New generation networks are already a reality around the world. 5G is becoming one of the driving sectors of the global economy, creating new opportunities for companies, individuals, governments, and organizations, but this is not all. Technological progress for the end-user primarily goes through the devices and services that he already uses every day: computers, tablets, smartphones, transport, health care, and entertainment. 5G networks open up new scenarios, such as the creation of smart cities and the possibility of remote autonomous driving, which bring us even closer to the realities that so far we could only know in science fiction movies. But the distribution of these networks has not yet reached such a mass character as in previous generations, so sometimes people have to boost the 5G signal. And we will talk about this in this article.
What is 5G and how does it work?
The abbreviation 5G stands for the fifth-generation network and is the successor to the 4G LTE network we all know from our smartphones. This is a set of technologies for mobile telephony, defined by a common standard, which marks a clear evolution compared to previous generation networks. The consortium that sets the standard for 5G technology is the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP): a collaboration agreement signed more than 20 years ago between companies involved in defining the technical specifications of mobile network communication systems.
As the name implies, 5G networks are the fifth iteration of the communication standard that has brought with it great innovations, generation after generation:
- first-generation networks allow mobile calls,
- 2G network – send a text (SMS),
- 3G to open up the world of the Internet and mobile data to devices such as smartphones and tablets
- 4G networks have increased speed by several orders of magnitude than the previous generation.
The underlying technology of 5G is the transmission of non-ionizing electromagnetic waves through the air, similar to those used for the current 3G / 4G network. The main difference is the frequency of the waves used, which now occupy a wider range, with the possibility of using waves less than a millimeter for communications. This type of wave has certain advantages, among all that they have low latency and allow you to transport more data, which allows you to achieve much faster speeds than the 4G network.
However, it should be noted that these results can only be achieved using the highest frequency spectrum, above 6 GHz, with mmWave technology, i.e. radio waves less than a millimeter long. This type of transmission is possible only with short-range radio antennas, given the nature of the waves that are susceptible to natural interference, such as trees, buildings, and even clothing. The trade-off for these features is that the penetration of radio waves is particularly limited compared to the current 4G infrastructure. That is why, at least at the initial stage of 5G network development, different frequencies will be placed side by side to better serve the population.
What exactly does the 5G standard provide?
Basically, the next generation of mobile networks will be implemented in order to be more efficient and versatile, which will expand the range of applications already used in 4G LTE networks. In particular, compared to previous generation networks, 5G stands out:
- Faster speed
- Lower delay
- A large number of devices connected simultaneously
- The theoretical maximum speed for 5G networks is 20 Gbps, which is about 20 times the current theoretical limit of 4G networks, although in their version of Advanced Pro they can reach almost 3 Gbps in some areas.
Speed is not all, however, as channel width is also very important, ranging from the current 20 MHz to 500 MHz, and the frequency range used, even here theoretically up to 300 GHz, even if there is no state yet beyond 40 GHz. The range of useful frequencies largely depends on the areas in which the 5G network is developed, which is divided into three different bands for performance and signal penetration: we will discuss this in more detail in the next section on 5G frequencies.
Less latency allows for instant or near-instantaneous communication, with an effective latency of less than 1 ms: for current 4G networks, this value is 10/20 ms, so the increase in absolute signal response is really important.
5G repeater
Since the 5G network is not very common, you may need a repeater for better reception. Repeater – it is also an active cellular signal amplifier, with the right selection it enhances all cellular communication standards
Operating principle
An outdoor antenna is installed on the roof or facade of the house and is directed to the base station of the cellular operator. The signal is transmitted via cable to the repeater, where it is amplified many times, and then it is distributed via cable to the internal antenna (or antennas), which, in turn, propagates the signal on the premises.
How to choose a device to boost 5G
First of all, we advise you to choose only proven companies for the production of this equipment. UCtel providers can offer solutions for any task.
For most cases, a complete solution is enough for you, which includes: a repeater, a power supply for it, an external and internal antenna, a cable for connecting an external antenna to the repeater, as well as connectors. Such solutions are suitable for anyone who wants to install a repeater in a city or suburb, as well as in settlements where there is an operator’s base station nearby.
If the base station of the operator is far from you or you have a task to cover a large house or another object, here we advise you to choose a complete set separately with the help of our experts. You will need more powerful repeaters, with the ability to connect multiple antennas, and you may need a linear amplifier. A brick wall (1.5-2 bricks) dampens the signal by 30-35 dB, a reinforced concrete wall (panel) dampens the signal by 35-50 dB and a metal roof by 60-100 dB. So, the main thing is to choose only high-quality equipment that has been tested over the years and not forget to consult with professionals.
