When we use wireless networks to chat, work, watch movies, or play games, you may not realize that the various wireless nodes are actually connected to each other through a large number of fiber-optic communication networks. Today, as the wireless access points of 4G and 5G networks continue to expand, more and more fiber is required to meet the growing demands of these networks.

The importance of 5G in future applications

Staying connected is an inevitable part of modern everyday life. People are used to making phone calls, sending emails or watching videos anytime, anywhere. In the future, human society will usher in a more advanced and high-speed network interconnection era, and everything may be far beyond our imagination. The industry's demand for concurrent and instantaneous connections will continue to climb.

The necessity of 5G in the future

Currently, 3G and 4G networks require macro base stations every few miles, which are usually deployed on high towers or on the roofs of buildings. In a macro base station network, there are often gaps in network coverage due to blocked signals. Therefore, additional small base stations need to be deployed to fill or enhance user coverage.

The relationship between fiber and 5G

5G networks require the use of a tighter network of radio antennas to achieve high numbers of connections, low latency, and high connection speeds. While there are likely to be many variables, in some cases 5G small cells may need to be deployed every 500 feet or less. By deploying more base stations in a smaller area, a denser, faster and more connected optical fiber communication network is formed.

So what happens to wireless networks as they get denser? In short, wireless networks are "glass fiberizing" -- adding more fiber to them. The resulting advanced fiber-optic communication network enables fiber to penetrate further into cities and neighborhoods, extending to street furniture and building facades.