Differences Between Previous Generations of Mobile Networks and 5G

First Generation – 1G

  • 1980s: 1G delivered analog voice communication.

Second Generation – 2G

  • Early 1990s: 2G introduced digital voice technology, such as CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).

Third Generation – 3G

  • Early 2000s: 3G brought mobile data capabilities, exemplified by technologies like CDMA2000.

Fourth Generation – 4G LTE

  • 2010s: 4G LTE ushered in the era of mobile broadband, offering significantly higher data speeds and better connectivity.

Transition to 5G

1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G have all led to the development of 5G, which is designed to provide unprecedented connectivity.

5G Capabilities

  • Unified Interface: 5G is a more capable air interface designed with extended capacity to enable next-generation user experiences, new deployment models, and new services.
  • High Speeds and Reliability: 5G offers higher speeds, superior reliability, and negligible latency.
  • Impact on Industries: It will expand mobile ecosystems into new realms, impacting industries such as transportation, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics.

Global Economic Impact of 5G

  • Economic Growth: 5G is driving global growth with a projected $13.1 trillion in global economic output and the creation of 22.8 million new jobs.
  • Investment: There will be $265 billion in global 5G CAPEX and R&D annually over the next 15 years.
  • Industry Support: The 5G value chain could support up to 22.8 million jobs, encompassing OEMs, operators, content creators, app developers, and consumers.

Uses and Applications of 5G

Enhanced Mobile Broadband

  • 5G technology will enhance mobile experiences with faster, more uniform data rates, lower latency, and lower cost-per-bit.
  • It will enable new immersive experiences such as VR and AR.

Mission-Critical Communications

  • 5G can enable new services that transform industries through ultra-reliable, low-latency links, such as remote control of critical infrastructure, vehicles, and medical procedures.

Massive IoT

  • 5G will connect a massive number of embedded sensors in virtually everything, offering lean and low-cost connectivity solutions.

5G Speed and Performance

  • Peak Data Rates: 5G is designed to deliver peak data rates up to 20 Gbps.
  • Qualcomm Technologies: The Qualcomm® Snapdragonâ„¢ X65 is designed to achieve up to 10 Gbps in downlink peak data rates.
  • Network Capacity and Latency: 5G provides higher network capacity by expanding into new spectrum, such as mmWave, and offers much lower latency for immediate responses.
  • User Experience: It provides a uniform user experience, maintaining high data rates even when users are moving.

Availability and Adoption of 5G

  • Current Deployment: 5G has been deployed in over 60 countries, with a much faster rollout compared to 4G.
  • Consumer Excitement: High speeds and low latencies have generated significant consumer excitement.
  • Future Expansion: More countries are expected to launch 5G networks in the coming years.

5G Devices

  • New Phones Needed: To use 5G, you need a new smartphone that supports 5G, such as those powered by the Snapdragon 5G Mobile Platforms.
  • Availability: Several new 5G-compatible mobile phones are available, and more will become mainstream as the 5G rollout progresses.

Learning More About 5G

  • Qualcomm® Wireless Academy (QWA): Offers a variety of 5G training courses for both advanced wireless engineers and non-engineers new to 5G. Courses are available in a flexible eLearning format for learning at your own pace from anywhere in the world.

For those new to 5G, the “5G Primer for Non-Engineers” is recommended as a starting point.

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