It’s been a few years since the mobile industry embraced the fourth generation of wireless communication. Tabbed “4G”, it has been the accepted communications platform for devices since 2010. While it’s important to understand where we are, it’s equally important, especially regarding technology, to see where we’re headed. Due to the immense demand these networks have on 4G, is there a chance that we will see an upgrade of this system soon? Analysts say it’s not likely.
The Fifth Generation
When we refer to the 4G network, of course we’re speaking of the fourth generation of the wireless network. The first iteration of this technology, or 1G, was first designed in the 1980s to facilitate the calls that were made from the first wireless phones. The largest change the system has seen was from the first to the second generation, as the 1G analog system was replaced by a much larger and more efficient digital system. Each generation has improved on the system is some way, with the 4G network being the most current.
Keeping with their naming system, the next version of wireless networks will be called 5G for 'fifth generation'. The fifth generation promises to improve the clarity of calls and enhance users’ ability to send and receive information. There are some analysts that believe 5G will be available as soon as 2018, but many more conservative projections don’t expect a 5G upgrade until 2020 or after.
The reason it’s taking so long, as most other wireless technology is moving forward so quickly, is that it’s not completely understood how this wireless technology can be effectively delivered to the mobile device users of the world. Processor magazine writes that top researchers are looking into “what technical advances can achieve goals like minimum 100Mbps data rates, 45 b/s/Hz [bits per second per Hertz] spectral efficiency, 100Tbps per square kilometer density.”
In layman’s terms, when we actually do get 5G, we can expect to see substantially faster speeds.
Improvements to WiFi
It’s no secret that there are more devices connected to the Internet now than ever before and it’s perfectly natural that networks grow to properly accommodate the increased traffic. As a result, expect to see the Wave 2 802.11ac improved. The current specification was designed specifically to handle multiple devices on a network at the same time. All signs point to this type of connection being the standard going forward.
Over the next two years, we should begin to see alterations in the way wireless networks produce quality Internet service to users. As reported by Processor:
Peter Crocker, founder and principal analyst at Smith’s Point Analytics, says “the reality is that Wi-Fi will be part of 5G, and it’s going to bring together a bunch of different transport technologies from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi to LTE and 3G, making all these things work together.”
The modern business relies heavily on wireless technology and it doesn’t seem as if it is going to change anytime soon. To take advantage of all that a comprehensive wireless solution can bring to your business, call Evolve IT today at (518) 203-2110. We can work with you to ensure that your organization’s wireless solution meets all of your needs.
