Key Features of 5G Networks and Why They Matter

5G is the most recent generation of broadband cellular technology. Set to replace 4G LTE networks in the coming years, 5G will deliver increased speed, higher device density, improved signal reliability and extremely low latency. 

Key takeaways

• 5G dramatically boosts speed and data capacity compared with older networks

• 5G supports far greater device density and more reliable connectivity in crowded environments

• Ultra-low latency and improved power efficiency unlock new real-time applications and better device battery life

If you’re looking to learn more about 5G, you’ve come to the right place. Helping our clients fully understand coming disruptive technologies is a pillar of how The Burnie Group operates. In this article, we dive into some of the vital technology features of 5G and why they matter. 

More MIMO, more speed

5G is designed to support data speeds in the 10 gigabits per second (Gps) to a 20Gbps range. The fastest data speed recorded to date in 5G trials is 36Gbps (Etisalat UAE). The fastest 5G speeds are only possible in close proximity to a millimetre band 5G base station. In early commercial deployments, users are only experiencing download rates three times faster than 4GLTE networks in the same geography. These early implementations of 5G are using sub-6 bandwidth (1-6Ghz) which will not be able to support the fastest 5G data rates.

While very fast, and needing only very small antennas, connections with the very short submillimeter wavelengths are more unstable. In compensation, 5G devices will use a technique called massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output). MIMO is when multiple antennae have simultaneous connections running parallel data streams. Devices can switch back and forth between these concurrent data streams with exceptional speed and reliability. For example, a phone might be simultaneously connected to signals in various bandwidths. Should a connection become unstable, the phone could immediately switch to an alternative, more stable link in the same bandwidth or a different link using a different bandwidth. This is the fundamental architecture that will underpin 5Gs disruptive potential.

High-density support

High densities of devices create congestion and non-responsiveness problems in existing mobile networks. 5G networks will feature many more antennae in a given area than previous generations. As a result, 5G networks should be able to support one million connected devices per square kilometer.

Beamforming

5G implements a digital signal processing technique called “beamforming,” which by subtly altering the timing of signals sent to an array of antennae causes wave interference so that some radio waves get cancelled out while others get greatly magnified. This creates highly focused, high-power beams of radio energy. By altering the timing, the antenna array can steer the beam of radio energy precisely towards the receiving antenna.

Power efficiency

5G features a low-power mode from which a device can wake up extremely quickly. By combining low power mode with the shorter range to transmitter and beamforming focus features, 5G devices will require less energy and have a much longer battery life.

Low latency

Advances in software and network architecture will drive network latency down to 1-2 ms. To achieve this ultra-low latency, 5G’s network design is much more flexible and intelligent than predecessors. 

• Interested in learning about why low-latency is so important? You can read more about that here. 
• For a neat illustration of how 5G low latency will improve remote control of systems, check out this video.
• Interested in the impact 5G is having on your industry? You can read more about that here.

High speed, high-density support, improved power efficiency, and low latency will enable countless technology and business innovations across most industries. To find out how 5G could impact your business, contact The Burnie Group today.

Frequently asked questions

What makes 5G different from 4G or previous mobile network generations?

5G is more than just a bit faster, it represents a substantial leap in what mobile networks can deliver. Compared with 4G, 5G offers much higher data speeds (potentially an order of magnitude or more), can support a vastly larger number of devices per area, and delivers ultra-low latency (on the order of a few milliseconds). These improvements come from newer technologies like massive MIMO, beamforming, and use of wider bandwidths. This enables 5G to meet the demands of modern data-heavy and real-time applications.

Why does device density, meaning many devices connected at once, matter?

As more people and machines connect (phones, IoT sensors, smart devices, etc.), networks must handle much more traffic without collapsing. 5G is built for this: it supports up to one million devices per square kilometer, which makes it ideal for dense urban environments, IoT deployments, smart cities, or large-scale events. The network’s infrastructure, including many antennae, advanced signal processing, and intelligent switching, helps ensure consistent performance even when many devices are active simultaneously. Without this capacity, networks would struggle with congestion, slowdowns, or unreliable connections as demand increases.

What kinds of new applications or experiences become possible thanks to 5G’s low latency and high performance?

Because 5G can deliver data with very little delay (as low as 1–2 ms), many applications that require real-time responsiveness or high reliability become practical. Examples include interactive augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), remote-controlled or autonomous machinery, real-time video collaboration, and potentially even remote surgeries or industrial automation. The high speeds and reliability also improve experiences like ultra-HD video streaming or cloud-based services on mobile devices. Additionally, the improved power efficiency of 5G devices means users get these benefits without severely draining battery life, making such advanced applications more practical and sustainable.

By: Alexey Saltykov