You are not alone if you thought 5G, 5 Gig and 5GHz all meant the same thing. While they sound similar, they’re three very different technologies. G stands for the generation of wireless cellular technology, gig is a measure of internet speeds and GHz is a Wi-Fi frequency. Here is what all this technical jargon means for your digital experience.
What is 5 Gig or 5 Gbps?
“Gig” is short for gigabits per second (Gbps) and refers to internet speed and bandwidth. Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over your internet connection at a time. Gigabits per second is a measure of how quickly information is transmitted over the internet.
When you’re looking for a new internet plan, service providers offer plans based on speed measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or Gbps, often ranging from 200 Mbps (less bandwidth) to 5 Gbps or more (more bandwidth). 5 Gig internet is an ultra-fast speed available through fiber optic cables to support exceptionally high-demand online activities, such as live streaming and content creation. If you run a business out of your home or have multiple smart home devices, having the fastest speeds available comes in handy.
Gigabits vs. Gigabytes
Gigabits (Gb) measure internet speeds (in gigabits per second). Gigabytes (GB) measure file size, storage space and data usage. When shopping for a new smartphone, you’ll notice the storage capacity is in GB, such as 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, telling you how many apps, pictures, songs and more the phone can hold.
What is a Gigabit?
In data communications, a gigabit (Gb) is 1 billion bits. It’s commonly used to measure the amount of data transferred between two telecommunication points. Smaller than gigabits, megabits (Mb) can also refer to internet speeds—1 Gb=1,000 Mb.
What is a Gigabyte?
A Gigabyte (GB) is a unit of digital information storage capacity equal to 1 billion bytes of data. The term is typically used to describe the amount of stored data or the storage capacity of a device, such as on a hard drive or in the cloud.
What is 5G?
5G is an abbreviation for the fifth generation of wireless cellular communication technology and offers higher bandwidth, faster speeds and lower latency than past generations. The closer you are to the 5G wireless towers, the faster your speeds will be.
Is 5G the same as 5GE?
No, 5G and 5GE are not the same thing. Some cell service providers may try to rename older versions of this technology to make it sound newer and faster, so it’s important to understand which technology your phone uses.
What is 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi comes in two frequencies, 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5GHz, to carry Wi-Fi signals. 2.4GHz is the default for most devices and ranges throughout entire homes or offices, but the network can get crowded quickly, resulting in slower speeds. While 5GHz Wi-Fi is faster and better at penetrating network disturbances and interference, it struggles to travel through walls and has a shorter range of coverage than 2.4GHz.
Common Misconceptions & Pitfalls to Avoid
- “Bit” and “byte” sound similar, and both refer to digital data, but they measure different things.
- 5G has nothing to do with your home internet. This refers to the latest network technology from cellular providers.
- 5GHz Wi-Fi is a short-range home networking system. “5G Wi-Fi” does not exist.
Key Takeaways
- 5G: The 5th generation network that major cellular companies use.
- 5 Gig: Lightning-fast internet speeds offered through fiber internet.
- 5GHz: Wi-Fi frequency that is faster than standard 2.4GHz but has a limited range of coverage.
See if 5 Gig Internet Speeds are Right For You
Lumos offers fiber internet with upload and download speeds of up to 5 Gigs for exceptionally high-demand digital lifestyles. If someone in your household is a livestreamer or content creator, or you run a business from home, this bandwidth may be perfect for you. When you’re ready to switch internet service providers and get the speed and bandwidth you need, learn how to make the switch seamless.
Not sure what speeds you need? Check out our plan finder tool and explore our plans to discover the Lumos difference.
Enhance Your Lumos Wi-Fi Plan with Extra Network Security
When you combine the speed and power of fiber internet with the protection of Lumos cybersecurity upgrades like Internet Security, the possibilities for your digital life are limitless.
Check for Lumos Fiber near you and experience the latest in home network security and online connectivity.
