5G Technology And Impact of 5G on IoT

Over the last few years, communication technology standards have evolved considerably. Since the release of the first generation (1G) technology in the 1980s, the flywheel has ensured the release of newer and improved wireless mobile telecommunication protocols roughly every ten years. The first generation of mobile networks (1G), with a data speed of 2.4 kbps, was all about voice. The second (2G), with a data speed of 64 Kbps and based on GSM gave room for texting along with voice, which was a revolutionary upgrade. An avenue for non-intrusive non-critical information exchange was a very welcome addition. The third (3G), with a data speed of 144 kbps-2 Mbps, was about voice, texting, and data and truly opened up the first generation of smartphones to the world and the ensuing fight for supremacy between the biggest known names in the consumer smartphone segment, namely the Samsungs, Apples, Motorolas. The fourth (4G) was everything in 3G but faster. Subsequent generations of wireless technologies have become faster and improved with new features.

All of them, as stated above, have different speeds and features that improve on the previous generation. Today, most wireless carriers support both 4G and 3G technology. The next-generation communication technology, which is 5G, is more than just the data speed. Industry experts predict it can do wonders in the Internet of Things sector. 5G is touted as the next elixir after the advent of the internet & the world wide web, set to create tectonic shifts across Industries and business processes.

Entering the 5G era

As of 2019, there were an estimated 22 billion connected devices on the planet with almost 9 billion of them being smartphones connected on cellular. The rest is the countless million devices, machines & equipment connected to the internet. The number of cellular-connected devices is expected to surge from around 800 million worldwide right now to over 4 billion in the next 4 to 5 years and one definite driver for that accelerated adoption will be the proliferation of 5G.

What is 5G?

5G, the latest in telecommunications, offers substantially faster speeds, lower latency, and greater connectivity than previous generations. It enhances user experiences with rapid downloads and uploads, enabling high-quality streaming, gaming, and seamless communication.

5G's capabilities are crucial for the Internet of Things (IoT), supporting a vast network of devices for smarter cities, healthcare, agricultural, and manufacturing through improved device-server communication. This technology also introduces enhanced reliability and capacity, fostering innovations in autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, and remote healthcare, and reshaping our interactions with technology.

5G NR (New Radio) is central to achieving these advancements, supporting various frequency bands to cater to different coverage and capacity needs, from urban to rural areas. Meanwhile, 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) makes 5G accessible for simpler devices like wearables and IoT sensors, offering cost-effective connectivity and promoting a more inclusive digital ecosystem. Together, 5G NR and RedCap are essential for the wide-ranging impact of 5G, ensuring it meets diverse needs while driving efficiency and opening up new possibilities across multiple sectors.

Impact of 5G on the Internet of Things

The prevalent cellular IoT technologies offer low-cost, low-power solutions with broad indoor and outdoor coverage, ensuring secure connectivity and easy deployment across diverse network topologies. 5G, standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), integrates existing LPWAN protocols like NB-IoT, ensuring a smooth transition for product makers and customers. The introduction of 5G technology revolutionizes the IoT landscape with its unparalleled speed, ultra-low latency, and expansive bandwidth. This facilitates seamless communication among IoT devices, enabling real-time data transmission and processing for enhanced efficiency and productivity.

With speeds up to several gigabits per second and latency reduced to 30 milliseconds, 5G empowers precise tasks such as remote surgery and predictive maintenance across various industries. Additionally, the integration of 5G connectivity fosters innovation and scalability within businesses, effectively supporting a multitude of IoT devices while maintaining optimal performance. This scalability not only facilitates informed decision-making but also enhances operational efficiency within an interconnected environment, thereby propelling organizations towards unparalleled success in the digital era.

Types of 5G

There are three versions of 5G being built, and even though they differ in terms of network architecture, they will eventually work together. There are four major U.S wireless companies developing plans on how to build out 5G to their customer bases, these are namely - AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint. Their strategies depend on current wireless spectrum holdings. Below are the three versions of 5G:

1) Low-band 5G

Low band is the closest 5G spectrum to 4G LTE with operating frequencies closer to TV and radio stations. It has a speed that is 20 percent faster than 4G LTE networks. The biggest advantage over the other 5G types, being the ability of the signal to travel longer distances.

2) Mid-band 5G

This is an advancement over Low-band 5G, with a speed 6x faster than LTE networks. Mid-band is quite synonymous with the sub-6 GHz spectrum. While mid-band is wider than low-band and can transport more data, it can’t travel as far as Low-band. This issue however gets bigger with mmWave high-band 5G as described below.

