A distinguishing feature of mmWave (millimeter wave) technology, particularly in 5G, is its ability to operate at extremely high frequencies, typically ranging from 24 GHz to 52 GHz or even up to 100 GHz. This high frequency enables mmWave to offer:
- Ultra-fast data speeds, with theoretical peak rates exceeding 10 Gbps, supporting near-instant downloads and high-quality streaming.
- Very low latency, often only a few milliseconds, suitable for real-time applications like remote surgery, autonomous vehicles, and virtual reality.
- Very high bandwidth and capacity, allowing a high density of connected devices within a small area, ideal for crowded urban environments and IoT deployments.
However, mmWave has a limited range and poor penetration through obstacles like walls and buildings, requiring a dense network of small base stations to maintain connectivity. This contrasts with lower-frequency 5G bands that have broader coverage but lower speeds. In summary, the key distinguishing feature of mmWave is its ultra-high frequency enabling extremely high-speed data transmission with low latency and high device density, but with limited signal range and penetration.