5G, or fifth generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks is a standard for data transmission in cellular networks, characterised by increased performance. 5G is a successor of the 4G technology, which is currently in use around the world. The key requirements for 5G networks defined by the International Telecommunications Union include the throughput of up to 20 Gb/s while transferring data to the device, up to 10 Gb/s while transferring data to the network, latency of 4 ms and support for up to 100 devices per square metre.

In order to meet these minimum requirements, and perhaps to be able to achieve even better quality parameters in the future building a reliable, high-performance and scalable network is a must – as such, it needs to comprise two elements: a radio access network and a core network.

The core network forms the spine of the data exchange network, comprising both passive optical fibre infrastructure and data transmission solutions. Radio access network is usually built out of a set of elements installed between the end user/device and the core network – antennas, cellular transmitters, towers, masts, and more.

The new standard brings many benefits, ensuring digital connectivity between machines on a massive scale (Internet of Things – IoT), bringing about smart cities – and when coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), it will also be a powerful tool for medicine. And this is just a drop in the ocean of possibilities that will open up once this technology is launched.

When expanding or planning new infrastructure, it may be worthwhile to think about its future expansion when 5G comes.