Technology is advancing at an incredible rate. Already, Americans can see the power of 5G networks on the horizon; considering the fact that wireless and mobile traffic is predicted to account for more than 63% of total IP traffic by the year 2021, the switch to the revolutionary speeds of 5G networks will be a boon to both businesses and their consumers. That being said, 5G can’t operate alone; these remarkable download speeds (which are estimated to top out at 10 gigabits per second, or Gbps, a hundred times faster than the current 4G technology) and reduced latencies will place huge demands on wired infrastructure. Let’s take a look at the give and take between the two.
Where Fiber Comes In
Fiber optic cables rely on specialty gases — specifically helium — of ultra-high purity (99.995% and above) to transmit data. They are able to offer improved speed, security, and bandwidth over traditional copper systems. In the past, fiber optic was preferred due to its ability to travel as far as 40 miles without losing signal strength; data fiber optics have been found to transfer around 15.5 terabits per second, or Tbps, which is far beyond what 5G is capable of wirelessly.
The relationship between fiber optic and 5G can be compared to the human bloodstream; 5G plays the role of the capillaries in a city’s networking system — but internet traffic will travel nearly its entire journey in the veins or arteries (fiber backhaul). Ultimately, the quality and reliability of wireless networks will depend upon the wireline, or fiber, network.
Business Benefits
Now that we know how fiber optic cables serve to enhance 5G networks, let’s examine the benefits that businesses can expect to see.
- Massive device connectivity: With such amazing speeds and almost no downtime, devices throughout the world will be connected to 5G networks, greatly improving communications. In fact, the International Data Corporation predicts that more than 30 billion devices will be connected to networks globally by 2020.
- Ultra-low latency: This is where businesses will shine. Latency describes the time interval between the stimulation and response. If a company website takes too long to load or respond to an inquiry, your customers will lose interest and move on. The industry expectation for 5G latency is less than 5 milliseconds; when you take into account the fact that between three to 10 website visitors out of every 100 “convert,” ultra-low latency rates will be able to boost those numbers.
- Better capacity and coverage: Finally, 5G will offer more connection points within a smaller area. You’ll be able to reach all of your customers in no time — no matter where they’re located.
The future is upon us. Although many changes are coming (like the ability to download a two-hour movie in just a few seconds), the backbone of a 5G network can only be supported with fiber.
