MacDirectory Magazine

Charlie Adlard

MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.

Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1176476

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Today 's wireless data is delivered through macrocells (cell towers) that provide the foundation for wireless connectivity to serve thousands of mobile users within a radius of up to 4 0 miles . To support urban service, small cells (microcells – low- power cellular nodes) with a range of about 500 feet will communicate with microcell towers, other small cells and mobile devices. Since 5G will be able to travel short, unobstructed distances, wireless service providers will be installing a large number of small cells to provide the necessary infrastructure for tomorrow's 5G networks with much faster speeds than macrocells, 10Gbps download. So how soon in your city? It depends. Data travels through wires the majority of the time, with wireless antennas completing the last few miles of delivery near real-time speeds. Wi-Fi 6 was designed to support WLAN (wireless local area networking) of devices – desktop/laptop computers, hotspots, routers, embedded systems, smartphones, smart TVs, etc. Delivery for businesses and consumers will require innovative connectivity, cloud and analytic solutions that will not only serve hundreds/ thousands of moving vehicles but also the capacity for high - quality, uninterrupted video service. That won't be cheap IDC forecast that the total infrastructure investments will rise to as much as $26B by 2022 and cumulatively to around $40B. So, which will arrive first? Businesses that need to do business now or services that want to sell you a new $1,000 - $2,000 phone? And of course, after you've snagged your new 5G smartphone, you'll get your never- ending bill for your data service. It may be time for you to remember what Tony Lip said, " It 's like what your friend the President said, "Ask not... Your country, what you could do for it. Ask what you do for yourself." Once you finally get reliable 5G service in your area you'll probably have to do a lot of experimenting to see what content absolutely requires lightning fast 5G and when you can get by with Wi-Fi 6. Speed, security, reliability come at a price and sometimes good 'nough is darn good. At least you're in the drivers seat.

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