From 1 to 5

The next generation of cellular wireless communication is what we expect as 5G, the 5^th Generation. Usually, the network’s speed increased generation by generation, which was in general achieved by new air interfaces, and improvements in the network itself.

After the analog 1^th generation, other technologies, such as CDMA or TDMA, formed the 2G GSM first digital generation. With 3G, EVDO, HSPA, or UMTS were the keywords that we know when talking about increasing data speeds from a few hundred kBit/s to a few MBits/s. And today, LTE is what we refer to when talking about 4G, along with experiencing very high data transmission rates, good coverage, and the expectation to benefit from even Gigabits per second in speed.

What do we expect from 5G?

Following the logic of the previous Generations, higher data rates would be be expected. But the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous driving, Industry 4.0, and also future entertainment has clearly different requirements than just data rates: 5G must provide low delays for automation and building the tactile Internet (of Things).