4G vs 5G Antennas: Key Differences, Performance & Future Trends
As the advancements of the 4G era still continue, 5G is already on the horizon. The advancements in speed, efficiency, and capability given by mobile devices in a short time are amazing. This article helps readers how to understand the differences between 4G and 5G antennas and their features.
It will represent a significant leap in connectivity, speed, and capability, in the wireless communication technology evolution from 4G to 5G. Enabling these wireless systems has actually been made successful by the antennas. This article goes on to explain all the differences in the frequency bands, types, various advantages and disadvantages that are associated with both 4G and 5G antennas, and their features regarding latency, capacity, throughputs, and energy efficiency. It also examines the application scenarios and future trends of the same, indicating how antennas are the backbone of modern telecommunications.
Comparison Table: 4G Antennas vs. 5G Antennas
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A. Electrical Characteristics
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Frequency
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900-930MHz
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S.W.R.
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<= 1.5
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Antenna Gain
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dBi
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Polarization
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Vertical
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Horizontal Beamwidth
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70°
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Vertical Beamwidth
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60°
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F/B
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>17dB
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Impedance
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50Ohm
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Max. Power
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50W
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B. Material & Mechanical Characteristics
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Connector Type
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N Female connector
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Dimension
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256*256*40mm
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Radome material
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ABS
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Weight
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1.0Kg
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C. Environmental
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Operation Temperature
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- 40 ˚C ~ + 85 ˚C
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Storage Temperature
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- 40 ˚C ~ + 85 ˚C
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Operation Humidity
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＜95%
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Rated Wind Velocity
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36.9m/s
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2. Antenna - S Parameter Test Data
Table of Contents
4G is the fourth generation of mobile telecommunications technology. Compared to previous generations, this 4G wireless mobile communication technology is featured with higher data transfer rates, more stable network access, and increased voice and video call capabilities. 4G networks can allow upload rates of up to 50 Mbps and download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Since it gives low latency and negligible buffering, users can access data-intense applications, online gaming, and HD video streaming on mobile devices with ease.
An antenna for 4G is specially meant for receiving and sending signals in the 4G cellular network, 4G antenna is used for enhancement in signal strength and coverage of a 4G network to increase faster and reliable data transfer rates. These antennas support Multiple Inputs and Multiple Outputs (MIMO) technologies that offer high-speed data and better spectrum efficiency. 4G antennas normally serve with wide-area coverage, relatively small speeds, and reliability; they usually operate within frequency ranges from 700 MHz up to 2.6 GHz. In order to enhance connectivity and network performance, 4G antennas are often deployed to those areas, either rural or remote, where the signals are pretty weak or unstable.
5G is the fifth generation of wireless cellular network technology. Basically, this can be mentioned as the replacement for 4G LTE, coming with a higher capacity, less latency, and faster speeds comparatively. 5G network is required by applications such as virtual reality, enhanced reality, autonomous cars, and the Internet of Things (IoT) using high-frequency bands and complex antenna technologies to achieve faster data rates.
A 5G antenna plays an important role in providing high-speed and low-latency connectivity in 5G network architecture devices for transmitting and receiving signals. These antennas support advanced technologies such as beamforming, massive MIMO, and millimeter-wave (mm Wave) frequencies to enable high-standard features. Mainly they operate in the frequency ranges of the sub-6 GHz to mmWave (24 GHz and higher).
This antenna for 5G wireless communication, transmitting and receiving signals in both the mm Wave and sub-6GHz frequency ranges, helps to maintain its features. The 5G antennas depend on the frequency range and specific requirements of the 5G network.
4G antenna frequency range
4G antennas are designed to operate between 700 MHz and 2600 MHz frequency bands, allowing all over the world. However, specific bands may vary by region and network provider. The antenna’s overall performance is impacted by its frequency band, which is essential in establishing the coverage area and signal penetration through obstacles.
The most used frequency bands which are for 4G networks are: 700 MHz (Band 12/13/17), 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2600 MHz (Band 7)
These bands are utilized by many 4G technologies such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and LTE (Long-Term Evolution). Precisely which frequency bands will be used by a 4G antenna depends on both the network provider and the area in which it is being used.
