5G standard: The new mobile network explained
Last update: 06.10.2025
5G is the latest generation of mobile networks. It promises a faster data transmission, a reliable connection and better coverage, therefore serving as the technological basis for new use cases.
What does ‘having 5G’ mean? Definition and meaning of the 5G technology
The abbreviation 5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile networks. It is the successor to 4G and brings the following improvements:
- Data is transferred faster
- More data is transferred in less time
- The response time (latency) decreases
- The frequencies used increase
While 2G, 3G and 4G are primarily used for voice communication and the mobile internet, the 5G standard is aimed at broader fields of application, including IoT solutions such as autonomous driving, Industry 4.0 and smart cities.
At a glance: 4G vs. 5G
While both standards are part of the mobile broadband evolution, the leap to 5G is more than just higher speeds. It introduces improvements in latency, reliability, and scalability that enable entirely new applications, from autonomous vehicles to massive IoT deployments. The comparison below highlights the most significant differences between the 4G and 5 G standards.
| Feature | 4G (LTE) | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed | ~1 Gbit/s | Up to 10 Gbit/s (theoretical) |
| Latency | 30–50 ms | <10 ms (as low as 1 ms in Standalone 5G networks) |
| Device Density | ~100.000 Geräte/km² | >1 million devices / km² |
| Spectrum Range | Unterhalb von 3 GHz (meistens 700–2600 MHz) | Sub-6 GHz and mmWave |
| Mobility Support | Bis zu 350 km/h | Up to 500 km/h |
| Network Slicing | Nicht unterstützt | Native capability |
| Positioning Accuracy | 10–100 m | <1 m in advanced deployments |
- Feature: 4G (LTE)
- Peak Download Speed: ~1 Gbit/s
- Latency: 30–50 ms
- Device Density: ~100.000 Geräte/km²
- Spectrum Range: Unterhalb von 3 GHz (meistens 700–2600 MHz)
- Mobility Support: Bis zu 350 km/h
- Network Slicing: Nicht unterstützt
- Positioning Accuracy: 10–100 m
- Feature: 5G
- Peak Download Speed: Up to 10 Gbit/s (theoretical)
- Latency: <10 ms (as low as 1 ms in Standalone 5G networks)
- Device Density: >1 million devices / km²
- Spectrum Range: Sub-6 GHz and mmWave
- Mobility Support: Up to 500 km/h
- Network Slicing: Native capability
- Positioning Accuracy: <1 m in advanced deployments
5G is a new mobile network for telecommunication and IoT Connectivity designed to connect millions of devices, support real-time applications, and provide the flexibility industries need for digital transformation.
5G – how does it work?
The 5G technology uses the existing 4G infrastructure. In this case, it is referred to as 5G non-standalone (5G NSA), as the network does not yet function independently. The full performance will only be achieved with an independent 5G standalone (SA) network, which will require new transmission masts with advanced technology.
The current expansion of the 5G standard: Features of the mobile network
New radio sites were set up for the 5G network architecture. The existing mobile networks were upgraded with small cells, massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and macro cells.
- Small cells: These small radio cells in lanterns and on buildings only cover a limited area, but transmit a large amount of data. They are used in densely populated areas such as cities and supplement the existing network.
- Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Several antennas are attached to a single transmission mast which improves signal transmission and increases network capacity in cities.
- Macrocells: The so-called macro sites are large radio cells on the roofs of buildings or freestanding transmission masts. Macrocells strengthen the 5G network in rural areas.
Beamforming: Targeted transmission of signals
Conventional antenna masts send signals aimlessly in all directions, whilst masts with beamforming technology direct the radio waves specifically in the direction of certain devices, and increase the efficiency of the 5G standardtechnology. As a result, more devices can be served simultaneously, the connection can be maintained in heavily frequented areas, and data transmission can be adapted to meet demand.
Network slicing: Dividing the 5G networknet into segments
Demand adjustment is made possible by network slicing, where the technology divides a 5G networknet into several layers. Each layer can then be tailored to specific requirements as well as use cases and operated in parallel with one another.
An example is the separation of networks for industrial applications and for consumers. One network slice offers low latency and high reliability for autonomous vehicles, while another slice is optimized for streaming video.
