Just as the transition from 3G to 4G was crucial for the use of mobile data in phones, the transition from 4G to 5G will mean a small revolution in the field of mobile applications. It will enable the development of the smart industry. The new generation of networks offers an increment in bitrate in connection with the cloud, allows the use of virtual or augmented reality in telephones and giving enormous expanse for mobile application development.
The 5G mobile network is a new telecommunications standard that exceeds the current 4G and 4G LTE networks. Fifth-generation networks should deliver rapid data transfer speeds and much lower response rates. This will allow the development of modern technologies that are limited by a low bit rate and insufficient response.
But each coin has two sides, and even 5G networks have its restrictions and risks. Experts agree that 5G networks can be more vulnerable to security than their predecessor. Also, coverage of 5G networks will be more technically demanding than 4G networks. Therefore, it holds not only the enormous potential and advantages of the emerging network but also the risks and threats.
Pros of 5G Network
The speed of mobile internet is far from the main thing that 5G networks bring to us. Thanks to a theoretical transfer rate of up to 10 Gbps (some sources even say 20 Gbps) and a response that is close to zero, it will be possible to take full advantage of technologies that are not yet possible due to insufficient transfer rates and high latency.
As a good example, we can use self-driving cars, where the speed of response and sufficient “data supply” is crucial for safety. Insufficient response means a delayed reaction of the control unit, which may result in a fatal accident. This can be compared to the reaction time of a drunk and sober driver.
It is expected that cloud applications will be developed for health prevention or banking purposes. It will also be possible to make full use of augmented and virtual reality, online games or online casinos and much more. In this way, no major technological obstacles should stand in the form of all kinds of innovation.
Cons of 5G network
Nothing is free, especially good thinks. Building the entire infrastructure will be very expensive, and even Asian operators will pay approximately $ 370 billion (around $ 8.3 trillion) to construct fifth-generation networks between 2018 and 2025. The frequencies on the 5G signal are transmitted are not very suitable for transmitting data over long distances or through obstacles such as building walls.
The question mark also hangs over the most important point – will the 5G network be adequately secured? Even the leading developer of 5G infrastructure raises doubts. It is a Chinese company Huawei, which faces allegations of monitoring and bringing information to the Chinese government and secret services. Therefore, the US government issued a statement in the autumn of 2018 recommending to friendly countries not to use Huawei devices to build 5G infrastructure.
The two other major manufacturers – Nokia and Ericsson – do not face any such accusations, but technically slightly lag behind Huawei.
There is also speculation about health risks. According to them, more sensitive persons could respond to exposure to omnipresent electromagnetic frequencies. It should be noted, however, that these speculations are not yet substantiated by anything specific and are awaiting the results of relevant scientific research.