Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1315957
5 | A Forward Glance at 5G: Applying Backwards Thinking By Paul Golata for Mouser Electronics Connecting in the Future It was the technology visionary Steve Jobs (1955–2011) who expanded the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard's (1813–1855) philosophical quote which originally said, "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Steve applied this notion to technology saying, "You cannot connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future." Well, the dots of our future are certainly going to be more connected. How they are connected requires backward thinking. Fifth-Generation (5G) wireless technology is ensuring that mobile networks of our future will connect us all. One might say that our future is one of hyper-connectivity in which machines, computers, robots, and people will all interface together. This article will take a quick glance at the transformational leap that innovative 5G technology is enabling towards superfast communications, and how Mouser's key electronic component suppliers are supporting this effort. As engineers, it's time to put on our thinking caps, turn them backwards, and look at how our wireless communication infrastructure requires higher performance in order to meet the needs of tomorrow. The Race is On Being the first to market presents exciting opportunities for businesses. Key network service providers, mobile phone manufacturers, and component manufacturers recognize the necessity to be involved early. Service providers, including Verizon and AT&T, have recently made announcements indicating that they are starting to support 5G services in select cities. In place are additional plans to continue the roll out to new cities on a regular basis every month. T-Mobile and Sprint will be following closely behind. Mobile phone manufacturers, including Motorola and Samsung, are now offering hardware devices that are set to comply with coming 5G capabilities. Telecommunication equipment providers are adapting their products to meet the coming requirements. It will be prudent later to look at how electronic component manufacturers are addressing the changing competitive landscape. One item requiring tremendous focus is the move from fixed wireless access to 5G mobile non-standalone (NSA) and 5G mobile standalone (SA). NSA will employ 5G mobile built upon a 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) core, while SA will receive support from the 5G specific core. The Road Forward to 5G 5G is the natural evolution forward from the presently employed 4G technology. It offers the conceivable potential to handle and administrate three orders of magnitude (10 3 = 1,000x) more data and information than current technology. This not only represents wireless connections with evolutionary increases but an entirely new level of near- instantaneous connectivity. While 3G provided users with accessible mobile access to the World Wide Web, 4G has allowed users to be connected socially. However, 5G's new level of connectivity will enable applications that change the way we live, work, and relax. It will bring forward the dynamic power of the Internet of Things (IoT). This technological revolution will revolve around the wireless infrastructure that will enable new applications such as autonomous vehicles that are Paul Golata joined Mouser Electronics in 2011. He provides design engineers with the latest information and trends in electrical engineering by delivering unique and valuable technical content that facilitates and enhances Mouser Electronics as the preferred distributor of choice.