Approach:

Introduction: Tell what 5G technology is.

Body: Briefly explain its main technological components.  Explain private captive networks.

Conclusion: Provide future potential of 5G.

Answer:

5G is the next big evolution in cellular networks from its previous technologies of 4G (Long Term Evolution), 3G etc. It is advanced in terms of latency (1 millisecond), throughput (20 GBPS) etc.

Technological foundations of 5G:

• Small Cell: These are low-power miniature base stations. This help achieves 1000x throughput.
• Millimetre Wave: It is a spectrum of bands above 24 GHz (high frequency), capable of delivering extreme data speeds and capacity.
• Massive MIMO (Multiple input multiple output): Uses large antenna arrays at base stations to simultaneously serve many autonomous terminals. This increases speed.
• Beamforming: This is radio frequency management in which an access point uses multiple antennas to send out the same signal. It ensures an efficient data-delivery route to users reducing interference to others.

Such technology is useful in private networks built specifically for enterprises. These networks are closed to external communication, relying on high-frequency waves and thus are ideal for institutions like factories, hospitals etc. For example, airtel is helping deploy such a network at Mahindra’s Chakan auto manufacturing plant. It would help provide parallel splashing (a critical software requirement for the auto industry), thus improving efficiency.

 Such technologies would help ensure its diverse applications including Augmented and virtual reality, the Internet of Things, autonomous driving and much more. It will boost revenues and thus its efficient use has the potential to revolutionise the entire economy.