“Nothing is perfect in this world. Everything has its pros and cons.”

Once we overcome the challenges spelled out in the last blog, we would expect to live in a wholly transformed 5G-e nabled world. But would it be perfect? What will be the advantages? Or would it bring a new set of challenges?

Just as every coin has two sides, 5G brings advantages and disadvantages. We shall look at the top ones from both categories in this blog.

Advantages

Higher Download Speeds

Speed is the need of the hour. 5G promises the capacity to increase download speeds by up to 20 times from 200 Mbps in 4G to 10 Gbps in 5G. Such speeds will enable us to maximize the browsing experience, stream high-quality/resolution content quickly, and even share large data files across the globe at record speed.

Hyperconnectivity

Internet of Things and the concept of a hyper-connected life are already a reality. However, due to the limitations of 4G, we have not been able to exploit their full potential. With 5G, we shall reduce the disruptions in connectivity, increase data transfer speeds, and most importantly, add billions of devices to the network. 5G is designed to handle as many as 500 billion devices, enabling businesses to capture far greater volumes of hitherto untapped actionable data.

IoT shall then be empowered to take every industry to the next level.

Opportunities to innovate

With the capacity and capabilities of 5G, new services and business models built on sensor-enabled smart tech shall take birth. Businesses shall be able to leverage user data to create personalized offerings more seamlessly for customers. And finally, the likes of virtual reality and augmented reality shall see more widespread adoption in everyone’s lives – business and personal.

Disadvantages

Security Concerns

Pre-5G networks such as 3G and 4G had fewer  hardware traffic points of contact, making it easier to do security checks and upkeep. But with 5G’s dynamic software-based systems, which have far more traffic routing points, the risks of security failure increase. Any unsecured areas might compromise other parts of the network.

High Resource Requirement

The vast functions that 5G provides require a solid infrastructure. Significant investment from the government and industry shall be required for a quick and smooth rollout. Moreover, qualified personnel shall be required to manage the network even after implementation. Thus, compared to previous network generations, 5G brings the greater challenge of cost and workforce requirements.

Decreased broadcast distance 

Indeed, 5G works fast at high speed, but the signals don’t travel as far when compared to 4G signals. Moreover, tall buildings and trees may block the frequency of the 5G network leading to connectivity disruptions.

Therefore, a more significant number of towers shall be required for covering the same area covered under lesser 4G towers; this shall lead to more costs and delays in widespread implementation.

Conclusion

Along with the promise of 5G comes a list of notable disadvantages compared to previous generations. Moreover, its true nature and effects on our lives shall be witnessed only when widely adopted. While we should look forward to the benefits, we should beware of the adverse effects.

Read more about 5G on Rucha Yantra’s official website and stay tuned to our Knowledge Corner for regular updates.