Difference Between 4G and 5G

Ever wondered how 5G differs from 4G? As we swiftly move from 4G to 5G, it’s more than just a speed boost. Dive in to uncover what’s changing in our pockets and around us in the world of mobile connectivity. Curious? Let’s explore.

In the era of mobile connectivity, the transition from 4G to 5G is expected to do wonders for the industry. The transition is not just limited to speed but also improves latency, coverage, bandwidth, and many more. 

This article will discuss the difference between 4G and 5G, their features, advantages, and disadvantages.

So, without further delay, let’s get started.

Table of Content

• Difference Between 4G and 5G: 4G vs. 5G
• What is 4G and How Does it Work?
  • Features of 4G
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
• What is 5G and How Does it Work?
  • Features of 5G
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
• Key Differences Between 4G and 5G

What is the Difference Between 4G and 5G?

	4G	5G
Full-Form	Fouth-Generation Technology	Fifth-Generation Technology
Speed	Upto 100 Mbps	10 Gbps (20 – 30 times more than 4G)
Latency	50 milliseconds	1 millisecond
Range	Longer range due to lower frequencies	The shorter range on higher frequencies but compensated with more base stations.
Bandwidth	600 MHz – 2.5GHz	28-39 GHz
Device Connectivity	Primarily Smartphones and tablets	Devices ranging from smartphones to IoT devices to industrial equipment.
Network Architecture	Relies on large cell towers for coverage	Uses a combination of  cell towers and small cell networks for consistent networks
Network Efficiency	Efficient but faces congestion in densely populated areas.	Highly efficient with better traffic handling
Energy Consumption	Higher energy consumption.	Designed to be more energy efficient
Backward Compatibility	Compatible with 2G and 3G	Compatible with 4G and earlier standards
Application	HD video streaming, high-speed browsing and mobile apps	Autonomous Vehicles, Telemedicine, AR/VR, Smart Cities

What is 4G and How Does it Work?

4G, or Fourth Generation Mobile Telecommunication Technology, is the successor of 3G and provides mobile internet speed and reliability that surpasses its predecessor. The primary goal of 4G was to deliver high-speed broadband to mobile devices, making activities like streaming HD videos, video conferencing, and online gaming smoother and more efficient.

4G networks use a common system, like a shared language, to send and receive data in small chunks. This system ensures your data moves smoothly across different networks without issues. When you use your phone, it talks to nearby tall towers with antennas. These towers then help exchange data between the internet and your phone.

Features of 4G

• 4G offers faster data download and upload speeds than 3G, with a potential speed of up to 100 Mbps.
• Reduces time latency, which improves time delay in data transfer, making real-time activities like online gaming and video calls more efficient.
• It provides better and clearer voice calls with reduced background noise.
• It uses an all-IP-based system, i.e., Internet Protocol, for all data and voice services.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
Faster Speed	Battery Drain
Improved Connectivity	Infrastructure Cost
Wider Ranges	Limited Peak Speed
Enhanced Multi-Media Experience	Coverage Gaps
Reduced Latency	Device Compatibility

What is 5G and How Does it Work?

5G or Fifth Generation, is the latest evolution in Mobile Telecommunication Technology designed to be faster, more reliable, and more versatile than its predecessor, 4G. The goal of 5G is to provide ultra-fast broadband access for mobile devices, support IoT devices and lays the foundation for a host of new applications, from autonomous vehicles to Augmented and virtual reality experiences.

5G uses a radio interface and other new technologies to transfer exponentially more data over the air for faster speed, reduced congestion, and lower latency.

It consists of two components:

Radio Access Network

It uses features like small cells, which is especially important for the new short-range millimeter wave frequencies. These small cells are grouped in areas where people need them most, ensuring everyone stays connected without interruptions.

The Core Network

This network handles mobile calls, data, and the internet. For 5G, it’s updated to work better with the internet and cloud. It also has servers spread out to respond faster.

Features of 5G

• It promises 100 times faster speed than 4G.
• It aims to reduce latency to as low as one millisecond.
• Design to support many devices simultaneously, making it for IoT applications.
• It can handle more data and users at once, reducing congestion.
• Allows operators to create multiple virtual networks with a single 5G network.
• They are designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing device battery drain and energy consumption.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
Ultra-Fast Speed	High Investment Cost
Ultra-Low Latency	Requires more base stations for coverage
Flexible Network Slicing	Many existing devices are not compatible
More Energy Efficient	Security Concerns
Ideal for AR/VR, autonomous vehicles	Limited Global Deployment

Key Differences Between 4G and 5G

• The speed of 4G is up to 100Mbps, while the speed of 5G is up to 10Gbps.
• The latency of 4G is 50 ms, whereas the latency of 5G is only 1 ms.
• 5G supports devices ranging from smartphones to IoT to industrial equipment, whereas 4G primarily supports smartphones and tablets.
• 5G combines cell towers and small cell networks for consistent networks, whereas 4 G relies on large cell towers for coverage.
• The application of 4G includes HD video streaming and high-speed browsing. In contrast, the application of 5G includes Autonomous Vehicle, Telemedicine, AR, and VR.

Conclusion

The transition from 4G to 5G was a giant leap in the world of mobile networks. While 4G revolutionized internet browsing on mobile devices, 5G promises a transformative experience, paving the way for technological innovations we have only deemed of.
This article briefly discusses the difference between 4G and 5G networks based on the different parameters.
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