The Impact of 5G on IoT

Introduction to 5G and IoT

• 5G refers to the fifth generation of cellular networking. It can provide several GB/s data speeds with low latency. A 5G network will have excellent dependability and support more users than the current generation. Additionally, the user experience will be more consistent.

• Internet of Things or IoT refers to the practice of connecting different devices that can process and exchange data with each other. It can be over the Internet or other communication networks; you don’t need the public internet. For example, a light bulb connected to your Wi-Fi that you can control using your smartphone.
  
  

The Impact of 5G on IoT

5G will provide a faster communication medium; you can expect speeds up to a few gigabits per second. As a result, your devices can coordinate and accomplish tasks faster. In addition, it will provide an ultra-low latency network; according to Verizon, early 5G deployment showed a latency of 30 ms. That will help use IoT devices to do delicate tasks such as surgery. Finally, because 5G has a high bandwidth, you can connect more devices to it without experiencing quality loss.

5G Internet of Things Applications

• People can use a 5G IoT network to park their cars without going to a parking spot. Similarly, you can directly summon it.
• Farmers can use the IoT network to monitor crops and livestock and control equipment remotely.
• Doctors can perform surgeries remotely with low latency equipment.
• The low latency can also improve your entertainment. For example, you would be able to play AAA games without installing them
• People can monitor and maintain their houses while they are on vacation. For example, you can track your robot vacuum cleaner while sunbathing at the beach.

IoT Challenges in 5G

5G will indeed have an enormous impact on how industries work. However, there are many challenges that researchers need to address before fully implementing them.

1. As 5G technology uses short waves, you need towers close to each other. That means you need more cellular towers for a 5G network.
2. Because many 5G components will be virtual, there are increased security risks. Additionally, the increase in users in a network will need more drastic security measures.
3. The cost of implementing new network devices will be immense. You require more equipment, and these must support high-frequency band operation. However, you may reduce these costs if vendors share hardware.

What are the potential benefits of 5G networks to the Internet of Things IoT?

1. Greater speed in transmissions: Speed in transmissions can approach 15 or 20 Gbps. By being able to enjoy a higher speed we can access files, programs and remote applications in a totally direct and without waiting. By intensifying the use of the cloud, all devices (mobile phones, computers, etc.) will depend less on the internal memory and on the accumulation of data and it won’t be necessary to install a large number of processors on some objects because computing can be done on the Cloud. For example, being able to activate software remotely as if it were executed in personal devices, will allow not having installed the mobile applications (APPs) in the terminal and executing them directly from the cloud. Just as it will no longer be necessary to store the information in the memory of the device (photos, videos, etc).
2. Lower latency: Latency is the time that elapses since we give an order on our device until the action occurs. In 5G the latency will be ten times less than in 4G, being able to perform remote actions in real time. Thanks to this low latency and the increase of the sensors, it is possible to control the machinery of an industrial plant, control logistics or remote transport, surgical operations in which the doctor can intervene a patient who is at another side of the world with the help of precision instrumentation managed remotely or the complete control of remote transport systems, automated and without driver.
3. Greater number of connected devices: With 5G the number of devices that can be connected to the network increases greatly, it will go to millionaire scale per square kilometer.All connected devices will have access to instant connections to the internet, which in real time will exchange information with each other. This will favor the IOT.It is anticipated that a common home will have a hundred connected devices sending and receiving information in real time. If we think of industrial plants we would speak of thousands of connected devices.
   
   
   This greater number of connected devices will allow the smart cities and the autonomous car. For example, by placing sensors in different points and objects in the city, a large part of it can be monitored. If you share the information of the sensors of the cars and those of the city, and these exchange data you can improve the quality of life of the cities, facilitate the navigation of the autonomous car (choose better routes, reduce the number of accidents, find available parking spaces, etc.)
4. Network slicing: The 5G also allows to implement virtual networks (network slicing), create subnets, in order to provide connectivity more adjusted to specific needs.The creation of subnetworks will give specific characteristics to a part of the network, being a programmable network and will allow to prioritize connections, as could be the emergencies in front of other users, applying for example different latencies or prioritizing them in the connection to the network so that they can’t be affected by possible overloads of the mobile network.
   
   
   

IoT 5G Use Case & Business Opportunities

5G IoT Today

Following are some use cases where industries can improve their businesses:

• IoT 5G sensors can connect with machines and tools to monitor their health status. It will enhance productivity. You can gather data about oil levels, electric outputs, temperature, and speed without stopping the production.
  
• Industries can use automated guided vehicles and mobile robots to automate production and delivery. It will reduce cost and time.
  
• 5G IoT technology will open markets for health-related IoT devices. Health care providers can use the 5G IoT technology to monitor their patients’ conditions.
  
• Cities can themselves become smart. 5G IoT networks can monitor HVAC systems, water levels, and cleanliness. Therefore, there will be a vast 5G IoT monitoring devices market.
  
• Industries focused on AI will also benefit hugely from 5G IoT devices. They would now be able to integrate their AI with IoT devices seamlessly. For example, AI in different cars can communicate with each other and reduce accidents and traffic blocks.