5G range explained: Low, mid, and high bands
The 5G standard operates across a much broader range of frequencies than previous mobile generations. Traditionally, networks have used low and mid-frequencies up to around 2 GHz, while newer 5G deployments also make use of higher bands in the 3–4 GHz range. In the long term, the 5G range will expand further into millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands starting at 24 GHz and above.
The lower the frequency, the longer the waves, which increases both range and building penetration. However, less data is also transmitted. At high frequencies, the waves are shorter and the amount of data transmitted is higher. However, the range and building penetration are correspondingly smaller.
To address diverse requirements, 5G is divided into two frequency ranges:
- FR1 (Frequency Range 1 or sub-6 GHz): 450 MHz – 6 GHz
- FR2 (Frequency Range 2 or mmWave): 24 – 52 GHz
Within these 5G ranges, three tiers are typically distinguished:
- Low-band (<1 GHz):
- Provides wide 5G coverage and strong building penetration
- Offers lower data rates (typically hundreds of Mbit/s)
- Best suited for nationwide and rural coverage, as well as critical long-distance applications like autonomous driving or telemedicine
- Mid-band (1–6 GHz)
- Delivers the best balance between coverage and capacity
- Supports multi-Gbit/s speeds with stable mobility
- Ideal for urban areas with high user density and traffic demand
- High-band / mmWave (>24 GHz)
- Enables ultra-high throughput with multi-Gbit/s speeds
- Provides very low latency, powering use cases in factories, transport hubs, and Industry 4.0 campuses
- Has a limited range and weak penetration, requiring dense small-cell deployments for effective coverage
The frequency range of 5G is flexible by design, enabling both broad rural coverage and localized high-performance networks for advanced use cases.
How to use the 5G network: New areas and use cases explained
The use of different frequencies and new technologies, such as beamforming and network slicing, makes new applications possible. 5G distinguishes between three areas for different requirements: eMBB, mMTC, and uRLLC. These are currently among the future scenarios until the independent 5G standalone (SA) network has been fully established.
Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
eMBB technology offers extremely high data rates for applications that need to transfer large amounts of data at high speed.
Typical applications for eMBB are:
- Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): VR and AR both benefit from the high speeds and low latency of 5G technology, enabling smooth and immersive experiences of high quality.
- Streaming in 4K and 8K: High-resolution streaming requires high data rates, which can be provided by eMBB.
Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC)
This application area of 5G optimizes machine-to-machine communication (M2M) and connects many low-cost and low-energy devices.
Application examples for mMTC are:
- Smart cities: Connected cities use sensors to monitor and control traffic flows, energy consumption, and public safety. This enables intelligent traffic control, efficient smart metering, and improves public safety.
- Smart agriculture: In agriculture, sensors monitor soil moisture as well as temperature and automate irrigation systems. This increases productivity and conserves resources.
Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (uRLLC)
The uRLLC technology supports 5G areas with very low latencies that must not fail.
These include:
- Autonomous driving: Vehicles need to communicate with their surroundings in real time. A stable and fast connection is crucial for the safety and efficiency of autonomous transportation systems.
- Medical applications: Telemedicine requires reliable and fast data transmission rates, which 5G can deliver. Important remote operations and patient monitoring can take place in real time.
5G standard: From use cases to deployment models
Building on these three service areas, 5G for telecommunication also enables entirely new deployment models that redefine how networks are built and consumed. These models translate the technical capabilities of eMBB, mMTC, and uRLLC into practical solutions for enterprises and end users. Among the most important are Private 5G, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and Edge Computing.
Private 5G (Campus Networks)
A private 5G campus network allows enterprises to set up dedicated, secure, and customizable mobile networks on-site. Unlike public networks, they are tailored to specific requirements such as ultra-low latency, reliability, or access restrictions.
- Typical use cases: Smart factories, logistics hubs, healthcare campuses
- Benefits: Predictable performance, enhanced data security, and full control over network resources
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
FWA uses 5G radio technology to provide high-speed broadband access without the need for physical fiber infrastructure. It is particularly valuable in regions where fiber deployment is expensive or impractical.
- Offers fiber-like performance for households and businesses
- Enables fast rollout of connectivity in underserved areas
- Acts as a cost-efficient complement to existing fixed networks
Edge Computing with 5G
Edge Computing moves data processing closer to the user or device, reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making. Combined with the 5G standard, it unlocks new classes of applications.
