What does data transfer rate mean?
The term data transfer rate is used as a measure of the performance or speed of a mobile network. Data rate, bandwidth, data transfer rate, bit rate, and connection speed are other terms that are often used. Data transfer rate refers to the amount of digital data that can be transferred from location A to location B in a given time using a transmission channel. It is, so to speak, the travel speed of data such as voice, music, videos, photos, and social media content. Transmission speed and data rate are usually specified in bits/s, kbit/s, Mbit/s, or Gbit/s. This metric is used to evaluate the performance and efficiency of networks and transmission technologies.
Several factors influence the data transfer rate, such as the device used, the transmission technology, and the current network load or quality. Data transfer rates in the mobile communications sector have developed enormously in recent decades, so that mobile communications are no longer used only for smartphones, but also for the exchange of various devices, sensors, and machines with the new 5G technology. 5G has become crucial for Industry 4.0.
Network speed
Data transfer rates are expressed in various units of measurement. These indicate how much data has been transferred within a certain period of time. The most common way to express network speed is in terms of the smallest unit of information in data transfer, known as bits per second. A binary digit (bit) can only have two states: Either 0 or 1, which is why several bits are combined to represent more than two values. Depending on the size of the data volumes, the bit is listed in kilobits (Kbit), megabits (Mbit), gigabits (Gbit), or terabits (Tbit).
The units can be easily converted into each other using a factor of 1,000:
1 kilobit = 1,000 bits
1 megabit = 1,000 kilobits = 1,000,000 bits
1 gigabit = 1,000 megabits = 1,000,000 kilobits = 1,000,000,000 bits
Connection speeds for downloading or uploading data are referred to as bit rates. Bit rates or data transfer rates are specified in bits per second, for example, kbit/s, Mbit/s, Gbit/s, or Tbit/s.
How many Mbit/s are in a Gbit/s?
LTE vs. 5G: What data transfer rates are possible?
According to Deutsche Telekom, the maximum LTE speed (4G) is up to 300 Mbit/s for downloads and 75 Mbit/s for uploads. However, these figures vary depending on the tariff, network expansion, and end device.
LTE+ (also known as LTE Advanced) can reach speeds of 1 Gbit/s for downloads and up to 500 Mbit/s for uploads.
The speed of 5G, on the other hand, can reach up to 10 GBit/s, at least in theory. Currently, download speeds between 100 Mbit/s and 1 GBbit/s are more common. Factors such as location, network coverage, and number of users also influence the data transfer rate.
At the current stage of expansion, the speed of the 5G mobile network is therefore roughly the same as that of the highest expansion stage of the LTE-Advanced standard. Nevertheless, improved latency already allows faster access to the desired content. New specifications promise a twentyfold increase in data rates and more in the near future.
As the expansion of the 5G network is still in its early stages, it will probably take some time before the targeted data transfer rate of 20 Gbit/s can actually be achieved.
Factors influencing data transfer rates
Data transfer rates are influenced by a number of factors, such as:
- Transmission technologies: In mobile communications, the following technologies are decisive for data transfer speeds: GSM (2G), UMTS (3G), LTE (4G), and 5G.
- Poor reception or location: This can usually be influenced by obstacles such as buildings or hills/mountains. It can also be affected if an area does not have sufficient coverage.
- Active users: The number of users accessing a mobile cell also plays a major role. In densely populated areas, difficulties can therefore arise despite the latest mobile technologies.
- Tariff restrictions: Many mobile tariffs limit the maximum 5G speed or data volume.
- Even if the 5G network theoretically allows high speeds, the tariff may provide for throttling.
- Device problems: For example, if the device used does not support 5G.
Why is the data transfer rate faster in the 5G network than in the LTE network?
LTE and 5G share some of the existing frequency ranges and bandwidths. In addition, 5G uses frequencies that are specifically reserved for this mobile communications standard.
Unlike LTE, the 5G network requires more radio antennas at its base stations (MIMO). However, these new 5G antennas work much more precisely than those used previously, as they transmit to one or more cell phone users in a targeted manner instead of broadcasting aimlessly.
The new technical standards are intended to improve performance, especially in German cities. 5G is expected to relieve the ever-growing data traffic there.
