The Role of Optical Fiber in the Future of 5G Network
We live in times when the deployment of a last-generation mobile network has given rise to high expectations thanks to the great benefits it brings. Thanks to 5G networks supported by optical fiber infrastructure, this digital transformation is taking place.
The purpose of the 5G network is to improve the speed of communication and the number of people who can be connected to one access point at remarkably high speeds with less latency.
However, it is necessary to have optical fiber previously installed to achieve these objectives. This will give the advantage of using the same infrastructure by only changing the transmission devices.
This is because we are approaching a hyperconnected world where demands for telecommunication infrastructure will grow. Furthermore, they will be more central to economic performance and improvement in people’s standard of living.
The Role of Optical Fiber in 5G Technology
Implementing optical fiber technology can be costly. However, advantages usually outweigh implementation challenges.
Fiber Optics offers higher bandwidths with less attenuation, resists electromagnetic interference, and has less latency. Likewise, thanks to improved multiplexing technologies, it can accommodate increased capacity in the same structure.
This means that, aside from business and logistics-related aspects, fiber infrastructure will drive the growth of 5G networks.
Moving Forward Into the Future
The COVID-19 crisis put the strengths and weaknesses of many companies to the test, particularly those of their IT areas. Teleworking, TV broadcasting, and other services are competing for broader bandwidth. That is why interest in 5G has increased.
Nevertheless, 5G technology still faces various challenges, some of which can be expected considering that it is still at an early stage and takes shape depending on the wireless providers’ spectrum.
Another limitation is coverage. Today, if an area does not have towers with optical fiber connections supporting 5G, it will be left outside its spectrum. Today, this is restricted to major metropolitan areas.
Optical fiber networks are the path on top of which the construction of information super-highways must continue.
Recent studies from universities such as Monash, Swinburne, and RMIT have proven that a strand of fiber can carry more than 44 Tbps. This is one million times faster than the current internet speed available to the average user in the United States.
5G Network and Society
Unquestionably, 5G technology will mark the beginning of an era with greater network performance and speed. Aside from generating new connected experiences for users (hyperconnectivity), it will bring a series of benefits for society.
Furthermore, patients in the health sector will be monitored using connected devices to track key indicators such as heart rate and blood pressure, and remote procedures will be performed in real-time.
5G technology will also benefit the automotive sector; thus, in combination with ML-driven algorithms, it will provide traffic and accident information.
At NGIN Services, we support your company in making the leap to 5G hyperconnectivity. We offer architecture-based solutions that allow your organization to improve operations. Contact us!