- Key enabler for autonomous vehicles, AR/VR, and mission-critical IoT applications
- Reduces backhaul traffic, making networks more efficient
- Supports innovative digital business models across industries
How does 5G improve communication? Advantages at a glance
The 5G technology achieves data rates of up to 10 gigabits per second, which is around 10 times faster than with 4G. The latency time, i.e., the delay in the data transmission rate, is reduced by 5G to less than ten milliseconds. 5G transmits data both via conventional frequency ranges of 2 GHz and via new frequencies between 3.4 and 3.7 GHz.
What does that mean for consumers and businesses?
- Large amounts of data: The high data rate means that large amounts of data are transferred faster. Large files and videos are downloaded in just a few seconds.
- Low latency: The low latency enables real-time applications, such as autonomous driving and augmented reality, to be operated quickly and reliably.
- Fast network coverage: The use of different frequencies allows comprehensive and fast coverage, with 5G able to connect up to 50,000 devices simultaneously without compromising on speed.
- Greater bandwidth: 5G simultaneously offers greater transmission rates and bandwidth, all in less time. Data-intensive applications such as telemedicine also benefit from the higher performance.
- Efficient data transmission: The 5G standard uses network slicing to intelligently adapt data transmission to different applications. The network is therefore more energy-efficient than previous generations of mobile communications.
Disadvantages and challenges of the 5G technology
The 5G standard has been continuously expanded since 2019. However, it will be some time before a complete and independent network is available, mainly due to the costs and infrastructure expansion.
- High implementation costs: The construction of 5G networks requires considerable investment in new equipment, whilst operation and maintenance are also cost-intensive.
- Necessary infrastructure changes: 5G requires denser network coverage and, therefore, requires more antennas and base stations. Existing networks and devices must be upgraded or replaced to be 5G-compatible.
- Rural network coverage: The expansion of the 5G standard in rural areas is progressing slowly, as the high costs and lower population density make it less profitable for mobile network providers. On top of this, the range of the high 5G frequencies is limited, making coverage in rural areas more difficult.
Risks and security aspects of the 5G technology
5G networksnets are more complex and extensive than previous generations. This opens up new possibilities for cyber criminals. The high level of networking and the large number of connected devices make it easier to find and exploit vulnerabilities, whilst faulty implementations of network slicing or massive MIMO can also lead to security gaps.
With 5G, large amounts of data are collected and processed, which, if not adequately protected, can lead to massive data protection problems. The protection of sensitive information is particularly important on the Internetin the Internet of Things (IoT).
New security functions of 5G
New protective functions should make the 5G technology significantly more secure than previous generations of mobile standards.
Separate security for individual components
5G components are secured separately and individually protected with new cryptographic solutions, where if one component is compromised, the others remain secure. This increases resilience and makes the entire network more reliable.
Secure roaming with Authentication Confirmation (AC)
When roaming in a foreign network, the end device sends cryptographic proof of the identity of the foreign provider to the domestic provider, who can then verify the identity of the device. In this way, AC ensures that a recognized device is in a network and that the exchanged data remains protected, and an unknown device can be rejected.
Encryption of the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
The 5G standard transmits a user's International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) in encrypted form, which protects the identity of network subscribers from eavesdropping. Encrypting the IMSI significantly increases the security of user data.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about 5G
What is 5G?
The full name of 5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks and is the successor to 4G.
What is the difference between 4G and 5G?
The 5G standard offers higher speeds, lower latency, real-time communication, and greater network capacity than 4G.
How fast is the 5G standard?
The new mobile technology can achieve data rates of up to 10 gigabits per second, 10 times higher than with 4G.
How does 5G work?
5G uses more frequency rangesies and newer technologies such as beamforming and network slicing. These can improve coverage and signal quality.
What will 5G do for us?
5G is crucial for IoT— - the 5G technology transmits data faster and connects more devices with each other. The mobile communications standard makes new applications such as autonomous driving and smart cities possible.
What are the disadvantages of 5G?
The disadvantages are the high implementation costs, extensive infrastructure restructuring, and slower network expansion in rural areas.
