Main Challenges Faced by 5G Networks: Step-by-step Guide

5G or 5th Generation is the latest mobile network that is the successor of the current on-going 4G network. This technology is by far the most advanced mobile network which has the capability to replace the wireless broadband connections that we have in our homes.

However, to implement the 5G network there will be a lot of challenges that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Some of the features of the 5G technology are that it demands a high rate of data, security, very low-latency and high reliability.

Challenges that 5G Network Encounters

Here you will get some of the challenges that the 5G network faces. In order to get some knowledge in regards to those challenges, follow the sub-sections below.

Expensive to Build and Use a 5G Network

In order to implement a new network technology to the public, the telecom companies will have to invest quite a lot of their revenue. Thus the building cost will be very expensive. During the implementation of the 4G LTE mobile network, the building cost was high. So, this trend will be followed when the 5G network is put to use.

When the 5G networks are deployed, its cost will be incurred by the users. These costs will be much high during the initial stages. The 5G network is built as a layer on the top of the present network. Along with that, it is adding some new features to this technology.

This network built during the time of emerging technologies like the “Internet of Things”. So, this network should have to capability to connect all types of devices like automobiles, electronic appliances and etc. But to achieve these capabilities, the 5G network should be fully functional and that is why its cost will be significantly high.

High-Frequency Band Requirement

The current 4G LTE mobile networks operate on the frequency bands lower than 6GHz. However, the 5G network due to its massive data speed needs the frequency band up to 300GHz. This frequency band is known as “mmWave” or millimeter-wave. A millimeter-wave can carry a huge amount of data at an ultra-fast speed which is much higher than the 4G LTE network throughput.

The frequency bands that the 5G network operates are not available to anyone free of cost. The telecom companies will have to license the part of the frequency bands from the regulators like “Federal Communications Commission”. But, before purchasing a section of the frequency band the international authorities will have to ascertain which section can be used for mobile communications. 

Range Limitation of the 5G Networks

The 5G network can carry a huge amount of data. But, this advantage comes with a major drawback, which is the limitation of range. Some objects like the trees, buildings and etc can block the data transmitted via the 5G network cell towers.

As there is a limitation in the scope of 5G technology, therefore not many users can access this network from one cell tower. Due to this limitation, a huge number of small antennas should be put up on the cell towers to provide services to more users.

Also, because of the short-range of 5G technology, the telecom companies will have to build a lot of cell towers throughout the country. In order to do that, they will have to meet the community guidelines.

Need for an Extensive Testing

Before the customers get hold of the 5G mobile network, it should be tested extensively. But, in order to test this technology, mobile phone companies have to build a device that is capable enough to receive the signal and utilize it for communicating.

Almost all the major phone manufacturers are testing this technology now. There are two categories of test processes, one is outdoor and the other is indoor. Some companies are even doing tests on a moving vehicle and others using a static wireless access point.

Thorough tests of a 5G network by all the phone manufacturers is not a quick process. So, the proper deployment of this technology will take some time.

There are not enough 5G-enabled Phones

As there are not many 5G-compatible devices present in the market, therefore the 5G network technology is not propelling forward. However, there is a catch, which is that since the 5G technology is not fully functional, thus due to this reason the release of 5G devices did not occur in the market. Due to the slow pace of this technology, you won’t be able to see a surge of 5G-enabled devices at the end of this year.

Security Concerns

One of the huge challenges of 5G technology will be its security. Although, the 5G network falls in the “Authentication and Key Agreement or AKA”, even then one can keep track of people present within the vicinity. The AKA is a system specifically build to establish faith among network carriers. When the deployment of the 5G technology will happen in the market, the network carriers will provide the main responsibility for its security.