5G is fifth-generation cellular wireless, succeeding the 4G LTE networks that we have been connecting .
In
5G technology, two kinds of frequency bands are classified. First are Sub-6 GHz
bands where the frequency transmitted from cell phone towers are less than 6GHz
frequency. This is very similar to 4G, where the frequencies transmitted from
cell phone towers are below 6GHz.
On
the other hand, the higher speeds that really set 5G apart from any of the 4G
LTE flavors require mmWave (millimeter wave, above 24GHz) high-frequency bands.
These high frequencies have very large bandwidths, so they are ideal for
keeping everyone connected in busy environments like stadiums.
So,
in 5G, these two types of frequency ranges have been defined as:
- Frequency Range-1 (Sub-6 GHz,
less than 6GHz)
- Frequency Range-2 (mmWave,
above 24GHz)
A sub-6 band, 5G technology will be able
to cover a larger geographical area for 5G coverage but will not be able to
provide higher speed downlink. But an mmWave 5G technology will be able to
provide class leading downlink speeds, but at the cost of less geographical
area coverage. Now you know the difference and will be able to understand the
network strategy of your carrier when you decide to switch over to 5G.
