Let’s dive deeper and learn how 5G and IoT will work together to bring a new era of digital transformation and innovation.
What is IoT?
Anything connected to the internet can be referred to as a thing of the internet. The Internet of things consists of an interconnected network of equipment and devices that has electronics and the internet in it.
These devices can connect to the internet and exchange data. You’re the user of the internet of things, your mobile phones, smart watches, fridges or vehicles, everything that can connect to the internet.
The term “IoT” was first mentioned by a British technology pioneer in the early 1980s. It was a term used to describe a scenario where everyday physical objects would be connected to the internet.
Ever since it was first mentioned, IoT has rooted itself as an essential thing in our daily lives. We have seen the emergence of smart home security systems and cloud computing. They’re all a part of IoT.
Since it’s an “internet” thing, it’s essential to understand how well it’ll pair with 5G. Wait,
what’s 5G?
Starting with 5G
The G in 5G stands for generation. 5G is the fifth generation wireless technology of its kind that is changing how we use mobile networks. The real goal of 5G internet was to have faster data speeds and support many more connected IoT devices.
With 4G data supporting up to 100-200 peak Mbps, was it necessary to go even higher? Why did we even need 5G in the first place?
Why Did We Need 5G?
There are myriad reasons why 5G was necessary in this modern world. As the number of IoT rises dramatically, there is an increased need to support the growing number of connected devices. That includes more bandwidth and data transfer speeds.
5G isn’t just about increased bandwidth though. Its predecessor only supported up to a peak of 300 Mbps. 5G on other hand is faster than 4G by more than 20 times. Theoretically, this new technology can support up to 10 GBPS download speed.
The new generation networks also have a much lower latency compared to 4G. Lower latency enables the use of real-time applications like virtual reality, self-driving vehicles, or equipment. 5G supports much more devices too.
There are a few viewpoints on whether 5G is necessary or not. It’s subjective and depends on your needs. But without a doubt, 5G is a massive leap to wireless technology compared to its previous predecessors.
5G Network Infrastructure
Image From Digi
Being an entire generation newer than previous wireless technology gives it an edge in infrastructure. Let’s discuss how 5G infrastructure is set up to give you the desired fast data transmission speeds.
Cell sites are the locations where cellular network equipment is installed. 5G networks use more small cell sites which gives them higher coverage and capacity. Traditional macrocell networks used to rely on fewer cell sites.
5G technology is smart enough to deduce a traffic’s needs and resources. The process of distribution of dedicated resources to different types of traffic is known as network slicing. It makes use of data efficiency.
These networks also make use of higher frequency bands for data transmission. They use a millimeter wave spectrum, but there’s a catch. Higher frequency means your data speed is fast but has a shorter range. It is vulnerable to interference.
Impact of 5G on IoT
- Improved Network and Latency4G technology pales in comparison to the 5G technology we have. 5G internet speeds reach as high as 10 Gigabits per second many times faster than the previous generation. The fast network and latency have enabled real-time operation with IoT devices.
Faster internet speeds have advantages for the entertainment sector too. Consumers can find themselves enjoying 8k UHD quality games and videos with little to no ping or buffering. - Bandwidth and CapacityThe current generation of network technology is designed to handle a large number of devices and traffic. A newer generation means better tech. A better tech well speaks for itself. It’s just better in every aspect.
- Coverage We previously discussed 5G has lower coverage. So why is it on the advantages? The installment of a large number of cell sites enabled 5G to cover places 4G cannot. 5G networks can cover larger geographic areas, covering places that previously lacked reliable wireless technology. It is designed to make more efficient use of the spectrum too, meaning it’s smart and can pack much more.
- Edge Computing If you’re well familiar with SEO, perhaps Edge computing can be called the Content Delivery Network of 5G. Edge computing is the architecture that brings computation and data storage closer to the source of data.
The closer the data source is, the less data needs to be transmitted over distances. This substantially decreases the time data is transmitted from one device to another.
Edge computing enables real-life monitoring with its improved efficiency. The technology can be used for processing large amounts of data generated by IoT devices. You can find IoT devices in use in the current generation. From smart streetlights, and traffic management systems to virtual reality, 5G has made it even more possible.
Real-Life Use Cases of 5G on IoT
- Healthcare5G paired with IoT has a big impact on the healthcare industry. Smart wearable sensors and devices help monitor a patient’s health in real-time. This includes watches, hospital devices, sensors, and other equipment.
- AgricultureIoT-powered drones can be used to collect important data on social quality, weather conditions, crop health, or other related subject that will help farmers make proper decisions. It’s the same with livestock. Livestock can be monitored in real-time with surveillance cameras or health-tracking sensors. The fast data speeds support the development of autonomous vehicles for agriculture reducing human errors and cutting labor costs significantly.
- RetailIoT and 5G work together to provide a splendid customer experience for the retail sector. We’ve seen the use of personalized ADs the algorithm brings us. IoT helps gain data on customer behaviors. This can enhance such personalization even greater, providing better information and recommendations while customers browse online stores.
- Traffic Control
- Industries
The real-time feature of 5G enables surveillance and control of traffic without the need for humans. It’s a better way of managing traffic as it leaves even lesser room for human errors in a place where it’s crucial.
It generally includes monitoring and management of warehouses, industry-related tech, equipment, and other forms of management. The real-time feature enables a whole lot of new things that customers can now do with IoT.
Challenges and Limitations of 5G Implementation on IoT
Perhaps the major issue with implementing 5G with IoT is the cost. The cost of deploying such infrastructure can be a major challenge. Trying to achieve 100% coverage without addressing major budgeting and planning can be all but a dream.
The current era of the internet and technology has given rise to multiple illegal activities. Cyber attacks, identity theft, data breaches, and other internet-related crimes make IoT vulnerable. Proper security of IoT and 5G technology should be ensured to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Overall, 5G is an amazing upgrade to its predecessor. Massive transfer speeds, big bandwidth, and coverage. With the world ever-evolving, who knows how ridiculously fast the next-generation internet speeds will be?
