<p>5G, the latest generation of cellular technology, delivers faster speeds, lower latency, higher reliability and greater capacity for multiple devices than its 4G predecessor.</p> <p>In the coming years, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/5G"&gt;5G&lt;/a> will become a cornerstone of enterprise communications. To that end, it's essential that organizations thoroughly understand 5G's benefits and challenges now and begin evaluating how the technology will affect the way they do business.</p> <p>This enterprise 5G guide explains how the cellular technology works, its architecture options, emerging use cases, how it compares to 4G and Wi-Fi 6, and more. Click on the links for details about key topics.</p> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="What is 5G?"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>What is 5G?</h2> <p>5G is the fifth generation of cellular communications technology. Initially released in 2017 by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) after years of development, the standard greatly increases the capacity and versatility of wireless connectivity.</p> <p>5G's potential speed of 20 Gbps is a significant draw, but its low latency -- ultimately two milliseconds or less -- is even more attractive for enterprise applications, such as augmented reality, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/Ultimate-IoT-implementation-guide-for-businesses"&gt;IoT&lt;/a>, location awareness and branch connectivity. 5G is engineered to be more secure than its cellular predecessors, thanks to more comprehensive transport security algorithms and other safeguards.</p> </section>
<section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="How does 5G work?"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>How does 5G work?</h2> <p>5G uses a vast network of <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/small-cell"&gt;small cell</a> base stations located on light poles and building roofs, among other locations, to transmit signals via the millimeter wave (30 GHz to 300 GHz) spectrum. Due to its shorter wavelength, millimeter wave (<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/millimeter-wave-MM-wave"&gt;mmWave&lt;/a>) can only travel short distances and is susceptible to weather and obstacles, such as buildings, walls, coated windows and foliage. It works best in densely populated areas or open venues, such as in factories or stadiums, which can be blanketed with low-power small cell stations to avoid line-of-sight limitations.</p> <p>In addition to small cells, 5G networks can be connected and distributed via <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/Macrocell-vs-small-cell-vs-femtocell-A-5G-introduction"&gt;macrocells and femtocells</a>. Macrocells transmit low-frequency radio signals for miles by using large towers and antennas, while femtocells are book-size, private and designed to improve coverage in buildings with furnishings and walls that could obstruct transmission of high-frequency mmWave signals.</p> <div class="youtube-iframe-container"> <iframe id="ytplayer-0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QZCmsHdMwdg?autoplay=0&amp;amp;modestbranding=1&amp;amp;rel=0&amp;amp;widget_referrer=null&amp;amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;amp;origin=https://www.techtarget.com" type="text/html" height="360" width="640" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div> <p>Enterprises in areas that aren't served by mmWave can gain access to 5G services through the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/The-3-different-types-of-5G-technology-for-enterprises"&gt;low-frequency bands</a> (low-band and midband). The tradeoff is support for fewer devices at potentially lower speeds and greater latency. For now, many organizations concentrate their enterprise 5G efforts in dense areas or open venues to take optimal advantage of 5G's capabilities.</p> <p>Two other 5G options are <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/5G-standalone-5G-SA"&gt;5G standalone</a> and non-standalone 5G. Both are <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/5G-NSA-vs-SA-How-does-each-deployment-mode-differ"&gt;valid ways to build 5G networks</a> and provide roadmaps that enterprises can follow when migrating to the 5G standard.</p> <p>The 3GPP continuously reviews 5G standards to improve the technology, so enterprises need to pay close attention to its work. This new generation of cellular technology has its own lingo, so make sure to brush up on the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/The-essential-5G-glossary-of-key-terms-and-phrases"&gt;5G terms you need to know</a>.</p> </section>
<section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="The differences between 5G and 4G"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>The differences between 5G and 4G</h2> <p>5G ushers in dozens of new features and capabilities. 4G cellular service has been instrumental in powering the mobile workforce, but 5G will be better known for improving enterprise operations and making possible the delivery of a new constellation of applications and services.</p> <p><a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/A-deep-dive-into-the-differences-between-4G-and-5G-networks"&gt;4G LTE is limited by its spectrum</a>, which only reaches as high as 6 GHz. 5G's millimeter wave operates between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, which means the wider channels can transmit more data. 4G's use of lower-frequency bands impedes latency, speed and capacity, even though its signals can travel farther between radios or tall cell towers. Compared to 4G networks, some 5G networks might be able to support from 10 to 100 times more users and devices per square kilometer.