5G Opportunities
5G is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything, as the 5th generation mobile network. With high data speeds and superior network reliability, 5G presents immense opportunities for all of us. Enhancing efficiency and productivity while also giving users faster access to more information, 5G delivers:
- Faster Speed – Download huge amounts of data, in an instant.
- Lower latency – No more lag time.
- Connection Density – More connection reliability and stability.
- Traffic Capacity – Accommodates more devices and applications.
Antenna solutions
Our chosen antenna suppliers Poynting Antennas and Black Art Technologies have many 5G antenna options available. We have stand-alone antennas that can be paired with a modem, such as the Poynting XPOL-2 and the Bolton Long Ranger. Coming soon is a new solution from Poynting, the ePoynt series, where you can house the router inside the antenna enclosure.
5G Modems available on the Market
While there are many 4G and 5G modems available on the market, we have chosen Teltonika as our favorite. Teltonika is currently developing their 5G modem and we are excited to get the release date before the end of this year. Currently available 5G modems on the Australian market are listed on this spreadsheet 5G Modems Overview. We have recorded a short overview of these on our Youtube channel.
FAQ’s about 5G Antennas and Modems
What is 5G ?
Like its predecessors, 5G networks are cellular networks, in which the service area is divided into small geographical areas called cells. All 5G wireless devices in a cell are connected to the Internet and telephone network by radio waves through a local antenna in the cell. The new networks have higher download speeds, eventually up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s).[2] In addition to 5G being faster than existing networks, 5G has higher bandwidth and can thus connect more different devices, improving the quality of Internet services in crowded areas.[3] Due to the increased bandwidth, it is expected the networks will increasingly be used as general internet service providers (ISPs) for laptops and desktop computers, competing with existing ISPs such as cable internet, and also will make possible new applications in internet-of-things (IoT) and machine-to-machine areas. Cellphones with 4G capability alone are not able to use the new networks, which require 5G-enabled wireless devices.
Are there downsides to 5G?
Is 5G currently available in Australia?
Yes, all the biggest Australian telecommunications networks have 5G now – Telstra, Optus, vodafone. Whistleout has interactive maps to show covergae for all 3 networks here.
Do you recommend 5G for Caravanners?
Not yet, 5G is not available in remote areas of Australia. You are better off getting 5G ready antenna and still use a 4G modem for now. You can switch to a 5G modem in your home in the cities. You can switch to a 5G modem while travelling when 5G is fully rolled out all over Australia.
What is the best 5G Antenna?
We have options available from Poynting. The XPOL-2 is a directional antenna that can be used for both 4G and 5G in your home and on your caravan. The MIMO-3 series are caravan omni antennas that are for 4G and 5G. We have a new series coming from Poynting: the ePoynt series, that has 5G antennas that enable routers in the antenna enclosures.Â
How can I get 5G Internet in my Home?
Currently available home internet plans for Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, TPG. Some of the consumer grade 5G modems that are currently offered are a bit limited for external antennas, so if you are in a poor signal area, you should look for modems thar have options to connect an external antenna to improve your signal. We recommend using the XPOL-2 from Poynting. We have made a quick guide for 5G modems, so you can decide what you need.Â
Is 5G better than NBN?
5G promises to be much faster than the NBN, just as reliable and with ultra-low latency. What remains to be seen however is the cost of data on the 5G network and the issue of coverage across Australia. If current mobile data costs are anything to go by, the NBN may be going strong for a few more years yet. 5G is a little trickier as there isn’t a central business in charge of the rollout, nor is the coverage as widespread as that of the NBN. The 5G rollout has been mostly centered around major cities and population hubs around the country, and there’s been a fair bit of criticism for the number of holes in the coverage of even those areas.Â
What is the best 5G modem?
There are many options on the market already, but many of the high quality manufacturers still have more modems in development. We really like the Nokia Fastmile modem offered by Optus but we are most excited for the Teltonika 5G modem.
We have tested all the popular 4G modems here in our workshop and Teltonika is by far the most reliable, it has rugged aluminium housing and SMA-connectors that enable a much better connection than the TS9 used by other consumer-grade 4G modems. This is why we are confident in waiting for what Teltonika comes up with in their 5G modem.Â
5G Ready Antennas from RFShop Australia
5G Ready Omni MIMO Antenna for Caravans and RV-s
The ultra-wideband performance of the antenna allows it to be used across different operators and technologies and is ready for future cellular technologies up to 3.8 GHz for 5G applications.
Omni 5-in-one MIMO Antenna
The MIMO-3-15 is a 5-in-1 high performance multi frequency antenna within a single housing. It provides two cellular, two Wi-Fi and a GPS antenna. The two cellular MIMO antennas cover the contemporary frequency bands (for 2G/3G/4G), as well as the new emerging LTE and 5G spectrum.Â
Directional MIMO Antenna for your Home or Caravan
This antenna comes with an N or SMA Connector. It can be used while travelling in your caravan (set-up video here) or be mounted on the roof of your home. The antennas make of advanced metamaterial technology, also know as Artificial Magnetic Conductors (AMC’s) to yield exceptional performance in bandwidth and gain. The antennas cover the up and coming 5G bands, including the lower and the upper for future proof deployments.
The Long Ranger – Directional 4G and 5G Antenna for Rural Areas
Rural areas may not have 5G yet, but with this antenna you will be ready. Supports both 4G and 5G. If you want to make a call, stream some audio or video, or get WiFi. If you fall into the latter camp, the Bolton Technical Long Ranger will help solve your issue. It is the highest continuous gain parabolic cellular antenna on the market. This antenna covers the full range of cellular and WiFi bands, including all carriers worldwide.