. A tour through your area or locations with the network will give you an idea of how 5G is like. You will find places with strong signals and also places with only 4G signals.
Can I use a 4G phone on 5G?
Yes, that is possible. You just won’t get the desired speed with your 4G phone. This new network is not built to replace the preceding ones. Instead, it is just a significant improvement of the old ones. You have nothing to worry about. You do not have to get rid of your 4G phone.
