The advent of 5G technology has been a game-changer in the world of telecommunications. 5G promises faster speeds, lower latency, and better connection among other benefits. However, despite its many advantages, 5G technology cannot replace fiber optic cables. Read on to find out why.
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology. It uses higher frequency bands compared to previous generations and provides faster internet speeds, lower latency, and a greater capacity for connecting more devices to the internet of things. 5G technology uses radio waves to transmit data and requires a network of cell towers to transmit the signals.
What are Fiber Optic Cables?
Fiber optic cables are cables that transmit data using light waves. They consist of thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit data over long distances. They are capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second and can carry large amounts of data over long distances. They are an ideal alternative to 5G if you are looking for high-speed home internet.
Reasons Why 5G Won’t Replace Fiber Optic Cables
While both 5G and fiber optic cables have their advantages, fiber optic comes out on top. Some of the main reasons for this include:
Speed
While 5G technology promises faster internet speeds compared to previous generations of wireless technology, it cannot match the speeds provided by fiber optic cables. While fiber optic cables can transmit data at speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second, 5G technology can only provide speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.
Latency
Latency refers to the delay between sending and receiving data. While 5G technology does offer lower latency compared to previous wireless technology generations, it still doesn’t come close to the low latency of fiber optic cables. 5G technology has a latency of around 20 milliseconds, while fiber optic cables have a latency of less than 10 milliseconds.
Capacity
5G technology offers greater capacity for connecting more devices to the internet of things compared to 4G and 3G. However, it isn’t a match for the capacity that you’ll get with fiber optic cables. Unlike 5G technology, which requires a network of cell towers to transmit signals, limiting its capability for connecting more devices, fiber optic cables can carry large amounts of data over long distances easily, without boosters or repeaters.
Reliability
Fiber optic cables tend to be more reliable compared to 5G technology. They are not impacted by interference from other devices, such as radios or microwaves, and they are not affected by weather conditions like snow or heavy rain. On the other hand, 5G technology is still susceptible to interference from other devices and there may be signal dropouts or disruptions in service due to adverse weather conditions.
While 5G technology has many advantages over previous generations of wireless technology, it cannot fully replace fiber optic cables. Fiber provides much faster internet speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity and reliability compared to 5G.