Since the very first times humans used electromagnetic fields the technology spooked some people. You normally can not see, hear, feel or taste it – but it still does things. Therefore it was always crucial for scientists to somehow explain what is happening.

Several components need to come together for 5G technology to work. None of these are totally new, but rather advancements in our technological understanding of electromagnetic frequencies and electrical engineering. Underlying 5G technology is the basics of electromagnetic frequency waves, which can be transmitted and received by antennas.

In 1864, the mathematical physicist James Maxwell proposed the theory that light is a transverse electromagnetic wave, although he did not know how these waves could be generated or detected. Then, in around 1888 Heinrich Hertz discovered and proved electromagnetic waves through his experiments. Since then, physicists have made huge advancements in our understanding of electromagnetic waves, which has now developed into the practice of transmitting, modulating, and receiving them.

Wireless communication has only become possible due to these discoveries by Maxwell and Hertz. Wavelengths, spectrums, frequencies, and electric field strengths – alongside their interdependencies and uses – all come into play when submitting and receiving signals. Analogue transmissions were possible early on, but wireless communication has only recently become a reality. This has been achieved through the rapid advance of digital technology – which started back with the first computing machines (e.g. Konrad Zuse’s Z1) –and using this technology in combination with electromagnetic signals.