Technology: 4G stands for the fourth generation of mobile communication standards, specifically referring to LTE (Long Term Evolution).
Data Speeds:
Theoretical peak download speeds can reach up to 100 Mbps for moving devices and 1 Gbps for stationary devices.
Upload speeds can vary but often fall in the range of 5-50 Mbps.
Latency: Typically ranges from 30 to 50 milliseconds, although real-world latency can be influenced by factors like network congestion.
Frequency Bands:
4G LTE operates on various frequency bands depending on the region and carrier, including 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600 MHz, and more.
Carrier aggregation techniques allow combining multiple frequency bands to increase bandwidth and improve speed.
Advanced Features:
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Uses multiple antennas for transmitting and receiving data, enhancing data throughput and network efficiency.
VoLTE (Voice over LTE): Allows voice calls to be made over 4G networks, providing clearer audio quality and faster call setup times.
QoS (Quality of Service): Provides prioritization of data traffic, ensuring that essential services receive adequate bandwidth.
5G Network:
Technology: 5G refers to the fifth generation of mobile communication standards, designed to provide faster data speeds, lower latency, increased capacity, and support for a vast number of connected devices.
Data Speeds:
Theoretical peak download speeds can exceed 20 Gbps, although real-world speeds will be lower.
Upload speeds are also significantly improved compared to 4G.
Latency: Aims to achieve ultra-low latency, often below 10 milliseconds and possibly as low as 1 millisecond in optimal conditions.
Frequency Bands:
5G operates across a broader spectrum, including low-band (sub-1 GHz), mid-band (1-6 GHz), and high-band (mmWave) frequencies.
mmWave offers extremely high data rates but has limited range and penetration, making it suitable for dense urban areas.
Advanced Features:
Massive MIMO: Utilizes a more extensive array of antennas (hundreds to thousands) to improve network capacity, coverage, and efficiency.
Network Slicing: Enables the creation of multiple virtual networks within a single physical network, tailored to specific applications or services.
Edge Computing: Processes data closer to the end-user or device, reducing latency and improving response times for applications like AR/VR, gaming, and IoT.
Beamforming: Focuses radio waves in specific directions, optimizing signal strength and quality for individual users or devices.
Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS): Allows 4G and 5G technologies to coexist on the same frequency bands, facilitating a smoother transition and deployment.