August 16, 2018 As the transition from 4G to 5G commences, telecom networks are expected to deliver a whole new level of performance. With predictions that the new technology will be available sooner than originally thought, many are already making plans for telecommunication tower design changes to support next-generation 5G wireless broadband systems.
Telecommunication Tower Design Considerations for 5G
The arrival of this demand will bring super-fast speed, enhanced data rate, increased capacity and extremely low latency (the amount of time it takes for data to be retrieved or stored). With speeds as much as 10-100 times over 4G, devices will be working at broadband speeds (think WiFi). But since the new tech requires the use of new frequency bands, 5G technology will also require a different hardware than existing cellular connections. Different from 5G predecessors (1G, 2G, 3G and 4G LTE technologies), it will use much higher frequencies, which have greater loss in open space than lower frequencies. To ensure users have a reliable signals, this requires more ground coverage hardware.
Rather than relying on tall, large towers which are placed far apart to deliver signals, the new 5G telecommunication tower design will rely on signals that come from compact equipment placed about 500 feet apart throughout business districts and neighborhoods. When installing new equipment or adding to existing ones, it’s important to consider the visual impact on the landscape, especially being sensitive in residential communities and parks. In an effort to control potential “eyesores,” much of the equipment will be hidden on street lights, utility poles or even embedded in sidewalks so they appear as manhole covers.
5G is Coming Faster Than You Think
Many carriers are anxious to announce their 5G roll-outs. In fact, LG just announced that it will partner with Sprint’s networking experts to design a 5G smartphone, with plans to launch the device in the first half of 2019. This will be the first 5G smartphone in the United States.
Additionally, Verizon’s 5G TV will reportedly be coming to Apple and Google in four cities later this year. “The upcoming launch of 5G service in Los Angeles, Houston, Sacramento, California, as well as newly announced Indianapolis will be a key test for Verizon.” They plan to move quickly to become the first in 5G mobile service, with devices becoming available in early 2019.
That will be here before we know it.
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