With the introduction of the 5G network, there have been a lot of instances where people wanted to compare the 4G and the 5G network. Both networks have played a very important role in changing the telecommunication sector.
They have made internet browsing and other services a lot faster than they used to be. Besides that, there have been several other benefits of using these networks.
Out of the two, 5G was launched recently and has been in the news for its numerous advantages over the 4G network. It is the “next generation” network that provides fast speed, high capacity, and increased bandwidth. It has not yet been launched all over the world, but soon that will change.
With more demand for 5G all across the world and an increase in “ Internet of Things”, 5G is rapidly expanding and setting up its infrastructure all over the world. In the US, they have already started setting up towers to facilitate the transmission of 5G data.
There have been several questions about these 5G towers and their comparison with the 4G towers that were installed earlier. People have been intrigued by the technology that is about to come into their area.
What Does A 5G Tower Look Like Vs 4G?
5G and 4G towers are very different in terms of functions as well as size. 5G towers are smaller in size and are not as noticeable as 4G towers. They are so small that they do not require an infrastructure of their own and can fit on an existing structure.
4G has better coverage than 5G towers, whereas there is a requirement for more 5G towers to cover a certain area. Since they are smaller, this task becomes easy. Their small size fulfils their promise of providing a fast and low latency network.
The small size is perfect for transmitting the data on a different radio spectrum, making it different from the 4G network.
5G towers are also known as small cell towers. This is because a small cell serves as the base station in providing the overall 5G network making it an important part of the tower. On the other hand, 4G towers use macrocells that are bigger.
5G cell towers come with other advantages due to their size. They can be easily disguised as a tree or any other object in the environment to make the surroundings look aesthetic. These small cell towers also cover less space and support high-frequency waves making the 5G range limited in comparison to 4G.
5G towers or small cell towers have to be installed in more amounts as compared to 4G towers. 5G towers, due to their high-frequency waves, transmit a signal that is easily obstructed by the objects present in their surroundings. These objects can be trees, leaves, houses, etc. This way, it becomes important to install more towers to overcome the issue.
Due to a sudden boom and people’s increasing excitement and curiosity towards 5G, they will soon start purchasing devices that support the network.
There will be a massive demand created among people for 5G cell towers to avail the facilities of the 5G network. Because of this, there will be an increase in the installation and implementation of the towers expanding the network area to benefit people.
What Is The Range Of A 5G Tower?
5G functions on a high-frequency spectrum that is developed on “millimetre waves”. The range covered by the 5G network is roughly 5 gigahertz to 96 gigahertz. This is a faster frequency used than any other network providing faster and more effective speed.
But, due to its high frequency, the 5G network works in a lower range in comparison to other networks.
Due to its shorter range and the limitation of these frequencies being obstructed by objects like trees, houses, construction material, etc., in its way, 5G towers have to be installed at short distances. These towers have to be established close to each other.
This requires a lot of infrastructural planning and organisation. They have to be installed closer to the city’s population where they can easily access the signal.
This can be right outside the doors of businesses, around college campuses, near residential areas, near bus stations and railway stations, etc.
Can 5G Use The Same Towers as 4G?
Yes, the same tower can be used for both 4G and 5G signals. The new 5G cell towers will also transmit signals that support the 4G network.
Whenever you cannot use the 5G network, you can switch to the 4G network and use those services. 5G devices also support the 4G network, and hence you won’t have a problem working with the 4G network if you cannot get a good signal from your 5G network.
Conclusion
5G towers have a smaller size and different functionality in terms of cells used as compared to 4G towers. The 5G towers use small cells and work on a higher frequency, whereas the 4G towers use macrocells. Both the networks can coexist in a 5G tower and so if you are using a 5G device and have a 5G tower installed near you, you can get the benefit of using both 4G and 5G networks.
The range for 5G towers is less than 4G towers due to their high speed and low latency characteristics. These have to be installed close to each other and the connected devices.
So, if you are someone who wants 5G as a go-to network, make sure that a tower is installed near your house and your workplace so that you can enjoy its benefits to the fullest.