5G – Fifth generation mobile data – is the buzz! And why not, when it will be around a hundred times faster than the current 4G delivery system, without any appreciable rise in cost. So instead of waiting an interminable 8 minutes or so to download a full length movie, you can press play in less than 10 seconds.
You can’t wait, right?
Yeah, well, cool your jets buster. For a start, there are some things you should know about 5G before you rush out and buy a 5G phone or think about throwing away your modem/router.
Don’t hold your breath.
The thing about 5G is, the signal has a much shorter range than the current 4G we all use. That means there need to be a lot more phone towers, antennas and access points (APs), a lot closer together, before any of us will get uninterrupted 5G access.
So, while Telstra and Optus will start rolling out 5G late in 2019, don’t expect to switch over completely until well into 2020, if not later.
Expect more cabling, not less.
Along with every other aspect of the business, WIFI cabling has been changing over the years, to keep up with increasing speeds and volume of traffic. 5G will demand that your cabling is WIFI 6 (the current highest rating) to make full use of its lower latency (signal travel time).
Not only that, because of the short range of the 5G signal, there will need to be a lot more mobile access points – for instance office buildings will require APs on every floor. This may even necessitate a change to higher voltage ES3 category rated power cabling, making the installation and operation of the system more hazardous than is currently the case.
The bottom line.
You have plenty of time up your sleeve, so there’s no need to jump on the 5G bus just yet. However, if you are considering upgrading your commercial, business or industrial premises to be ready for 5G, you really need to talk to an expert.
To find out more, and to discuss 5G with an expert, contact us and we’ll help you understand what needs to be done, and how.