Technology & How It Works

5G technology represents a fundamental shift in mobile network architecture, introducing new capabilities and technical principles that differ significantly from previous generations. This section provides technical explanations of how 5G networks operate and the underlying technologies that enable enhanced performance.

Core Technical Principles

5G networks are built upon several core technical principles that collectively deliver improved performance, efficiency, and capabilities compared to earlier mobile network generations.

Latency

Latency refers to the time it takes for data to travel from a device to a server and back. 5G networks achieve significantly lower latency compared to 4G, typically ranging from 1 to 10 milliseconds compared to 30-50 milliseconds for 4G. This reduction in latency enables applications that require near-instantaneous responses, such as real-time gaming, autonomous vehicle communications, and remote surgery.

Bandwidth and Data Speeds

5G provides substantially increased bandwidth, allowing for higher data transfer speeds. Theoretical peak speeds for 5G can reach up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps) in optimal conditions, compared to approximately 1 Gbps for 4G. Real-world speeds vary depending on numerous factors, but 5G consistently delivers faster download and upload speeds than previous network generations.

Network Capacity

5G networks are designed to support a much higher density of connected devices per unit area compared to 4G. This increased capacity is essential for supporting the growing number of internet-connected devices, including smartphones, IoT devices, and smart city infrastructure. 5G can support up to one million devices per square kilometre, compared to approximately 100,000 devices for 4G.

Energy Efficiency

5G networks incorporate energy-efficient technologies that reduce power consumption per bit of data transmitted. This efficiency is achieved through advanced antenna technologies, network densification strategies, and intelligent sleep modes for network equipment when not in use.

Spectrum Bands

5G technology utilises multiple spectrum bands to deliver different performance characteristics and coverage capabilities. Understanding these bands helps explain how 5G networks achieve their technical capabilities.

Low-Band Spectrum (Sub-1 GHz)

Frequencies typically below 1 GHz
Excellent coverage range, often exceeding 10 kilometres from tower
Strong building penetration capabilities
Lower data speeds compared to higher bands
Suitable for widespread coverage and rural areas

Mid-Band Spectrum (1-6 GHz)

Frequencies between 1 and 6 GHz
Balanced coverage and capacity
Coverage range typically 1-5 kilometres
Moderate building penetration
Provides good data speeds and capacity
Primary spectrum for urban and suburban deployment

High-Band Spectrum (mmWave, 24-40 GHz)

Frequencies in the millimetre wave range
Very high data speeds and capacity
Limited coverage range, typically 100-500 metres
Poor building penetration
Requires dense infrastructure deployment
Best suited for high-density urban areas and specific applications

4G vs 5G Comparison

The transition from 4G to 5G represents a significant technological advancement, with several key differences in performance and capabilities.

Wide range of bands (low, mid, high)

Characteristic	4G (LTE)	5G
Peak Data Speed	~1 Gbps	~20 Gbps
Latency	30-50 milliseconds	1-10 milliseconds
Device Density	~100,000 devices/km²	~1,000,000 devices/km²
Energy Efficiency	Standard efficiency	90% more efficient
Spectrum Use	Limited bands
Network Architecture	Centralised	Distributed, edge computing

Infrastructure Components

5G networks require specialised infrastructure components that work together to deliver enhanced performance and capabilities. Understanding these components helps explain how 5G technology functions in practice.

Base Stations and Antennas

5G base stations, also known as gNodeBs, are the core radio access points that connect user devices to the network. 5G utilises advanced antenna technologies including:

Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Uses dozens or hundreds of antenna elements to simultaneously serve multiple users, increasing capacity and efficiency
Beamforming: Directs signals towards specific users rather than broadcasting in all directions, improving efficiency and reducing interference
Small Cells: Low-power base stations that extend coverage and capacity in specific areas, particularly important for mmWave deployments
Macro Cells: Traditional high-power towers providing broad coverage, primarily for low and mid-band spectrum

Core Network

The 5G core network manages authentication, mobility management, and data routing. Key aspects of the 5G core include:

Network Slicing: Creates virtual networks tailored for specific applications or user groups, optimising performance for different use cases
Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Separates network control from hardware, enabling more flexible and programmable network management
Network Function Virtualization (NFV): Implements network functions as software running on standard hardware, reducing costs and increasing flexibility
Edge Computing: Processes data closer to the user, reducing latency and enabling real-time applications

Backhaul and Transport Network

The backhaul network connects base stations to the core network, carrying all user and control data. 5G requires substantial backhaul capacity due to increased data volumes:

Fibre Optic Connections: Primary backhaul medium, providing high capacity and reliability
Microwave Links: Used where fibre deployment is impractical or as backup connections
High-Speed Ethernet: Short-range connections for small cells and distributed infrastructure
Satellite Links: Used in remote areas where terrestrial connections are unavailable

User Equipment (Devices)

5G-enabled devices incorporate specialised hardware and software to access 5G networks:

5G Modems: Specialised chips that process 5G signals and manage network connections
Antenna Systems: Multiple antenna arrays for MIMO and beamforming support
Frequency Bands: Support for low, mid, and high-band 5G spectrum
Protocol Stack: Software implementing 5G network protocols and standards

Technical Architecture Overview

The 5G network architecture follows a modular, service-based design that enables flexibility and scalability:

Access Layer

The radio access network (RAN) connects user devices to the core network via base stations and antennas. This layer handles radio signal transmission, modulation, and user equipment management.

Transport Layer

Provides connectivity between base stations and core network components, handling data traffic and control signals. This layer ensures reliable, high-capacity data transmission across the network.

Core Layer

Manages network functions including authentication, mobility, session management, and data routing. The core implements advanced features like network slicing and edge computing.

Technical Note: The actual implementation and configuration of 5G infrastructure varies between network operators and geographical locations. Specific technical details may differ based on spectrum allocations, deployment strategies, and vendor equipment.

Network Slicing

Network slicing is a key innovation in 5G that allows multiple virtual networks to operate on shared physical infrastructure. Each slice can be optimised for specific requirements:

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): Optimised for high-speed data services like video streaming and large file downloads
Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC): Designed for mission-critical applications requiring minimal latency and maximum reliability
Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC): Supports large numbers of IoT devices with low power requirements

Informational Purpose: This section provides technical explanations of 5G technology for educational purposes. Specific implementation details, network performance metrics, or service availability should be verified through official telecommunications operator channels or technical documentation.