10G vs. 5G - What’s the Difference?

Just a few years ago, 5G became the buzzword of every mobile carrier and smartphone commercial.

But just as you’ve caught up with 5G, another term—10G—starts to make waves, leaving you wondering…am I reading that right?

While 5G and 10G may share the same letter and represent a communication network type, they have two very different meanings. Let’s dive in.

 

What Do 10G and 5G Stand For?

10G is the broadband network of the future that is being deployed today.

  • With speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, 10G will ultimately be ten times faster than today’s 1G networks.

  • By leveraging innovative technologies, the cable industry will deliver the speed, security, and reliability that future technologies increasingly require.

5G refers to the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology that our mobile devices use.

  • Deployed in 2019, 5G represents a significant advancement in mobile communication that elevated the capabilities of our smartphones and other mobile devices.

  • A giant leap from 4G, 5G brings faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased network capacity.

 

What’s the Difference Between 10G and 5G?

While 10G and 5G both involve network technologies, they cater to different aspects of our connected lives.

  • 5G caters to our mobile communication needs—helping to keep us connected, whether video calling loved ones, browsing social media, or accessing essential services on our smartphones.

  • 10G is on its way to revolutionizing broadband—driving innovation to provide more meaningful connections, engaging work and educational experiences, robust network speeds, and more.

In today’s era of constant connectivity and ever-increasing bandwidth needs, our dependence on wired and wireless networks has never been greater.

 

The Link Between 10G and 5G

To function at its full potential, 5G needs the robust infrastructure that the 10G platform provides.

Here’s why: When we use mobile phones or devices to make calls or send data, most information must travel through a wired broadband network before reaching its destination.

  • Data from your mobile device first makes a short hop on wireless frequencies to a nearby cell tower connected to other towers via a wired broadband network.

  • Those wired networks are used to transmit cellular data over distances, with wireless signals only being used at the two endpoints.

This method reduces the strain on the mobile network while improving wireless service to customers.

 

What Comes Next for 10G?

The question of 10G vs. 5G isn't necessarily about one technology outpacing the other, but rather understanding their unique advantages and potential applications.

As we look toward a future of higher connectivity speeds and seamless digital experiences, here are some ways 10G will play an integral role in shaping the new digital frontier.

Entertainment - AR and VR experiences will revolutionize how we watch TV and provide a new level of immersion.

Healthcare - Increased connectivity will allow us to monitor our health 24/7 and get health checkups from the comfort of our living rooms.

Agriculture - Intelligent farming will reduce pollution, reduce waste, and enable indoor urban farming.

Education - Education will become more immersive, with experiential learning enhanced by AI technologies.

Learn more about 10G and the work being done to develop the broadband network of the future here.