4G & 5G- How they Work

4G is the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology, succeeding 3G. Potential and current applications include amended mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, and 3D television.

5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology. The industry association 3GPP defines any system using “5G NR” (5G New Radio) software as, “5G”, a definition that came into general use by late 2018. Others may reserve the term for systems that meet the requirements of the ITU IMT-2020. 3GPP will submit their 5G NR to the ITU. It follows 2G, 3G, 4G, and their respective associated technologies (such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced Pro, and others). In addition to traditional mobile operator services, 5G NR also addresses specific requirements for private mobile networks ranging from industrial IoT to critical communications.

Networks that are embracing full 5G include Three and EE. While this is exciting, 5G only works successfully in concentrated areas and is not strong enough to penetrate certain materials ie, through walls or into another room.  For this reason, Vodaphone, 02 and other networks use only part of the 5G network. This means that they have broader coverage but slower internet and download speeds and may not reach full 5G Download potential on a regular basis.