5G Mobile Network

What is 5G?
5G is the term used to refer to the fifth generation of the mobile communications standard. The introduction of 5G does not mean the replacement of LTE, but represents a further development in addition to the existing network. 4G, LTE will operate in parallel to 5G.


What is the differnce between 5G and current technologies?

The powerful 5G mobile communications technology is more than just a new mobile communications standard. Among the many advantages of 5G technology are features such as high-volume data transmission, low latency, rapid diffusion of information and the ability to integrate a significantly larger number of devices compared to other radio standards. On the other hand, other network technologies partially cover only some of the aforementioned advantages. WiFi, for example, provides high-volume data transmission capabilities but does not gurantee data delivery times. In contrast, fieldbus communication technologies provide low-delay and extremly reliable communication, but often lack high-volume transmission capacities. 5G combines these features and integrates them to form one single core technology.


Features of 5G technology

  • Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
    - Peak data rates up to 10Gbit/s
    - Stable connections at high speed (up to 500 km/h)
     
  • Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC)
    - Connection density up to 1 million devices/km2
    - Reduction in network energy usage by 90 percent -> improved battery life
     
  • Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communication (uRLLC)
    - Low latency < 1ms
    - Ultra-high Reliability and Availability (99.999%)
     
  • Network Slicing
    5G networks can take into account that different users and applications have a very individual need for speeds, data rates and capacities. Different requirements can be defined in the separate slices.
     
  • Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (massive MIMO)
    These systems calculate the spatial propagation of the radio signals and adjust the transmitted signal accordingly. By beamforming, the antenna transmitter direction is aligned to the terminal devices and a maximum signal is achieved by bundling the radio waves.

 

What are the possibilities 5G network will bring with it?

  • Autonomous and networked driving
  • Mass connectivity in the field of the Internet of Things
  • Realisation of real-time applications
  • Tele-consultation
  • Remote control of medical robots
  • Wireless applications in the field of augmented and virtual reality
  • High-quality, high-resolution mobile video communication
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 

What frequency does 5G use?

  • 5G radio cells in the frequency range 700 MHz (large range, basic coverage)
  • 5G radio cells in the frequency range 3.4 - 3.8 GHz (medium range, larger bandwidth)
  • 5G radio cells in the 26 GHz frequency range (low range, ultra-high data capacity)

 

What are the limits for 5G sites?

The same requirements apply to the 5G sites as to existing mobile sites. Compliance with the limit values is monitored by the Federal Network Agency. Before a station at the site is allowed to start operations, the Federal Network Agency must issue a location certificate. As a result, the limit values are reliably adhered to in all operating cases.

 

When will 5G networks be established and will 5G be made available nationwide in Germany?

The prerequisites for a rollout are to be created in Germany by the end of 2020. The aim is to achieve a nationwide 5G network in Germany by 2025.

 

Is 5G hazardous to your health?

The study of the health effects caused by electromagnetic fields of the 5G networks is not part of the project. 5G4Healthcare aims to explore the feasibility, possibilities and limits of rural healthcare through 5G. According to current scientific knowledge, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection does not assume any negative health effects.

Further information can be found at the following links:

Federal Office for Radiation Protection: Basic knowledge 5G

Federal Office for Radiation Protection: Limit values

Press Release BfS & BMVI: Germany talks about 5G