For years, things we were just imagining are becoming a reality because of IoT's rapidgrowth and expansion. Due to the limited bandwidth of cellular networks, the development and integration of IoT(Internet of Things) were comparatively slower. But with the launch of the fifth generation(5G) of cellular mobile communications, we can increase the bandwidth by a huge amount, thus making these use cases more effective, reliable, and widespread.
But aren't you wondering exactly what IoT(Internet of Things) and 5G technology are?
Let's explore!
This blog will briefly discuss the application of the Internet of Things and 5G technology.
The 5G( 5th generation mobile network) was launched in the year 2022 in India. This 5G era significantly increases data transfer speed and hassle-free network connectivity across multiple devices. According to reports, 5G networks will be ten times faster than current LTE( long-term evolution) networks.
To enhance your knowledge about 5G networks, let’s discuss some important pros of 5G technology-
High Data-Transfer Speeds
5G technology network connectivity is created and designed in such a way that it delivers high-speed internet connectivity of about 20Gbps. It has become faster using shorter frequencies. Nearly all IoT devices, including those with applications in industry, smart home gadgets, and healthcare, would benefit from faster speed.
Greater Network Reliability
Now that 5G networks are operational, connections will be more stable. Having a reliable and stablenetwork state is important for any IoT, but especially for connected devices like locks, security cameras, and other monitoring systems that rely on real-time updates. It has increased availability and will create a more scalable and reliable user experience for customers. Now high-quality audio, video, and OTT entertainment videos will be easily available to users.
Decrease in Latency
5G brings low latency and better connectivity between services and users. With 5G networks, response times are one-tenth of what they were with 4G, allowing for increased use of sensors for logistics management or remote transportation. This decrease in latency has become possible because the 5G network uses fewer frequencies and has reduced the interaction time between the user and the device connected.
Low latency and expanded networks mean 5G can reach ten times more devices per square kilometer than 4G.
Higher capacity
A broader frequency spectrum and up to 1000x more capacity will be offered by 5G than by 4G. It can link thousands of internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, sensors, and IoT devices, and can handle multiple high-demand applications simultaneously.
Traffic Capacity
Due to the introduction of 5G networks, effectiveness in remote working can be seen. Organisations can promote remote and flexible working for their employees with 5G technology. The ultra-wideband and high broadband service will help in achieving hassle-free connectivity.
Network and Spectrum Efficiency
Connectivity to rural areas will increase as 5G technology covers and connects a broad spectrum of devices. Multiple devices will get connections within the same geographical areas.
Designing hardware and software that maintains the frequency and bandwidth is complex and time-consuming. But 5G is now here for the rescue. So let’s discuss the challenges of 5G networks.
Managing costs: Itis one of the challenges with 5G technology. The 5G equipment must support high-frequency band operation. With more features, reliability, and scalability, it is equally important for 5G to be budget-friendly and economically well.
Connectivity between devices: Direct communications between devices will be difficult. As more devices will be launched with the 5G network, the connections and data transmission will be time-consuming and require more antennas to be set up.
More cellular towers: The 5G technology uses short waves. So we need more cellular towers for a 5G network close to each other.
Effectiveness in remote working: Organisations can promote remote and flexible working for their employees with 5G technology. The ultra-wideband and high broadband service will help in achieving hassle-free connectivity.
Managing high amounts of data: With the advancement of technology, more devices will be logged in, and large amounts of data will be generated. Maintaining the security of that data is a challenging task with the 5G technology.
Maintaining low latency service is also challenging for 5G networks. A slight mistake can lead to a blunder, as in medical surgery. If the latency gets disrupted, it can cause some severe damage to humans, and the worst effects will impact the healthcare industry.
Security and privacy are one of the most critical concerns when we discuss data. Because many 5G components will be virtual, there are increased security risks. 5G technology needs to be confident about the security and privacy of the customers' data.
5G Network Vs. 4G Network
There lies a major difference between 5G technology and other technologies. We have tried to trace the difference between the 5G and 4G networks through this table.
Criteria
5G
4G
Designed For
eMBS/URLLC/mMTC
Mobile broadband services
Latency
Latency is lower in 5G ( or below ten milliseconds)
Latency is greater in 4G ( latency in the 4G network is about 20-30 milliseconds)
Speed
5G is much faster (200-400 Mbps.)
4G is comparatively slower(25 Mbps)
Bandwidth
amount of bandwidth 5G provides is much faster than the other networks(the 5G network is less than 1 Gbps)
the 4G network is 200 Mbps
Potential Download speed
20Gbps
1Gbps
Network design
Heterogeneous network
Base station(macro/micro)
Core network
clous/SDN/NFV Based
HW dependent
Frequency channels
Up to 800MHz
1.4-20-100MHz
Base stations
Small cells
Cell towers
The goal for cell density
100 times greater than 4G
200 To 400 Users per cell
Subs. density
10^8 subs per sq. km
10^6 subs per sq. km
mobility(km/h)
350
500
This was all about the difference between 4G and 5G technology. Now, without wasting time, let's move on with this article and look at the definition of IoT and the impact of the 5G network on the Internet of things.
