How does 5G home internet work?

The internet has been around for a long time now, and has gone through several iterations. From dial-up to cable to satellite to fiber, there are many different ways for you to shop for shoes or post photos of your omelet for everyone to see. One that is growing in popularity, thanks to its flexibility, easy setup and reliable connection is 5G home internet. But how does 5G home internet work? This blog will go over what it does, how it does it and if 5G home internet is the right option for your home.

What is 5G home internet?

So how does 5G internet work?

5G home internet, just like your smartphone, relies on a wireless connection to a cell tower to operate. This is the most significant difference between 5G home internet and traditional cable or fiber optic internet, which uses physical cables through the walls and underground. Otherwise, the service functions pretty much the same way. The 5G gateway device is placed at an optimal spot in your home (we recommend a top floor, by a window if possible) and it receives a 5G signal from a cellular network. The gateway converts that signal into a Wi-Fi signal that it broadcasts throughout your home so you can connect to the internet via your smart TV, laptop, game console, etc. If you’ve ever used the mobile hotspot feature on your phone, it’s kinda like that—but instead of your phone, it’s a 5G gateway. 

Benefits of 5G home internet

So why might people want to use 5G home internet instead of the other options available (which we’ll dig into later)? In short, 5G home internet is easy to use and easy to set up while still delivering a fast, reliable data connection.  

Speed and performance

The specific speed you’ll have with 5G home internet is determined by factors like proximity to 5G towers, network congestion and the kind of 5G technology you’re using. So, if you’re in an area with great coverage, 5G home internet is more than capable of handling your everyday internet needs, like surfing the web or streaming music & movies. 

Low latency

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel across a network. Compared to older 4G networks, 5G home internet offers much lower latency, allowing you to enjoy faster response times and smoother connections across devices. So when you’re streaming live sports, you won’t have to hear the neighbors cheer before you even see your team score.  

Flexibility

If you’ve ever had cable internet, you’ve probably had to wait for the cable guy. Since 5G home internet works off of an existing wireless network, installation is exceedingly simple for you to do yourself, and no appointments or technicians are needed. No drilling for a new jack, no running cables through the walls, just plug your Gateway into a power outlet and you should be online within minutes. This makes moving your 5G home internet easier too.

The difference between 5G home internet and other internet options

We’ve covered the basics of what 5G home internet is and how it works, but how is it different from other internet options? Cables, mainly. But like a fiber optic installer once said, let’s dig a little deeper. 

5G internet vs. fiber optic internet

5G is wireless while fiber optic internet is, well, not. It runs through fiber optic cables, which use light to transmit data. This means much faster connections than traditional copper cables (nobody ever brags about traveling at the speed of copper), as well as a stable connection that is less likely to be affected by weather, buildings, or other environmental factors. However, fiber optic internet requires significant physical infrastructure that isn’t available everywhere. This network is quite costly to install and can be expensive to maintain as well. 

5G internet vs. cable internet

Similar to fiber optic, cable internet runs through physical cables that aren’t as susceptible to environmental factors as a 5G home internet’s wireless network may be. Cable internet also requires a hardwired connection in your home, which may need to be installed by a professional. However, unlike fiber optic, cable internet infrastructure is pretty widespread and available almost anywhere. 

5G vs satellite internet

At first glance, satellite internet works kinda like 5G home internet: you have a device in your home that picks up a wireless signal from outside. But with satellite internet, you need a dish antenna to pick up your internet signal that is beamed down from a satellite, orbiting above us in space. This is especially handy in rural areas that may not have access to any cable or fiber optic internet networks. However, satellite equipment can be very pricey, and due to the nature of the connection and the distance it has to travel, satellite internet tends to have higher latency and slower speeds. 

Is 5G Home MINTernet right for you?

Now that you know what 5G home internet is, what it does, and how it’s revolutionizing the way we binge reality television when we’re home “sick,” it’s time to really think about if 5G home internet is right for you. We here may be a bit biased, but we think 5G is the future of home internet, which is why we launched 5G Home MINTernet. And it could be the very near future of your home internet, if you’re looking to switch. We recommend checking to see if your home address is eligible. Think about your priorities and your needs when it comes to internet service; then decide if reliable, affordable 5G Home MINTernet, available in 3, 6, or 12-month plan options starting at $30/mo with a Mint phone plan*, sounds good to you. Yeah, we thought so.

_{*$90 upfront payment for 3-month plan ($30/mo. equiv.) & AutoPay req’d. Taxes & fees extra. Intro rate first 3 months only; then full-price plan options avail. Addt’l terms apply. See mintmobile.com.}