5G vs. Fiber Optic: A Comprehensive Comparison

In today’s connected world, 5G and fiber optics are leading technologies promising incredibly fast speeds and minimal delays (low latency). But how do they really stack up against each other? This article will explore the key differences between 5G and fiber optic technologies, looking at their speed, reliability, applications, and ideal use cases.

5G is the latest generation of mobile network technology, built to deliver ultra-fast wireless connectivity with minimal delays. It’s perfect for mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Fiber optic, on the other hand, uses light to transmit data through thin glass or plastic fibers, providing unmatched bandwidth and reliability for fixed connections.

Each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses, making it important to understand when each shines. Wireless technologies, from 2G all the way to 5G and even 6G, rely on “backhaul” connectivity to handle the huge amounts of voice and data traffic they carry.

This backhaul connectivity is typically provided by three main mediums: copper, fiber, and microwave. Copper lines are expensive and have limited capacity. Microwave is used in about half of all backhaul network deployments globally. Microwave links connect sites within line of sight, where laying cable is difficult or impossible. Optical fiber lines are increasingly replacing copper due to their high bandwidth and immunity to interference in wired connections.

Fiber Optic Systems

Fiber optic systems are widely used for wired connections due to their low material costs and high data carrying capacity (bandwidth of about 11THz). A basic fiber communication system includes a transmitter (LED or laser) and a receiver (photodiode).

Examples of fiber-based systems include CWDM and DWDM.

Advantages of Fiber

Here are the main benefits of using fiber optic systems:

1. High Bandwidth: Fiber can carry massive amounts of data due to its large bandwidth capacity. Data can be transmitted at very high speeds, typically around 1.6 TB/sec. This is why the next generation of the internet may be based on light, known as LiFi (Light Fidelity).
2. Low Signal Loss: Fiber experiences very little signal loss, usually around 0.3 dB/Km. This means optical repeaters aren’t needed for long distances.
3. Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Although the initial installation cost is higher, fiber offers more benefits than older coaxial systems over time.
4. Immunity to Interference: Fiber optic systems are immune to electromagnetic (EM) interference. They can be placed near high-frequency towers and in areas where EM radiation is a concern. Additionally, since they operate on light, they don’t emit EM waves and won’t interfere with nearby EM signal-based systems like cellular, microwave, or satellite.
5. Electrical Resistance: Fiber has high electrical resistance, making it safe to use near high-voltage lines and equipment.
6. Lightweight and Easy to Install: Fiber is light, making it easier to install.
7. Low Power and No Crosstalk: Optical fiber transmission requires very little power. The light carried by the cables doesn’t leak (except at the ends), preventing crosstalk between cables.
8. No Spark Generation: Fiber doesn’t generate sparks, making it useful in the automobile industry.
9. Enhanced Security: Unlike RF-based systems that can be tapped, fiber-based communication is very difficult to intercept, as the light is contained within the cable. This improves security for individuals and businesses.

Disadvantages of Fiber

Fiber optic systems also have some drawbacks:

1. Cost: The initial installation cost is higher due to the expensive optical transmitters and receivers. Maintenance and repair also require specialized tools.
2. Difficult to Splice: Splicing fiber is more difficult than splicing wires, especially at the start and end joints. The necessary tools and connectors are also costly.
3. Vulnerability to Damage: If light encounters imperfections during travel and the optical power is too high, it can damage the fiber cable. Fiber fuse devices can prevent this by breaking the circuit to stop further damage.
4. Cannot Carry Electrical Power: Fiber optic systems can’t carry electrical power, which is often needed at terminal equipment/devices.

Image Courtesy: arxiv.org

5G NR Cellular Technology

The specifications for 5G are outlined in 3GPP Rel. 15 and later. 5G technology is the successor to the 4G LTE standard. The initial specifications for 5G NR (New Radio) were finalized by 3GPP in December 2017.

5G is being rolled out in two phases: non-standalone and standalone. In the non-standalone phase, the control mechanism uses the existing 4G LTE network, while data transfer occurs using 5G infrastructure. In the standalone phase, both control and data mechanisms are handled by 5G network elements.

Here are the main features of 5G technology:

• Bandwidth: Supports 1Gbps or higher
• Frequency bands: Sub-1 GHz, 1 to 6 GHz, > 6 GHz in mm bands (28 GHz, 40 GHz)
• Peak data rate: Approximately 1 to 10 Gbps
• Cell Edge Data rate: 100 Mbps
• End to End delay: 1 to 5 ms

Advantages of 5G

Here are the key benefits of 5G cellular systems:

1. High Data Rates: Can achieve data rates of about 10 Gbps or higher.
2. Low Latency: Very low latency for connection establishment/release (about 1 ms), reducing traffic load on 5G base stations.
3. Smaller Antenna Size: Smaller antenna sizes at higher frequencies allow for the use of massive MIMO to achieve higher data rates.
4. Dynamic Beamforming: Dynamic beamforming is used to overcome path loss at higher frequencies.
5. Smooth Handoff: Improved 5G network architecture ensures smooth handoffs, so data transfer isn’t affected when a mobile user changes cells.
6. Improved Performance: Typically offers 10x throughput, 10x decrease in latency, 10x connection density, 3x spectrum efficiency, 100x traffic capacity, and 100x network efficiency.

Disadvantages of 5G

Here are the drawbacks of 5G cellular systems:

1. Cost and Expertise: Requires skilled engineers to install and maintain 5G networks. 5G equipment is also expensive, increasing the cost of deployment and maintenance.
2. Expensive Devices: 5G smartphones are costly, so it will take time for widespread adoption.
3. Still Under Development: The technology is still being developed and needs time to become fully operational without issues.
4. Limited Coverage: Higher frequencies (like millimeter waves) suffer from significant losses, resulting in coverage distances of only up to 2 meters indoors and 300 meters outdoors. 5G mmWave is prone to penetration loss, attenuation due to rain, foliage loss, and more.
5. Security Concerns: Security and privacy issues still need to be fully resolved in 5G networks.

Abbreviations of terms used in the 5G-fiber network architecture:

• CO: Central Office
• C-RAN: Cloud Radio Access Network
• OLT: Optical Line Terminal
• ONU: Optical Network Unit
• FTTx: Fiber to the-x
• W-BS: Wired Base Station (e.g., 5G gNB or 5G BS)
• U-BS: Unwired Base Station
• UE: User Equipment
• P2P: Point to Point
• WDM: Wavelength Division Multiplexing

Difference between 5G and Fiber Optic

Here’s a comparison between 5G and fiber based on various parameters:

Conclusion

Both 5G and fiber optics offer impressive connectivity solutions, but they’re suited for different use cases. 5G excels in providing mobility and widespread coverage, while fiber optic stands out for its unparalleled speed and reliability in fixed locations.

5G and fiber optic technologies actually work together. 5G provides wireless connectivity to mobile users, while fiber optic carries the massive amounts of data generated by the 5G cellular system in the backhaul connections between cell tower sites or between regions. Both 5G and fiber optic technologies are essential for providing modern connectivity.