5G, the fifth generation of mobile network technology, is being rolled out across Canada, beginning with major urban centres. While global deployment of 5G networks is expected to take another four to five years, 4G will continue to play an important role for the foreseeable future.
As organizations begin planning future network upgrades, many IT professionals are asking:
- What is the real difference between 4G and 5G?
- Is it worth adopting 5G now?
- How can we prepare our networks for the transition?
This article explores how 5G differs from previous generations, the opportunities it creates for businesses, and why it should be part of your long-term network strategy.
What Is 5G?
While 4G networks typically operate at speeds between 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps, 5G has the potential to reach speeds of up to 20 Gbps, representing a significant leap in performance.
To put that into perspective, a 15 GB Blu-ray movie that takes about two minutes to download over an optimal 4G connection could download in as little as six seconds on a fully optimized 5G network.
While faster speeds often grab the headlines, they aren't what make 5G transformative.
According to Doyle Research, 5G's multi-gigabit bandwidth will significantly impact enterprise network design by giving WAN managers more options for connecting branch offices, remote users, and distributed locations. As a result, organizations are expected to accelerate adoption of SD-WAN while improving WAN connectivity across their operations.
4G vs. 5G: What's the Difference?
4G transformed mobile connectivity by making high-speed internet, streaming, and mobile applications practical for smartphones and tablets.
5G builds on that foundation by enabling virtually anything to become connected, from industrial equipment and autonomous vehicles to smart factories and intelligent healthcare systems.
Rather than simply making existing applications faster, 5G expands what's possible by providing greater capacity, improved reliability, and near real-time communication, opening the door to new business applications and connected experiences.
Why 5G Matters for Business
The real value of 5G isn't simply faster downloads. It's the ability to support new ways of working.
With higher bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and more reliable connectivity, organizations can automate processes, connect more devices, deploy applications faster, and support increasingly data-driven operations. As businesses continue to embrace cloud services, IoT, AI, and edge computing, 5G provides the foundation for the next generation of connectivity.
Key business benefits include:
- Ultra-low latency for near real-time communications
- Higher bandwidth for demanding applications
- Improved machine-to-machine (M2M) communication
- Greater operational efficiency
- Faster and more accurate authentication while roaming
- Rapid deployment of temporary connectivity for retail locations, pop-up stores, branch offices, and remote worksites
- Better support for emerging low-power IoT devices as standards continue to evolve
These capabilities are already creating opportunities across a wide range of industries. As 5G coverage expands, more organizations are beginning to integrate the technology into their operations.
Industries already seeing value include:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Oil and gas
- Supply chain and logistics
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Smart infrastructure
Healthcare illustrates how 5G's low latency can enable applications that weren't previously possible. For example, remote surgical systems such as the Da Vinci Surgical System rely on ultra-low latency to enable highly precise, minimally invasive procedures. Without the low latency provided by 5G, mission-critical applications like these would not be possible.
Should You Adopt 5G Now?
If you're planning a network refresh or considering an SD-WAN deployment, now is the time to prepare for 5G, even if you aren't ready to adopt it immediately.
When evaluating your network infrastructure, consider:
- Choosing technologies that support both 4G and 5G
- Deploying Wi-Fi 6-compatible access points
- Ensuring routers, gateways, and connected devices are ready for future upgrades
- Planning for additional indoor radio coverage where necessary
Preparing today can save significant time, money, and disruption in the future.
Before adopting 5G, keep these considerations in mind:
- Indoor coverage may initially be limited.
- More radio access points may be required.
- Existing devices may need hardware upgrades or replacement.
Fortunately, solutions such as indoor microcells, repeaters, and distributed antenna systems can often overcome these challenges.
The best approach is to assess your organization's current needs while building a roadmap that supports future growth.
How Wi-Fi 6 Complements 5G
While 5G improves connectivity outside the building by connecting branch offices, remote workers, and mobile devices, Wi-Fi 6 enhances connectivity inside your organization.
The two technologies are complementary. Together, they create a faster, more reliable, and more secure networking environment that supports modern business applications.
Wi-Fi 6 is one of the biggest advancements in wireless networking in years, thanks largely to technologies such as:
- OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access): Enables multiple devices to communicate simultaneously by dividing available bandwidth more efficiently.
- MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input Multiple Output): Allows multiple devices to transmit and receive data simultaneously, improving network performance in busy environments.
Imagine today's Wi-Fi as a small delivery van that can deliver one package to one customer before returning to the warehouse.
Wi-Fi 6 is more like a large transport truck capable of delivering many different packages to multiple destinations in a single trip. The result is faster, more efficient wireless performance, especially in workplaces with many connected devices.
Looking Ahead
As organizations continue to modernize their networks, both 5G and Wi-Fi 6 should be part of every infrastructure discussion.
Together, these technologies can help businesses:
- Improve connectivity
- Support more connected devices
- Increase operational efficiency
- Enable new digital initiatives
- Build scalable, future-ready networks
Upgrading to 5G and Wi-Fi 6 is about more than increasing wireless speeds. It's about building a more connected, resilient, and efficient business.
Cloud Managed Networks (CMN) is a technology provider with over 25 years of experience delivering networking and cloud solutions across Canada. If you'd like to assess your current network infrastructure and identify opportunities to improve performance, security, and scalability, contact us. Our team would be happy to connect with you.
