What is 5G?
5G stands for fifth generation. Fifth generation of what exactly? The mobile network. As the new global wireless standard, it is supposed to allow more connectivity between devices, provide faster data, and decrease any lagging that might occur.
What is the difference between 5G and the other generations?
The first generation (1G) was an analog cellular mainly intended for phone calls, although they weren’t as secure as they are now, and ran slowly.
The second-generation (2G) switched over to a digital interface that ran a bit faster and introduced the idea of sending text messages and using data. It also introduced the ability to make long-distance and conference calls.
The third-generation (3G) processed things faster than the second generation. Along with it came FaceTime, web browsing, and email. Around the time it came out, websites were doing what they could to be mobile-friendly.
The purpose of the fourth generation (4G) was to ensure that things were available in high quality. The speed it offers is to be a drastic improvement of the speed offered by 3G; data speeds having been said to be 500 times faster. The era of 4G connection ushered in the use of 3D TV, gaming services, and cloud computing. Service providers had to undergo a great deal of changes in the voice call department in order to accommodate the transition to LTE, a type of technology offered by 4G.
As of now the fifth generation (5G) is still brand new, but it is intended to be an even better version of 4G. Speedwise, data connections have been said to, at max, be 35 times faster than that offered by 4G. The amount of latency (lag) experienced will be decreased greatly as 5G allows faster downloads and can support a greater capacity of devices. Just as with 4G, 5G will change the way we live. There are hopes that 4G can evolve into a greater form over the coming years and then be used to make 5G better, as well.
Should I be concerned for my health?
As to whether or not 5G mobile networks can cause health risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that “To date, and after much research performed, no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies. Health-related conclusions are drawn from studies performed across the entire radio spectrum, but so far, only a few studies have been carried out at the frequencies to be used by 5G. ..Radiofrequency exposure levels from current technologies result in negligible temperature rise in the human body. ..Provided that the overall exposure remains below international guidelines, no consequences for public health are anticipated.”
To summarize, as of yet there is no evidence that proves that 5G causes health problems, but more research is being conducted on the matter.
For more information as to what is being done, please visit the WHO website.