5G antenna frequency range
Depending on the application, a large range of frequencies are used by the 5G, including sub-6 GHz bands and mmWave bands (24 GHz and higher).
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Sub-6 GHz: This involves frequencies such as 600 MHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz which are all below 6 GHz. These kinds of frequencies are relatively good at penetrating through walls and other barriers; they can be used to provide wide area coverage.
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mm Wave (millimeter wave): This covers the frequencies above 24 GHz, like 28 GHz and 39 GHz. These frequencies have limited coverage, are easily blocked by obstructions, but are used for high-speed communications over short distances and offer very high data transfer rates.
The low, mid, and high frequency bands are another way to categorize 5G. For optimal performance, 5G can utilize more frequencies in all three bands, and it can potentially use multiple frequencies simultaneously. Because of this, 5G bands are more adaptable than earlier cellular generations and offer better coverage and dependability. Each frequency band has distinct characteristics and capabilities.
1. Low Band:
Compared to other bands, low band 5G offers more coverage but slower data throughput because it uses frequencies lower than 1 GHz. Long-distance signal transmission and signal penetration through obstructions like trees and buildings are features of low-band antennas. Generally speaking, they are bigger and have a lesser gain than higher-frequency antennas.
2. Mid-Band:
The frequencies used by mid-band 5G range from 1 GHz to 6 GHz. With a smaller coverage than a low band, it provides faster data rates while maintaining a balance between capacity and coverage. Mid-band antennas offer a better gain and are smaller than low-band antennas. They are frequently utilized in cities to give many customers access to fast internet.
3. High Band:
mmWave (millimeter Wave), or high band 5G, refers to 5G on frequencies higher than 24 GHz. While it has a very limited-service area and is blocked by buildings and other obstacles easily, it offers very high speeds. High-band antennas are small in size and have very high gain to make up for the restricted coverage. These are usually installed in very populated cities and offer extremely fast, low-latency connectivity.
The exact frequency range may change since different countries and regions may use different frequency bands for 5G.
Overview of common 4G antenna types
With this type of 4G antenna, it uses multiple transmit and receive antennas to increase data speeds and reliability. To provide extremely high data rates, 4G mobile networks uses MIMO technology in both the uplink and downlink channels. The foundation of MIMO technology is the use of several antenna systems in both the base station and the mobile terminal.
Send signals directly to users to increase capacity and coverage. Beamforming technology, a sophisticated signal processing technique, is used by 4G antennas to guide the energy of the transmission to a particular user or device. In addition to improving coverage quality and signal efficiency, this also lowers interference and energy waste.
Overview of 5G antenna types
Massive multiple-input multiple-output (Massive MIMO) technology is typically used in 5G antennas. By employing dozens or even hundreds of broadcast and receive antenna elements, this technology boosts network capacity and efficiency, enabling the simultaneous service of more customers. Compared to 4G’s MIMO technology, this represents a major increase in the quantity and complexity of antennas.
5G antennas can be made smaller and more compact since high-frequency transmissions have shorter wavelengths. This makes it possible to deploy them more freely in a range of settings, including interior facilities, building surfaces, and light poles.
4G Antennas
Compared with traditional Wi-Fi routers, 4G antennas can offer a larger coverage area. This ensures that users experience minimal signal degradation even at greater distances from the network source. This is especially helpful in places where broadband service is limited or in remote locations where wired internet connections might not be accessible.
The installation and configuration of the 4G antenna is much simpler compared to the 5G antenna. They can be connected to a computer or network easily by an ethernet cable or USB port, and they frequently come with direct instructions. Therefore, they are a good practical choice for users who are not technology proficient or who do not prefer to handle the work hassle of setting up a conventional internet connection.
4G antennas may be an affordable option, for the users without access to or users unwilling to pay for a standard internet connection. These usually provide data plans that are adjustable and let customers select how much data they use and make their bill appropriately. Users with variable internet usage patterns or those who only need internet connection for a short period of time usually find this especially helpful.
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