5G is the latest in wireless technology, offering faster speeds, better connectivity, and cellular connection in more areas.
Thinking about making the switch? To help you decide whether to upgrade to 5G, we'll go over:
- What is 5G and how it works
- The difference between 5G and 4G
- Benefits of upgrading to 5G
Have questions about how 5G will impact your home's security? Call us at 800.552.1111 or contact us online. Ackerman Security experts are ready to help you bring 5G to your home or business.
Question #1: What is 5G and how it works
5G, which refers to the fifth generation (G) of wireless technology, offers the fastest and most secure technology on the market.
5G technology still works like other cellular networks, using various frequencies of radio signals to send data and voice signals from transmitters (like cell towers) to wireless devices (cell phones, smart home devices, etc.).
Where 5G differs from 4G is in the frequencies used to transmit those radio signals, which we'll get into next.
Question #2: The difference between 5G and 4G
When discussing cellular frequencies, keep in mind that:
- Lower-frequency signals have longer wavelengths, meaning they can travel farther but send data slower
- Higher-frequency signals have shorter wavelengths, allowing them to send data quickly, but can't travel as far
4G technology uses lower-frequency signals, usually below 3 gigahertz (GHz).
Meanwhile, 5G technology uses higher-frequency signals that send data at faster rates. 5G networks use 2 main types of frequencies:
1. Millimeter wavelength:
This wavelength measures about one millimeter and uses frequencies around 28 GHz and 39 GHz. Millimeter wavelengths transmit data super fast on short wavelengths, making it great for cities.
Since 4G uses only low-frequency signals, it can't support millimeter wavelength frequency like 5G can.
2. Sub-6 wavelength:
Sub-6 wavelengths use frequencies under 6 GHz. Depending on the network, this group can be broken down further into:
- Low-band: This frequency can operate as low as 600 megahertz (MHz). The lower frequency has a longer wavelength, meaning it can travel farther (hundreds of miles) to deliver 5G to more places.
- Mid-band: This frequency is a happy medium between low-band and millimeter wavelengths, providing faster speeds than low-band wavelength but further range than millimeter wavelength.
While 4G is similar to low-band 5G in frequency and range, low-band 5G offers higher speeds than 4G.
Learn more about how 5G differs from previous technology in our blog, "3G vs. 4G vs. 5G: What's the Difference?"
Question #3: Benefits of upgrading to 5G
5G technology offers benefits like:
- Improved accessibility. Because each generation of technology builds on the infrastructure of the one before it, 5G can deliver reliable internet access to more remote areas. A more reliable cellular network means better security for families and business owners because they can switch from outdated landline security monitoring to more secure cellular security monitoring.
- Faster speeds. Compared to 4G's 150 megabits per second (mbps), 5G is able to offer speeds over 1 gigabit per second (gbps), meaning better streaming and faster connections. For example, if you're a business owner who upgrades your business to 5G, you can more easily stream video surveillance footage and have peace of mind knowing you have faster security monitoring services.
- Better connectivity. A network's bandwidth determines how much traffic a network can handle before it starts to slow down. 5G bandwidth allows you to have more connected devices without the connection being interrupted—keeping you and everyone in your family or company less frustrated.
Ackerman Security is ready to help you upgrade
Our security technology depends on WiFi and cellular networks to monitor our customer's homes and businesses. The fast-approaching switch to 5G means older technology (like 3G and 4G) will soon start to be phased out.
We're here to help our customers make the switch to 5G to better protect their home or business. Call 800.552.1111 or contact us online for a free quote.
For more information on the security services we offer, check our home security systems page or business security systems page.