Millions of lines of code will run on distributed servers, changing with every software update. This does not indicate increased dangers of 5G, but does suggest unique security risks.ĥG networks have evolved from a simpler hardware base, to an integrated cloud, software and hardware framework. The flexibility associated with network function virtualization (NFV) and network slicing will lead to better connectivity in 5G infrastructure, and also, potentially more secure storage and transmission.ĥG networks use a revolutionary integration of software and hardware, but the complexity of 5G technology and broadened attack surface pose security risks. Small cells implemented by 5G hardware companies will complement these gains by decreasing the distance between a station and a user. 5G technology companies are developing massive multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) that will help increase power and efficiency at base stations. In addition to spectrum, 5G network improvements will require innovations in hardware, software, and network architecture. Countries with 5G will need to combine low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum to both reach remote areas and ensure speed of connection. The question of what bands are used for different purposes is influenced by country policy, but also influenced by international convening bodies like the ITU. The lower bands allow for broad coverage while the higher frequency bands deliver faster speeds and better quality. Enhanced wireless connectivity will require the allocation of new spectrum to support the 5G network, as well as more efficient use of existing spectrum through hardware and software innovations.ĥG technology will require the usage of three types of radio frequencies: below 1 GHz, 1-6 GHz, and above 24 GHz known as millimeter waves (mmWaves). Initial improvements toward 5G infrastructure will continue to rely on wireline, especially fibre optic cables, with new levels of wireless connectivity created over time. Through these gains, the 5G impact will be in supporting and enabling new applications in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to benefit sectors as wide ranging as defense, manufacturing, medicine, and education. While 5G network standards have yet to be finalized, the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) has identified major gains in 5G innovation, including better mobility, or the speed of communications necessary to operate high-speed trains or autonomous vehicles lower latency, or faster access to data and enhanced throughput, enabling terabytes to transit networks making possible capabilities like livestream video over wildfires. While 5G technology will build on components from previous generations of wireless technologies, it will expand the previous focus on consumer use cases-including functions like phone calls, text messaging, and web browsing- to also benefit larger-scale industrial and government uses. 5G is the 5th generation wireless telecommunications standard.