</p> <p>Another key advancement is 5G New Radio (<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/5G-New-Radio-NR"&gt;5G NR</a>), which will eventually replace the long-term evolution (LTE) standard that anchored 4G and previous cellular generations. 5G NR adds <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/beamforming"&gt;beamforming&lt;/a> and other techniques that boost 5G's capacity, throughput and range.</p> <p>5G also supports <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/network-slicing"&gt;network slicing</a>. The technique -- unavailable in 4G -- lets enterprises create multiple virtual networks on top of the existing physical network, allowing users to safely and cost-effectively share 5G connectivity.</p> <p>These new capabilities don't come without cost: 5G requires organizations to invest in new core infrastructure that includes base stations and antennas, as well as onboard radios for devices and sensors. 5G's shorter travel distances also demand more infrastructure -- typically, more small cell stations, about the size of a pizza box -- to get signals from one point to another without interference.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-4g_vs_5g-f.png"> <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-4g_vs_5g-f_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-4g_vs_5g-f_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-4g_vs_5g-f.png 1280w" alt="4G vs. 5G" height="288" width="559"> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> </section>
<section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Business benefits of enterprise 5G"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Business benefits of enterprise 5G</h2> <p>5G offers organizations a flexible and secure connectivity option. To that end, the standard is expected to <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/What-are-the-features-and-benefits-of-5G-technology-for-businesses"&gt;benefit businesses in several key ways</a>, including the following:</p> <ol class="default-list"> <li><b>Automation.</b> Increased speed and lower latency make cellular technology a viable option to bring automation to factories, offices and other facilities.</li> <li><b>Flexible alternatives to dedicated links.</b> 5G services provide less costly and more flexible alternatives to MPLS and other dedicated lines now used for latency-sensitive applications.</li> <li><b>More users and devices.</b> Thanks to its increased capacity, 5G supports more users and devices connected in the same physical area without affecting availability.</li> <li><b>Power savings.</b> 5G can cut the power consumed by devices by up to 90%, giving some IoT devices battery lives that can reach 10 years and making IoT a compelling 5G use case.</li> <li><b>Augmented security.</b> Additional security features, including key management services, make 5G a more trusted option than 4G for IoT, branch and other enterprise traffic.</li> </ol> <p>Providers, manufacturers and the U.S. government are working to <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/5G-security-Everything-you-should-know-for-a-secure-network"&gt;make 5G a secure technology</a>. Newer security tactics, such as zero trust, take advantage of 5G's programmability to ensure only validated users get access. What's more, 5G uses 256-bit encryption, doubling the 128-bit standard used in 4G.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-5G_features_and_benefits.png"> <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-5G_features_and_benefits_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-5G_features_and_benefits_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-5G_features_and_benefits.png 1280w" alt="5G features and benefits" height="322" width="560"> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> </section>
<section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="5G architecture and features"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>5G architecture and features</h2> <p>5G architecture supports machine-to-machine communication and other advanced applications better than its predecessors because it can transmit large data streams with low latency and supports a much greater number of connected devices.</p> <p>Three 5G service categories -- <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/What-are-eMBB-URLLC-and-mMTC-in-5G-Use-cases-explained"&gt;eMBB, URLLC and mMTC</a> -- provide many of these advantages. Enhanced mobile broadband enables peak data rates of 10 Gbps to 20 Gbps and is designed to keep data rates steady for large numbers of users as they move through different environments. High-definition video streaming and virtual reality are common uses of eMBB. Ultra-reliable, low-latency communications support autonomous vehicles and other applications that demand immediate response and high network availability. Massive machine-type communications can connect up to 1 million low-power devices -- among them IoT sensors.</p> <p>5G's programmability makes it easier to connect with more data sources, including resources stored in the cloud. Finally, 5G is backward compatible with other wireless technologies, including 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi, enabling enterprises to aggregate the standard with other communications systems.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-slicing_diagram.png"> <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-slicing_diagram_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-slicing_diagram_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/networking-slicing_diagram.png 1280w" alt="Diagram of 5G network slicing" height="514" width="559"> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> <h3>Private 5G network architecture</h3> <p>5G networks can be either public or private. To better secure their operations, many large enterprises build <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/private-5G"&gt;private 5G</a> networks as an alternative to procuring network capacity from 5G providers. While private networks can be more costly, they enable enterprises to customize their 5G buildouts to meet application requirements, more finely manage infrastructure and better secure data on premises.