4G and 5G are both wireless communication standards, but they have several key differences:
1. Speed: On average, 5G is over twice as fast as 4G. 5G networks use higher-frequency radio bands to deliver signals, which have larger capacities to carry data over the airwaves¹.
2. Latency: 5G has lower latency compared to 4G, meaning data transfers occur with minimal delay¹². This is crucial for real-time applications like online gaming or video conferencing.
3. Capacity: 5G has a larger capacity than 4G, allowing more devices to connect simultaneously². This is particularly important for the Internet of Things (IoT), where numerous devices need to be interconnected.
4. Coverage: As of now, 4G has more widespread coverage. 5G is still in its early stages of deployment and may have limited coverage in certain regions². However, as the infrastructure for 5G expands, we can expect broader coverage in the future¹.
5. Technology: 4G uses Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, which is primarily based on transmitting data using radio waves. In contrast, 5G networks utilize a combination of radio waves and high-frequency millimeter waves².
In summary, while 4G has served us well for many years, 5G represents a significant step forward in terms of speed, latency, capacity, and technology, paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient future.