- Not only smartphones have 5G capabilities, but also other types of devices, from personal to industrial.
- The benefits associated with using these types of devices are those brought about by fifth-generation mobile telephony itself, such as low latency and high data transmission speeds.
When we talk about 5G, we are referring to the fifth generation of mobile networks, characterised by ultra-fast connectivity and very low latency.
For this technology to work, a series of compatible devices are needed that are capable of connecting and operating precisely on this fifth-generation network.
Perhaps the one that most comes to mind is the smartphone, a device that has evolved enormously since the first smartphone was launched in the 1990s.
But in addition to this widely used and everyday device, 5G devices also include tablets, routers, laptops and even connected vehicles, industrial sensors and IoT devices.
All these devices have a number of characteristics. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Characteristics of 5G devices
The particularities of this type of device include a series of advanced technical features that set them apart from previous generations and coincide with the particularities of 5G technology itself:
- Data transmission speed. 5G devices allow download speeds of up to 10 Gbps, which is between 10 and 100 times faster than 4G.
- Ultra-low latency. Latency, understood as the time it takes for information to be sent and received, is reduced to 1 millisecond, compared to 20-200 milliseconds in the previous generation.
- Simultaneous connections. The development of the Internet of Things (IoT) means that there can be thousands of devices connected per square kilometre, which is particularly relevant in areas as varied as Industry 4.0 and smart cities.
- Lower energy consumption. Both 5G devices and the associated technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 90%.
Types of 5G devices
It should be noted that 4G devices are not compatible with 5G, so specific hardware is required to take advantage of these new networks. In addition, performance and coverage may be affected by the frequency band used.
But returning to 5G devices, remember that, as we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the range extends from personal devices to industrial ones.
Starting with personal devices, mobile phones are currently the most common 5G devices. In recent years, all major manufacturers have been launching models compatible with this fifth generation of mobile telephony.
As with mobile phones, but not as widespread, the latest tablets and laptops may also include 5G modems to offer high-speed mobile connectivity without necessarily being dependent on Wi-Fi networks.
With the simultaneous capacity we mentioned earlier, thousands of IoT devices, from domestic to industrial environments, will be able to benefit from 5G capabilities for real-time or large-scale data transmission.
On the other hand, 5G modems and routers are those that enable 5G connectivity to reach other devices, whether business or home, serving as access points for other devices that do not have direct 5G support.
