What is 5G? An Overview

5G is the fifth generation wireless mobile network that followed 4G and 3G. Smart phones were launched in the market thanks to 3G technology. After that, 4G came to make browsing faster and easier. 5G made networks even faster than before. The spread of 5G started back in 2019, but is still restricted to some countries. It is expected that in 2025 it will develop and spread widely.

5G is not a technology restricted to mobile phones. Drones, autonomous vehicles, wearable fitness devices that monitor health are all devices which use 5G.

Features and benefits of 5G

First, as we mentioned above, 5G offers significant download and upload speed that is 10-100 times better than 4G. This is very important because it meets the needs of a growing number of users and this enables them to access data quickly. 5G speed is even more vital in cases of emergency, for instance. The response will be fast and lives might be saved thanks to its low latency, low latency means communication with minimal delay or the ability to be responsive with no waiting.

In addition to high speed and low latency, 5G greater density plays a role in connecting more people and devices together. In fact, billions of users and devices need to stay connected nowadays. For example, more devices need to stay connected on certain occasions in certain places. In this case, 5G offers ‘new connectivity’ or increased capacity on the network. High density also helps mobile e-commerce flourish and develop and it paves the way for new shopping services and applications to appear.

A third advantage is related to higher security in data transmission. Although billions are connected on the internet, 5G offers security solutions against internet threats.

Besides, Internet of Things (IoT) is a term related to 5G. It means that we need a lot of things and devices around us to be connected to the internet. For example, we need our cars, home appliances, laptops, etc. to stay online even in remote places. 5G is the solution in this case, and it also leads to lower power consumption.

5G and health issues

Is there a link between 5G and health? If yes, what are the risks on users’ health?

5G mobile networks use radiofrequency (RF) fields with waves above 6GHz. These waves are higher than the ones used in earlier mobile networks. There is a great concern about the bad effects of these waves and in fact many bioeffects appeared upon research. Those bioeffects include cases like cell signaling, membrane function and genotoxicity, cancer risks, neurological disorders, among others.

5G needs new infrastructure and transmitters because it covers a smaller range due to its shorter waves. More specifically, it needs more transmitters and towers to guarantee the best connectivity between people. This means that people are exposed to greater high frequency waves than before, which is a negative point.

There is a counter-view which stresses that health concerns are exaggerated. Fears that 5G risks peoples’ health and well-being are big, but it is great conspiracy as some researchers say. The World Health Organization (WHO) research announced no serious risks, although some articles mention the opposite.

In conclusion, 5G had actually revolutionized telecommunications and data transfer worldwide. At the same time, some concerns about people’s health are reported. In fact, some studies support these concerns while others do not. This needs more research and investigation.

Early this year of 2021, more 5G devices were made available, both smartphones and fixed devices.

 
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