In the past few years, we saw 5G completely engulf the world of smartphone and internet technology. Not many of us knew the full scale of 5G, like the fact that 5G has the potential to replace your conventional internet connection. Well, the idea of getting rid of messy wires sure is tempting but there are several factors to consider before making that call.
In this blog, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 5G and how it measures up against other wired and wireless connections.
In This Blog
Advantages of 5G.. 1
1. Lower Latency Than Satellite Internet 1
2. No Need for Clear Line of Sight Like WISPs. 1
3. Cost 2
4. Better Coverage and Accessibility. 2
5. Convenience. 2
Disadvantages of 5G.. 2
1. Performance. 2
2. Speed Tiers. 3
3. Upload Speeds. 3
Summing Up. 3
Advantages of 5G
Let’s discuss some advantages and other implications of getting 5G for your home.
1. Lower Latency Than Satellite Internet
Wireless internet technology for homes is not an entirely new concept. Satellite internet provides online connection; however, 5G is an improved wireless technology. With all its virtues, satellite internet still bogs you down with limited speeds, range, and latency.
It suffices for activities that are not data-intensive, like browsing, but for real-time applications, you need a stronger connection.
2. No Need for Clear Line of Sight Like WISPs
There are also Wireless Internet Service Providers(WISPs) that commonly use frequencies other than 5G to beam internet signals from access points on towers or buildings to home modems. They do this with the help of attached antennas.
Even though WISPs minimize latency issues, there is still a requirement for a clear line of sight between the access point and the home antenna to ensure a unidirectional beam of signals. 5G provides high speed and low latency without needing a clear line of sight.
3. Cost
This advantage is subject to the kind of providers available in your area and the packages they offer. Typically, a 5G connection costs an economical amount for an adequate signal compared to wired connections.
The cherry on top would be if you can find a 5G connection from your existing provider, you may be able to find a nice bundle package with both connections.
4. Better Coverage and Accessibility
Satellite internet Providers and WISPs usually target folks in underserved rural areas who might not have adequate options for a wired internet service. 5G is making inroads even in areas where consumers could easily get cable or fiber. This fulfills a need for an accessible and improved wireless internet connection.
5. Convenience
Convenience is a big draw that 5G offers. If you don’t already have cable or fiber lines running to your house, you don’t have to wait around for a technician to come and do an installation between specified hours. Not to mention, you can finally get rid of that horrid bunch of wires.
Even if you have a cable or fiber connection, 5G eliminates the complications of ethernet jacks and modem placements. All you have to do is plug in a 5G receiver wherever you can find a power socket.
Disadvantages of 5G
Despite the aforementioned advantages, 5G also has some potential pitfalls. Let’s expand on them.
1. Performance
How well your 5G connection performs is completely dependent on the quality of the 5G signals you get in your house. 5G speeds simply aren’t high enough everywhere to compete with cable or fiber. One strategy is to run a speed test to get a rough idea of the performance you’ll get with home 5G.
As for performance, you can expect speed and latency to fluctuate more, compared to a wired connection which can be much more stable. This is because the network tends to have variable loads and wireless signals are dominantly inconsistent. If you’re looking for an internet for things that need a stable connection, its better to go for internet, like the one offered by Spectrum, rather than a 5G provider.
2. Speed Tiers
How well your 5G connection works is also subjective to various speed tiers. The ultra-fast one has a very short-range, millimeter wave. The low band 5G does not differ much from 4G LTE in terms of performance. Here’s the snag, some of the faster versions of 5G don’t penetrate through walls as well as 4G.
If you’re in doubt about exactly what kind of 5G technology and ISP you’re considering, make sure you do your research. This is because some providers that advertise 5G will often fall back to a 4G LTE connection if the actual 5G connection reaching your home is not strong enough.
A lower band connection can give you better signal strength, which comes at the cost of slower speeds. Low band 5G, around 700 megahertz, is often marketed as rural broadband with reliability as a big selling point.
3. Upload Speeds
Considering you have an ISP in your area offering fiber, they’ll usually offer upload speeds that are just as fast as download speeds. This is the case with most home cable connections. However, when it comes to 5G, you might you may experience some choppy upload speeds with 5G home internet.
Summing Up
Latency is not a big factor if you’re just trying to download large files or watch YouTube. If you’re in an area with good 5G coverage, and aren’t super worried about online gaming performance or video conferencing, 5G home internet might just be worth looking into. But, for someone who wants a reliable, stable connection, fiber internet is still something you should get.
