Low-band 5G refers to 5G networks that operate on lower frequency bands, typically below 1 GHz. High-band 5G, on the other hand, operates on higher frequencies in the mmWave (millimeter wave) spectrum, which range from 24 GHz and higher.
So, what is the difference between these two types of 5G, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Coverage Area
One of the main differences between low-band and high-band 5G is their coverage area. Low-band 5G has a greater coverage area than high-band 5G due to the low frequency range. Low-band networks can reach far distances, which means that it can cover larger areas. This makes it especially useful for rural areas where erecting more base stations on high-frequency bands will be costly and impractical.
On the other hand, high-band 5G signals are easily disrupted by walls, trees, and other obstacles. Since high-band 5G has a shorter wavelength and higher frequency, the signal attenuation is higher, and the coverage area is lower. High-band 5G requires more cell towers in a smaller area to maintain the same coverage as low-band 5G.
Speed
High-band 5G is the fastest of all 5G networks. mmWave frequency has a higher capacity, delivering up to 10 Gbps of speed, which is much faster than 4G. You can download entire movies in a matter of seconds on a high-band 5G network. By contrast, low-band 5G provides speeds that are a noticeable improvement over 4G, but it is still slower than high-band 5G, delivering up to 100Mbps.
Latency
Latency is how fast a network responds to a user’s request. With high-band 5G, users will experience the lowest latency, which is less than 10 milliseconds. On the other hand, low-band 5G networks have significantly higher latency times, which may be in the 20-30ms range.
Which One Is Better?
There isn’t a straight forward answer to that question because whether high-band 5G or low-band 5G is better depends on the requirements of the user.
Low-band 5G is ideal for covering vast areas and ensuring that everyone can enjoy 5G’s speed. With low-band 5G, you can use it wherever you are and have a consistent 5G experience no matter how far you are from the cell tower. So, if you are in an area with patchy broadband, low-band 5G is the best example.
High-band 5G is suitable for locations with dense populations and high network traffic—places like sports arenas, big cities, or events. High-band 5G technology can deliver speeds over 1 Gbps, which means faster loading times and lower latency. If you are someone who is streaming high-definition content that is cutting-edge or doing mission-critical work that requires instant response times, then high-band 5G is the right choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, low-band and high-band 5G networks have differences in coverage, speed, and latency. Low-band 5G provides more extensive range coverage, slower speeds, and higher latency. High-band 5G, on the other hand, delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and smaller coverage areas. It is up to the user to decide which 5G network is best suited for their needs.
These are some differences, did you like them?
What Is The Difference Between Low-Band And High-Band 5g
