A Guide to the Future of Wireless Technology

Kevin Gardner
3 min readApr 13, 2021

Just when you think they can’t get any savvier, the geniuses behind wireless technology debut something newer, faster, and cooler than your wildest dreams could have ever predicted. It doesn’t seem like long ago that humans were checking their home answering machines and making calls from gas station payphones. Now, everything from grocery shopping to schoolwork to high-level business meetings is conductible from a tiny device that fits in a jacket pocket! Are you are a phone guru or a technology-challenged neophyte? Regardless, it is vital to educate yourself on the latest and greatest developments in the wireless market. Read on to learn what you need to know about modern technology, and keep yourself up-to-date on current communication methods.

5G

It is here. And with it comes the chance to rid homes everywhere of useless, unnecessary, and obsolete cords. 5G networks are currently being rolled out country-wide and should be readily obtainable everywhere within the next couple of years.

No cord? No problem. With the 5G network, your mobile device’s APN can fully connect to the internet anywhere, anytime. The speed will be noticeably faster, and experts predict the latency will be remarkably lower. Additionally, more mobile devices such as IoT appliances will be able to connect quickly and easily.

Two separate frequencies will support the 5G networks. One utilizes current Wi-Fi networks, and the other will run off of new cellular bands. These modern bands haven’t experienced universal adoption until recently as the 5G networks become more widespread. This update is a notable improvement from current networks, as it provides popular wireless technology with more bandwidth and speed to function better and more efficiently.

6G

Even though the 5G networks have yet to deploy fully, wireless technology developers have already set their sights on the next major shift. The 6G network is presently in its early stages of construction, and forecasters predict it will be lightyears faster than its predecessor.

Not only will the new 6G network be quicker than the 5G, but it will also allow for an increased number of synchronous connections. Bonus, with the potential to handle more capacity at faster speeds, the 6G network will utilize less power. This benefit makes the up-and-coming network better for the environment as well.

Li-Fi

Li-Fi is similar to its counterpart, Wi-Fi, but instead of using radio waves to transmit data, it uses visible light waves instead. Not only will it be faster than traditional Wi-Fi, but early research shows that Li-Fi will enjoy higher levels of security as well.

Current technology experts are using LEDs to transmit information. The goal, using Li-Fi, is to make each LED lightbulb function as a wireless router. If successful, this new method of sending data could be accessible in existing infrastructures and current technology.

Charging

Cords are no longer required to connect to the internet, and soon, they won’t be necessary to charge your wireless devices either. Presently, wireless charging involves plugging a cord into an outlet and laying your mobile device on a charging plate connected to the line. Though not completely cordless, it is a step in a more modern direction.

Eventually, however, the expectation is that your mobile devices will charge simply by sitting in your pocket, on your desk, or in your car. Numerous companies are developing technology that will allow just that. Businesses are creating power sources that can charge several wireless devices within a 15-foot radius. Imagine having this capability at your office. Just a couple of these new power sources could charge each device present in the entire building. By placing power sources in concealed areas like ceilings or floors, wireless charging will soon be ubiquitously available.

It is challenging to visualize how modern technology will improve more than it already has. But, with each new generation comes enhanced, never-before-seen advances in wireless devices. Keep yourself updated on contemporary wireless technology, and connect with anyone at any time.

--

--

Kevin Gardner

Kevin Gardner graduated with a BS in Computer Science and an MBA from UCLA. He works as a business consultant for InnovateBTS