What is a 5G tower?

Generally, 5G infrastructure is defined as small and macro-cell base stations with edge computing capabilities - which requires significant amounts of fibre. Mobile 5G towers are therefore becoming a familiar sight across our cities. But what is a 5G tower, and what is the impact it has on the environment? What are 5G towers and how do they work?

What is a 5G base station?

As the world continues its transition into the era of 5G, the demand for faster and more reliable wireless communication is skyrocketing. Central to this transformation are 5G base stations, the backbone of the next-generation network. These base stations are pivotal in delivering the high-speed, low-latency connectivity that 5G promises.

What is 5G & how does it work?

5G is the newest mobile networking technology that's replacing 4G and powering the next generation of internet-connected devices...but how does it work? You might know that a 5G network uses what’s called small cells, but what does that mean? The cell tower is an essential part of a mobile network.

Why is a 5G cell tower so small?

Since 5G towers can operate on less power, they can be made relatively small. This is important not only for aesthetics but also for space efficiency—small cells support high frequency millimeter waves, which have limited range (more on why this is important below). A 5G cell tower is basically just a small box, like you see in the image above.

How do 5G towers work?

5G towers operate based on a combination of advanced technologies and principles of wireless communication. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how 5G towers work: Basic Principle: At the most basic level, 5G towers, like their predecessors, transmit and receive signals using radio waves.

Do all 5G towers support 4G?

While 5G is in the name, not all 5G towers exclusively support 5G. They can, and often do, support previous network generations like 4G. Similarly, while many small cells have been installed to bolster 5G coverage, several still operate on 4G networks.