Internet of Things(IoT)
Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) has covered almost every area of our lives, such as retail shopping, public transportation, digital signage, and even street lights that brighten our roads at night.
Behind the scenes, the IoT is a worldwide system of interconnected devices, machines, and objects that can collect, share and send information over a network without human intervention. It is the technology for communicating between multiple computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, or objects in which items with sensors, actuators, and processors connect to accomplish a specific goal.
Impact of 5G network on the IoT
Today we have over fourteen billion IoT devices in the world. But the performance of loTs will decide their level of success, and the integration of 5G has taken it to new heights. Now, we will discuss some points that will prove that the integration of 5G in the Internet of Things is a game-changer.
Automation
IoT devices could be efficiently controlled and monitored remotely using 5G without sacrificing performance. Businesses will be able to automate the vast majority of tasks that currently require human interaction thanks to seamless connectivity and increased network capacity. This will simplify processes, boost overall corporate productivity, and lower operating expenses.
More Connected Devices and Smart homes
With 5G, all connected devices can communicate with each other and exchange information. The ability to accommodate more devices on one network with 5G will probably revolutionize the functioning of smart homes function. 5G IoT networks allow us to monitor HVAC systems, water levels, and cleanliness.
Real-time Product Monitoring
IoT devices have enabled factories and warehouses to track products, parts, and machinery in real-time. Real-time product monitoring from production to end-user is possible with 5G. Sellers can receive notifications when goods are sent or go missing, thanks to 5G.
High Data Transfer Speed
Speed of up to 20 Gbps will enable remote applications to access files, data, and programs faster. Due to the introduction of 5G technology, the communication speed of loT devices will considerably rise.
Effective Supply Chain Management
Supply chain integration increases the process overall, lowers costs, boosts customer experience, and lowers inventory failure in transit.
Remote Maintenance
Remote machine maintenance and repair will be possible thanks to widespread mobile video streaming.
Limiting expert travel results in reduced personnel and travel expenditures. These are positioned centrally to help robots, less-trained workers, or a combination of the two.
Retail Stores Modernization
With the use of 5G and AI(Artificial Intelligence), retail stores can alter how they provide customer support. Store employees can view and evaluate cyber-physical representations of their storefront in real-time with a VR headset.
Based on data-driven forecasting analytics, this can be used to evaluate a low stock, detect sales opportunities, build shop displays,discover shelf gaps, and locate missing items.
Reduce Source Wastage
IoT, together with 5G, can foster the implementation of government policies by enabling greater control of electricity, demand, and supply or reducing resource waste. You can gather data about oil levels, electric outputs, temperature, and speed without stopping production.
Enables mass deployment for efficient and simpler devices thanks to its low cost, energy efficiency, and reliable coverage.
Data security
The data security and predictability can be increased by giving quick feedback for quick device decisions. Smart homes or industrial facilities, these devices will be able to optimize processes, as well as security, by offering greater control.
Monitoring Crops and Farmlands
With the help of the 5G IoT network, farmers can now monitor crops and livestock and control the equipment remotely.
AI Integration Improves Traffic Control
5G networking with IoT allows cars to talk to each other and their environment, reducing the risk of accidents and allowing for far more efficient traffic control patterns. Now people can use a 5G IoT network to park their vehicles without going to a parking spot.
Improved Healthcare Market
Healthcare providers can use health-related 5G IoT technology to monitor their patients’ conditions. Doctors can also perform surgeries remotely withlow-latency equipment.
The Industrial Internet of Things(IIot) is used in manufacturing to tackle industrial challenges using IoT-embedded systems.
How does IoT work?
IoT essentially works in four steps: it collects data from the real world, analyzes the data, produces insight, and translates the insight into action to realize the experience in an outcome.
What are the benefits of 5G technology?
With the introduction of 5G technology, we can see advancement in manufacturing, agriculture, medical and healthcare, IT, and many others.
How is 5G technology different from other technologies?
5G technology is different from other technologies concerning the three main categories. These are speed, bandwidth, and latency rate.
Which country first launched the 5G network?
South Korea was the first country that adopts the 5G network. They accepted and adopted the 5G network first among the other nations.
Conclusion
This article discussed some new insights about 5G technology and IoT. In this blog, we have learned about the challenges of 5G Technology. We have briefly discovered the impact of the 5G network on the Internet of things.