In the fast-evolving world of wireless technology, terms like 5GE and 5G are often thrown around, but what do they really mean? And more importantly, what’s the difference between them?
The 5G landscape is primarily segmented into Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) architectures. The prevalent NSA infrastructure utilizes existing 4G networks, offering improved speeds.
However, it is the SA 5G that represents a major leap forward, particularly for IoT, due to its support for network slicing, enabling customized network capabilities for diverse applications.
This guide will help you understand these terms and clarify the confusion surrounding them.
Table of Contents
What is 5GE?
5GE stands for 5G Evolution, a term created by AT&T. It was introduced to make consumers believe they were experiencing the cutting edge of 5G technology. However, the reality is quite different.
5GE is not 5G technology in speed; instead, it is an advanced version of 4G LTE, which offers incremental improvements in terms of speed and capacity.
AT&T’s decision to use the 5GE label for an advanced version of 4G LTE has been widely criticized. By using the “5G” label, AT&T creates a false impression that their network is on par with accurate 5G technology, potentially misleading consumers who expect the promised benefits of 5G.
AT&T’s 5GE label has confused the wireless industry, blurring the lines between 4G and 5G technologies. This confusion can hinder the adoption of a genuine 5G network.
This marketing strategy could give the company an unfair advantage in the market by making its network appear superior to competitors still building actual 5G infrastructure.
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How Fast is 5GE?
To better understand how fast 5GE is, we must break down 5GE speed into several components: download and upload speed, latency, and network capacity, for example.
5GE offers a moderate improvement over standard 4G LTE, with typical download speeds averaging around 50-200 Mbps. This is significantly slower than the impressive speeds associated with actual 5G networks.
5GE doesn’t offer the same level of upload speed improvement as true 5G. It typically provides upload speeds like those of 4G LTE, ranging from 10-50 Mbps.
5GE, like 4G LTE, doesn’t deliver the same ultra-low latency as 5G. It typically has a latency ranging from 20-30 ms.
While 5GE offers improved network capacity compared to 4G LTE, it doesn’t reach the same level as 5G networks, potentially limiting its scalability for IoT and high-density applications.
Is AT&T 5GE Faster than 4G?
AT&T’s 5GE offers speed improvements over traditional 4G networks. However, it’s important to note that it’s not true 5G. When comparing download and upload speeds, 5GE generally performs better than 4G, but it’s not a revolutionary leap in speed.
Genuine 5G networks offer higher speeds, lower latency, and increased network capacity than 4G and 5GE.
So, to answer, Is AT&T’s 5GE faster than 4G? It is, yes, but only marginally. It’s an incremental improvement rather than a transformative shift in network speed. If you’re seeking the full benefits of 5G, you’ll have to look beyond 5GE and wait for the rollout of genuine 5G networks.
What 5G Means For IoT
The addition of 5G to IoT represents a significant shift, with the fifth-gen network set to expand the boundaries of IoT capabilities. IoT manufacturers and service providers must understand the nuances of available connectivity options and the impact they have on device performance and service delivery.
5G technology, particularly in its Standalone (SA) form, is pivotal for IoT due to features like network slicing, which can allocate a unique portion of the network to IoT applications, ensuring tailored performance and efficiency.
This is a leap from the Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G, which is more common and builds upon existing 4G networks. While 5G NSA offers improved speeds, it does not provide the full breadth of 5G benefits such as ultra-low latency and the ability to handle a massive number of devices simultaneously—elements that are critical for the success of IoT.
Moreover, 5G brings about a more software-centric network architecture, which allows for greater flexibility and control in managing IoT applications. This enables IoT devices to maintain reliable connections and benefit from the real-time data transfer essential for complex tasks, from autonomous vehicles to intricate remote medical diagnostics.
What is the Difference Between 5G and 5GE?
The evolution of wireless technology has brought us to the era of 5G, promising faster speeds, low latency, and improved network capabilities. However, the term “5GE” has also entered the scene, causing confusion among consumers.
This section explores the difference between the two concerning speed, wavelength, and network coverage so you can better understand the difference between them.
Speed
5G takes the lead when it comes to the internet speed. This internet generation is designed to provide faster download and upload speeds.
The speed you experience will depend on various factors, including your location, network infrastructure, and the frequency bands your carrier uses.
In contrast, 5GE is not true 5G. It’s more like an advanced version of 4G LTE, which falls short of the impressive speeds of genuine 5G. 5GE typically provides download speeds in the range of 50 to 200 Mbps, which, while faster than 4G, is still significantly slower than the capabilities of 5G.
Wavelength
Wavelength is another significant point of difference between 5G and 5GE. 5G operates in a broader range of frequency bands, including both high-band (mm-wave) and mid-band spectrum, which allows for the delivery of high-speed, low-latency services.
In contrast, 5GE primarily operates on the same frequency bands as 4G LTE, making it less versatile regarding wavelength. While it can offer improvements in speed and capacity over 4G, it lacks the broad-spectrum coverage that 5G can provide, especially in urban areas.
Compatibility with Devices
Compatibility is a crucial factor for consumers. 5G networks are designed to support a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices and even autonomous vehicles. It’s built to accommodate the diverse needs of the modern digital landscape.
5GE, however, may not be as compatible with a broad range of devices as 5G. Since it’s essentially an enhancement of 4G LTE, which isn’t optimized for the same level of device density and diversity that 5G can handle. This makes 5GE potentially less suitable for IoT and other applications that require seamless connectivity for numerous devices.
Coverage
The coverage aspect also sets 5G and 5GE apart. 5G networks are being rolled out globally, increasing coverage in cities and urban areas. They offer the potential for extensive coverage in the future, significantly when leveraging low-band frequencies.
5GE, however, is primarily limited to areas where AT&T has deployed this enhanced version of 4G LTE. Its coverage is more localized and less spread than 5G networks, which are expanding rapidly.
Conclusion
The battle between 5GE and 5G has left many consumers puzzled. Despite their similar names, 5GE and 5G represent vastly different technologies. 5GE, often marketed as an upgrade from 4G, stands for 5G Evolution but is not true 5G. It serves more as a marketing term and lacks the revolutionary improvements in speed and latency that true 5G offers.
On the other hand, 5G is a true game-changer, with blazing-fast download and upload speeds, significantly reduced latency, and the potential to enable transformative technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality.
It’s not just about faster downloads; it’s about unlocking the potential for a seamlessly connected world. Therefore, investing in 5G is the right choice for a genuinely next-level wireless experience.
FAQs
LTE stands for Long Term Evolution and is sometimes referred to as 4G LTE. It’s a standard for wireless data transmission that allows you to download your favorite music, websites, and video fast—much faster than you could with the previous technology, 3G.
5GE stands for “5G Evolution,” a marketing term used by AT&T to describe enhanced 4G LTE technology.
5G’s main differentiator from 4G LTE is its speed and lower latency. 5G networks are built on a new radio technology (5G NR) that uses high-frequency radio waves to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, higher bandwidth, and more reliable broadband than 4G LTE networks.
No, 5GE offers improved speeds over 4G LTE but does not match the speeds or capabilities of true 5G.