WHAT EXACTLY IS 5G?

5G (5^th Generation) is the next wave of high-speed, cellular technology networks. With its higher bandwidth demands, 5G operates at a higher carrier frequency, which takes more power and more transmission antenna sites to provide full network coverage.

BANDWIDTH EVOLUTION ACROSS GENERATIONS

• 1G -- early cellular networks, including those that operated at frequencies of 850 MHz and 1900MHZ

• 2G and 3G -- networks that operated at additional frequency bands and spectrum around 2100 MHz
  • 2G Data Rate 2KB/s (first all-digital system replacing analog telephony)
  • 3G Data Rate 28MB/s serving 200M 3G users (only 7% of 3B mobile phone users)
• 4G -- LTE technology that operated at additional frequency bands and spectrum around 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 1.7/2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz, and 2.5 GHz
  • 4G Data Rate 150 MB/s @ up to 3.5 GHz
• 5G -- much more complex with frequency spectrum spanning 450 MHz to 6 GHz; ultra-wideband network operating at considerably higher radio frequencies than early mobile counterparts (28 GHz and 39 GHz mm-wave spectrum).

WHY USE 5G? 5G BENEFITS

Let’s look at a few of the benefits that come with 5G:

• No longer just for conventional cellular signal/reception strength (beyond mobile phones)
• Encompasses everything from cell phones to self-driving vehicles
• Broadens the bandwidth for ALL mobile devices
• Interconnecting networks shared among many applications, e.g., security, traffic lights, and autonomous vehicles

5G’s IMPACT ON SHIELDED CABLES

-The most likely application in which a foil shield is required would be in DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) or small cell cables.

-DAS is likely to be a very hot segment as 5G coverage is expanded – mainly in (but not limited to) highly populated areas.

-If a shield tape is used for the large composite tower cables, it would be in conjunction with a braid, so one would have shielding effectiveness with 100% surface area coverage. 

HOW WILL 5G CHANGE THE WORLD?

Somewhat similar to when the concept “paperless” came about, there ended up being more paper than ever. The same, but even more so, applies to today’s wireless technology. In order to have successful wireless networks for the consumer, there are more cable installments, wiring and equipment being manufactured and deployed than ever before. Here at Chase, we commit to supporting this market with innovative products and services.

Interested in learning more about how you may support 5G? Reach out and speak with a Chase Wire and Cable representative today.