Can 5G Use the Same Towers as 4G?
The integration of 5G networks into existing infrastructure is one of the critical aspects of the 5G rollout. While the transition from 4G to 5G involves significant technological changes, it is also marked by the ability to leverage existing elements such as the towers and the antennas used in 4G networks. This article explores how 5G can coexist with 4G on the same towers and the implications of this coexistence.
Common Infrastructure Elements
When upgrading to 5G, the existing infrastructure, including the towers, antennas, cables, and transmitters and receivers, remain largely the same. The primary change lies in the baseband data equipment, which is essential for the processing and transmission of data across the network. This means that the existing towers, which have been the backbone of 4G networks, can support 5G services without needing a complete overhaul.
The Radio Enhancement Factor
While the towers and their supporting infrastructure can remain the same, the enhancements to the radio portion of the network may require a new aerial. High-frequency options in 5G, such as millimeter-wave (mmWave) services, can only support radio links of a few hundred meters. Consequently, these high-frequency networks might not be practical for deployment on hilltop masts. In such cases, 5G may require additional infrastructure or dedicated equipment.
However, not all 5G deployments will necessitate such high-frequency bands. The typical 5G services focus on a combination of low-band and mid-band frequencies, which can operate on a broader range of tower and aerial configurations. The low-band spectrum, in particular, is well-suited for 5G deployments, allowing for broader coverage areas.
4G and 5G Coexistence
The frequency bands used by 4G and 5G can overlap, and this overlap allows for seamless coexistence. The radio equipment on towers can be upgraded to support new 5G frequencies, which are interoperable with the existing 4G frequencies. The radio equipment itself often includes built-in support for backwards compatibility with 4G frequencies. This is a critical feature, as it ensures that users with 5G-capable devices can access 4G services when needed.
Major carriers in the US, such as ATT and T-Mobile, have demonstrated a remarkable ability to provide nationwide 5G coverage with the low band spectrum and are expanding their mid-band spectrum coverage. This means that even in areas where 5G service is not yet fully implemented, 5G devices can still fall back to 4G seamlessly.
The Role of Towers
Towers serve as elevated platforms that host the voice and data equipment necessary for network operations. They are versatile, capable of hosting various types of equipment from different eras, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services, as well as television broadcasts and radio stations. Each type of equipment, however, requires its own separate radio system, catering to the specific frequencies it operates on.
The ability to upgrade existing towers to support 5G without the need for new constructions benefits both the carriers and consumers. It reduces the cost of deployment and allows for a more efficient use of already existing infrastructure. This is particularly important in densely populated areas where the physical space for new towers is limited.
In conclusion, the integration of 5G into existing 4G towers is a practical and efficient solution that leverages the existing infrastructure. While the transition involves some upgrades, the core infrastructure, including the towers, remains largely the same, ensuring that 5G can be deployed and coexist with 4G seamlessly.