Which Devices Should You Put on 2G and 5G Networks?

Wireless technology has improved immensely over the last two decades, leading to the development of better mobile networks. The first mobile networks were built on the 2G (Second Generation) technology, which has now been replaced by the newer and faster 5G (Fifth Generation) technology. While 5G is the new standard for mobile networks, 2G is still used in certain areas. But with many devices now supporting both 2G and 5G, you might be wondering which devices should be connected to which network. In this article, we'll explore which devices should be placed on 2G or 5G.

Devices That Should Be on 2G

1. Smart Meters

Smart meters are used to remotely measure energy consumption in homes and businesses. While they collect a lot of data, they don't require much bandwidth to transmit. 2G is perfect for this type of device since it provides enough bandwidth to send and receive data.

2. Security Alarms

Security alarms are usually located in remote areas and need to send a signal to a central monitoring station in case of an emergency. 2G is the best network for alarms that need to be in continuous operation to send alerts even when there's a power failure.

3. Smart Parking Meters

Smart parking meters are similar to smart meters and are used to record payments made by drivers. Like smart meters, they don't require a lot of bandwidth and can work perfectly well on 2G.

4. Asset Trackers

Asset trackers are used to monitor the location of assets such as cargo, vehicles, and equipment. Since this type of device only needs to send GPS coordinates and doesn't require a lot of data, 2G is a good option.

Devices That Should Be on 5G

1. Smartphones

With the rise of mobile internet, smartphones need faster, more reliable internet access. 5G provides much higher bandwidth and speed than 2G, making it perfect for smartphones.

2. Tablets and Laptops

Just like smartphones, tablets and laptops need reliable internet connectivity. 5G offers faster data speeds and low latency, which makes it ideal for streaming movies or playing games on laptops and tablets.

3. Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

IoT devices require faster and more reliable connectivity than 2G can offer. With 5G providing much higher bandwidth, IoT devices such as smart homes, connected cars, and drones can easily connect to the internet.

4. Virtual and Augmented Reality Devices

Virtual and augmented reality devices require high-speed internet connectivity due to the amount of data they process. 5G provides the necessary bandwidth and speed to run these devices smoothly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right network for your devices is important, and in most cases, it's best to choose 2G for devices that don't require much bandwidth and 5G for devices that require high-speed internet connectivity. While 2G networks may work for now, it's only a matter of time before they are phased out completely. As 5G becomes more widely available, it's important to start preparing your devices to work on this new network.