It was just about 10 years ago that 4G data speeds hit the US market, starting with the release of the HTC Evo. 4G allowed mobile devices to compete against broadband connections and Wi-Fi networks. It opened the doors for the modern, mobile-first internet that we utilize today. 

While 4G access was fairly limited back then, it’s become the standard over the past decade, covering most of the country. Virtually every modern smart device is able to harness the power of 4G. Of course, technology has become more complex than it was 10 years ago. We’re accessing more data than ever, which can cause things to load and download at suboptimal speeds. 

It’s time for the next generation of network: 5G. 

What Makes 5G Different? 

5G is considered the fifth generation of digital cellular networks, hence the name.  

The main highlight of 5G is speed. 5G networks could introduce speeds that are 10-20 times higher than current 4G networks. With those speeds, a full-length HD movie could be downloaded in around one minute. For businesses, it means no more worrying about a presentation video to load or a large file drop to download. 

It’s not all about speed. 5G is being built and designed for today’s mobile, multi-device networks. Current mobile networks are strained in heavily populated areas. They can become especially problematic in large group areas such as conventions, airports, fairs, etc. 

5G not only offers faster speeds but greater stability, lower latency, and better management of multiple devices. In the same way 4G made today’s mobile-connected culture a reality, 5G will create pathways for even more possibilities. 

For example, the combination of AI programs and low latency means businesses will be able to automate things on a level previously impossible. Devices will be able to learn and react in real time. 

Businesses are eager to join in and see how 5G can benefit their company. In fact, two-thirds of businesses plan to implement 5G this year. The question is, are they ready to make the switch? 

The Downsides of 5G 

Like any new technology (or old technology, for that matter), 5G isn’t perfect. There are currently a number of public concerns, from the building out of the infrastructure to potential health risks. Infrastructure building is a necessary part of any update process, while the health concerns are considered to be largely unfounded. 

There are, however, some important factors for businesses to consider. For starters, you’ll need to upgrade your devices to ones that are compatible with 5G. Businesses will need to do this strategically to maintain security. Speaking of security, there are a number of potential security risks with 5G. 

Without proper protection policies and security standards in place, 5G leaves you exposed to more aggressive attacks at an exponentially higher rate. Many IT experts believe that 5G in its current state simply isn’t regulated enough.  

We’ll discuss this further in a future blog post. In the meantime, we’re more than happy to work with your business to make it ready for the future of wireless data. Contact us directly to learn more about our network security services in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.