Naturally the successor to a 4G network is 5G, but what is 5g? How is it different? What will it do in regards to technology within the home? The simple answer is speedier connectivity, but we can delve much further into what affects it will have on technology already used in the home. Not so sure you need 5G? Look around, do you use an Alex? A google home? Smart TV? Bluetooth speakers? All of those electronics are considered smart home devices and depend on the speed of your internet connectivity. 5G is not only quicker but it changes the way devices connect and react while hooked into the 5G.
Speed, Sound, and Lag Time
The introduction to 5G benefits households with multiple smart home devices because it can handle more devices simultaneously versus a 4G network. And, it's more friendly to other outside wireless networks. Meaning it can co-exist while other networks run alongside it and not have any type of interference. This will ax out lag from devices, lower glitches, and allow more wireless connected devices in home to run at once without hogging bandwidth or creating a wait time between devices.
What Uses 4G Now?
You may not think you have a lot of smart home technology but if you have a smart TV, gaming console like an Xbox one or Nintendo switch, bluetooth speakers, Alexa, or a tablet/kindle that allows you to stream on one or more TVs then you have a decent amount of technology! These are all dependent on wireless connections. Now, most if not all of those selections are media related. But, there are practical smart home additions that can bring your family and house into the future.
Smart system light bulbs that can be controlled through an app on your phone allow you to conserve electricity by checking to see if all the lights are off. Or, for safety you can turn the porch light on from a remote location during a vacation. Locks and alarms can be added to the list and controlled from remote locations. Both of these systems can even be tied together with a google home or an Alexa. Each device is activated by voice and can turn on music, set the alarm, turn off lights, and even turn Netflix on. This can come in handy if someone in the family has a hard time getting around physically or if someone is sick and can't get out of bed to turn the lights off.
Simple but Useful
If you're not wanting to dedicate that much of your home to technology yet there are ways to take baby steps. Smart power strips are available and can be controlled by phone or Alexa. These power strips allow you to turn on certain devices like a coffee maker, electric tea kettle, or toaster. It helps with busy mornings trying to get everyone ready and out the door. With a simple instruction or tap of your phone coffee can begin brewing while you're finishing with another morning task. Heating and cooling can be controlled with a simple system that allows an app or Alexa to control the air conditioner or heat. That way if a sudden heat wave hits in the middle of the day you can turn the air on from work and not have to come home to a sauna after a long day.
Smart Homes, Quicker Connection
No matter the level of devices you want or currently have in your home it's impossible to ignore technology is making life easier and it's beginning to trickle into our everyday lives. 5G will soon be a part of it and you might as well try out a few smart home gadgets just to see the difference it an make for you.