3) mmWave high-band 5G

These extremely low latency networks have speeds that are 10x faster than LTE networks. The catch being the requirement for repeaters is very high for mmWave transmission as it is mostly line of sight transmission. mmWave, the spectrum between 30 GHz - 200 GHz has the ability to carry great amounts of data at extremely high speeds, contributing a lot to the huge attention around 5G technology. Almost all of the innovative use cases doing the rounds like precision surgery in healthcare is riding on mmWave technology

Benefits of 5G Technology

With IoT-enabled devices in mind, 5G technology connects devices at relatively higher speeds and minimizes lag. This makes 5G the most sought-after wireless technology when it comes to creating an excellent user experience regardless of what device, service, or application you are dealing with. Below are the top advantages of the release of 5G networks in a fast-paced world.

Improved data transfer speed

The success of any IoT device is directly linked to its performance. Quick and easy device communication is key to making quick and prompt decisions. 5G technology is expected to offer faster speed than current LTE networks. For example, when it comes to smart home devices, this increase in data transfer speed helps to reduce the lag and improve the overall speed at which connected devices send and receive data and notifications.

Comparison of 5G Speeds with Other Technologies

Every new generation of the mobile network is built to deliver faster speeds when compared to their previous ones.

Mobile Network	Average Speed	Peak Speed
2G	0.1 Mbps	0.3 Mbps
3G	3 Mbps	7.2 Mbps
3G (HSPA+)	6 Mbps	42 Mbps
4G LTE	20 Mbps	150 Mbps
4G LTE Advanced	42 Mbps	1 Gbps
5G	500-700 Mbps	10 or 20 Gbps

Note: 5G speed estimates gathered based on current speed tests available on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. Carriers claim 5G speeds are 10 or 20 times faster than 4G LTE.

[Source: letstalk.com]

Better network reliability

The 5G network's high-speed connectivity, low latency, and more excellent coverage will be essential for IoT. To take advantage of these improvements, manufacturers must first invest in building 5G-compatible devices.

Advantages of 5G for IoT:

• Enhanced mobile broadband
• Ultra-reliable low latency communications
• Much faster data transmission in cities, urban areas, and local networks
• Improved energy-saving functions for indoor IoT devices
• Connectivity for rural areas, replacing outdated 2G and 3G networks
• Greater capacity to support a massive number of IoT devices simultaneously
• Enhanced security features for protecting IoT data and communications
• Seamless integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing for enhanced IoT capabilities

Applications of 5G and IoT

• Smart Parking Solutions:

  Leveraging a 5G IoT network, individuals can effortlessly navigate parking spaces without the hassle of manually searching for spots. Through seamless connectivity, cars can be parked remotely or summoned directly to the desired location, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

• Precision Agriculture:

  Farmers can harness the power of IoT networks to monitor crops and livestock with unprecedented precision. Remote monitoring and control of agricultural equipment enable efficient management of farming operations, optimizing yields and resource utilization.

• Telemedicine Advancements:

  With the low latency capabilities of 5G, healthcare professionals can conduct remote surgeries and medical procedures with enhanced precision and real-time responsiveness. This technology breakthrough facilitates access to healthcare services in remote areas and improves patient outcomes.

• Enhanced Entertainment Experience:

  The low latency offered by 5G networks enhances entertainment experiences, allowing users to stream high-definition content and play AAA games without the need for extensive downloads or installations. This seamless connectivity transforms the way we consume media and enjoy recreational activities.

• Home Automation and Security:

  IoT-enabled devices empower individuals to monitor and manage their homes remotely, even while they are away on vacation. From controlling smart thermostats and lighting systems to monitoring security cameras and robot vacuum cleaners, 5G IoT networks provide unparalleled convenience and peace of mind.

Industries that will benefit from 5G

The top three industries that will benefit the most with 5G technology in IoT are:

Transportation & Logistics

Industrial & manufacturing operations

Healthcare

The future belongs to 5G networks

The evolution of communication technologies from 2G/3G/4G to 5G is set to see tectonic shifts in both consumer & industrial sectors. In the years to come, we are set to witness large-scale automation of utility services, automobiles, and several smart city use cases.

Connected homes, healthcare wearables, smartwatches are the devices of the future whose adoption will undoubtedly grow with the performance and high-speed capabilities of 5G technology. 5G’s worldwide adoption is expected to change the dynamics and functioning of economies and markets, transforming the future of connected things. Now the next unprecedented scenario is if this network which is set to take over the world may have an adverse impact on the environment and ecology. It is early to place bets, but policymakers are not backing away and are most likely to wait out the rollout and see.

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