Fourth-generation or 4G gained the ability to send photos and video, even streaming video, and upped the capacity for data.įifth-generation systems accommodate a higher amount of data at higher speeds, allowing more video streaming and new data-heavy tools like virtual reality or augmented reality. For example, 3G advanced voice calling from the previous generation and started to include data capacity. Industry, marketing and communications engineers group these generations together based on their abilities and characteristics. What is 5G?Ĭellular networks go through evolutions over time. As these systems and technologies rapidly advance, scientists and engineers often refer to future high-speed wireless communications as simply “next-generation” or “NextG.”Īs the nation’s measurement institute, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is helping to create the technologies and methods that industry can use to build and evaluate 5G-and-beyond systems.
“Fifth-generation” or “5G” refers to the most recent wireless communications systems, which are faster and carry more data than 4G or LTE systems, enabling more connections for devices like cellphones and a wider range of wireless technology applications. NIST researcher prepares to run tests in one of NIST’s anechoic chambers, specially designed to get accurate measurements of radiofrequency waves used in wireless communications.