</p> <p>When enterprises <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/How-to-build-a-private-5G-network-architecture"&gt;consider building private 5G networks</a>, they should ask themselves some key questions:</p> <ol class="default-list"> <li>Do we need ubiquitous coverage for devices or a new type of wireless backhaul?</li> <li>Despite 5G's ability to support higher speeds, are we willing to trade larger cells and lower frequencies for speeds that might not meet expectations?</li> <li>Will most of our traffic stay on our enterprise network or head out to the internet?</li> <li>What device types, capabilities and density will be involved?</li> </ol> <p>Typically, a private 5G network design includes small cell hardware and upstream connectivity to the LAN. Private 5G networks are not one-size-fits-all, however.</p> <h3>5G and Wi-Fi 6</h3> <p>The <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/A-deep-dive-into-the-differences-between-5G-and-Wi-Fi-6"&gt;intersection of 5G and Wi-Fi 6</a> (802.11ax) presents some intriguing options for enterprises. For instance, Wi-Fi 6 might be better suited for congested spaces that have obstacles and little line of sight, while 5G works well in open spaces that require high speeds and low latency. Seamless handoffs between Wi-Fi and 5G networks mean the two technologies can be used together to support a growing mobile workforce.</p> <p>5G and Wi-Fi 6 both have powerful signal modulation, authentication and security features. In addition, each can help companies reduce their power consumption, either by design or through power-saving functions that can reduce the load on access points.</p> <p>Typically, one main difference between cellular and Wi-Fi technology is their respective operation in <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/answer/Whats-the-difference-between-licensed-and-unlicensed-wireless"&gt;licensed versus unlicensed</a> frequency bands. 4G primarily operated only in licensed bands, but 5G operates in both. As a result, using 5G in an unlicensed band could create interference with Wi-Fi. Businesses should carefully map out their coverage.</p> <p>Also, Wi-Fi alone can't transfer sessions between access points. This limitation comes into play if a company wants to use Wi-Fi to track the movement of products. By contrast, 5G can handle those transfers with ease.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/networking-5g_vs_wifi6-f.png"> <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/networking-5g_vs_wifi6-f_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/networking-5g_vs_wifi6-f_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/networking-5g_vs_wifi6-f.png 1280w" alt="5G vs. Wi-Fi 6" height="366" width="560"> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> <h3>5G, IoT and edge computing</h3> <p><a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/5G-in-edge-computing-Benefits-applications-and-challenges"&gt;IoT and edge computing</a> have distinct demands for high speed and low latency. In many cases, sensors are sending mission-critical information to edge or cloud-based devices to be aggregated, analyzed and acted upon. Examples are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rantcell.com/do-autonomous-vehicles-need-5g.html" rel="noopener">self-driving vehicles</a>, assembly line equipment and city surveillance cameras that constantly send and receive data.</p> <p>5G's low-power requirements extend battery life, making it a <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/feature/5G-driving-IoT-innovation-Key-use-cases-and-applications"&gt;perfect match for IoT networks</a>. This capability enables enterprises to be innovative in their architecture designs because devices won't have to be tied to a power source.</p> <p>One option is multi-access edge computing (<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/What-is-multi-access-edge-computing-Benefits-and-use-cases"&gt;MEC&lt;/a>), a type of edge computing that reduces reliance on centralized cloud servers by enabling local data processing on mobile and cellular <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/base-station"&gt;base stations</a> or other edge nodes. 5G and MEC are closely intertwined. For example, MEC enhances 5G's network slicing capabilities and can make radio access networks (RANs) more responsive, while 5G's low latency and high bandwidth make MEC more effective in real-time applications.</p> <p>Experts recommend enterprises use an application's requirements to select the best wireless connectivity option -- understanding that 5G might be overkill in some cases.</p> <h3>5G and SD-WAN</h3> <p>Organizations can <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/tip/5G-and-SD-WAN-pair-is-a-game-changer-for-branch-connectivity"&gt;pair 5G and SD-WAN</a> to manage wired and wireless connections to remote offices as well as home offices. The combination redefines WAN deployment strategies and offers significant benefits when organizations determine how best to connect distributed workforces.</p> <p>SD-WAN could also be useful in helping sites toggle between 4G and 5G connections, automatically selecting the appropriate link for the demands of the application and traffic conditions. Some industries, including retail, could employ SD-WAN to provision 5G as a primary option for pop-up locations, with secondary links via MPLS and broadband.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/wireless_wan_diagram-f.png"> <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/wireless_wan_diagram-f_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/wireless_wan_diagram-f_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlinei