Internet of Things (IoT) has never missed an opportunity to transform the business as well as personal needs to the most advanced stage. IoT though, a new domain to dig deeper, we are extracting the maximum advantages of it, while learning and understanding the IoT simultaneously. We are aware that IoT is being implemented widely by several industries, In-fact, it rules most of the present-day digital world industries with its magnificent advantages and outstanding enhancements. But the IoT market is on the verge of massive upsurge with the introduction of 5G. However, 5G has been announced long ago, and if it comes out as advertised, it will have a significant impact on the IoT market. The capacity to carry more data faster will certainly facilitate substantial growth in the Internet of Things market.
Let’s discuss this conglomeration, and what can you expect from the combination of 5G with IoT.
IoT Advancements with 5G
IoT’s benefits were limited because of the limited coverage and speed of the existing network. But, IoT adoption is already occurring at a rapid pace, and experts predict that the overall implementation of IoT for both enterprise and personal use will double in the next five years.
#1. Increased speed
Post full implementation, 5G is expected to be a network of densely-deployed antennae with the speed that will be far beyond what we can expect now. Early tests have indicated that 5G networks will be 100 times faster than the existing mobile networks. Moreover, it is estimated that the bandwidth will be measured in gigabits per second instead of megabytes, and this increased speed is expected to reduce the strain from batteries and computers. 5G will be having improved capacity for managing a larger number of devices and sensors at scale. The major problem with today’s network coverage is its optimization for mobile use. 5G, on the other hand, is primed to connect with every object that supports the internet, making it ideal for IoT devices. 5G leverages beamforming techniques, along with mid-band spectrums (1-6 GHz) and smaller cells, to ensure 5G delivers coverage benefits that cover more users, devices, connected vehicles, and sensors. Most importantly, 5G will encourage the use of IoT in our daily lives by using location-aware technology to alter your experience.
#2. Effect of IoT on industries
Although IoT has found applications in various industries, no industries will remain untouched by the splendid performance of IoT and 5G. However, some specific industries and sectors will adapt faster and extract benefits from this technical collaboration.
Some industries that use IoT widely today are:
● Real estate
● Infrastructure
● Agriculture
● Governments
These industries will soon adapt to higher performance 5G, and IoT delivers, which will help them expand their use cases.
Some benefits IoT offers for manufacturers include:
● Increased machine uptime
● Better product quality
● Informed decision making
● Predictive maintenance
Both IoT and 5G can offer significant value to enterprises when applied together. 5G alone can provide manufacturers with speed, efficiency, latency, security, and capacity. 5G is expected to be as fast and dependable has optic cables, which offer the same performance and flexibility at a lower cost. 5G will also have a significant impact on AI and VR based digital capabilities like autonomous operations and drones. 5G and IoT will also facilitate developments in the strategic use of geofencing, proximity messaging, and energy efficiency optimization. Not only will 5G benefit industries, but it will enhance economic development as well. An analysis by IBM suggests that the 5G value chain until 2035 will contribute $3.5 Trillion to the economy, along with creating more than 20 million jobs.
#3. Increased connectivity
With the introduction in IoT, a significant boom in IoT vendors is witnessed. Most IoT vendors are focusing on enhancing enterprise connectivity to provide their clients with more secure solutions. IoT, with the help of 5G, will be able to connect several sensors and point solutions for monitoring processes ranging from R&D to end of the product lifecycle. Connectivity also helps manufacturers get over traditional silos and develop an ecosystem designed for optimizing manufacturing and distribution.
#4. Enhanced mobility
Although the benefits of IoT are not unknown, the present wireless technology is not capable of integrating with advanced technologies, futuristic robots, and AI-based drones. Moreover, 5G offers functionality similar to that of optic fibers, which means 5G vendors will no longer have to rely on mobile networks. For example, if workers in a workplace are equipped with VR/AR headsets, they can freely move around the factory, along with being constantly connected to the 5G network. They can interact with IoT devices to spot errors through simulations and rectify the mistakes instantly.
#5. Private 5G networks
To successfully implement an effective digital transformation strategy, enterprises will need private networks to enjoy the benefits of 5G and IoT at its full potential. Talking about which model of a private network to adopt, enterprises can either develop and operate the network themselves or work with telecommunications providers. Although carriers have never been too involved in fulfilling enterprise demands, they are shifting their interests.
#6. Security concerns
A significant factor to consider with 5G is its vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Although cyber risks persist, the introduction of network slicing and secure software algorithms has given enterprises a substantial hand over cyber attackers. 5G provides enterprises with robust and reliable network security protocols, which helps them develop a secure ecosystem. Therefore, 5G will offer higher grades of security compared to the present telecommunications infrastructure. However, relying on network security is not a wise decision, especially for large enterprises. Therefore, it is essential to implement a cybersecurity program to make sure sustainable communication and exchange of information throughout the ecosystem.
#7. New innovations
The development of 5G and IoT will depend on how the vendors and regulators address connectivity and hardware issues. But expecting too much too early will not be a good call, at least for a few upcoming years. However, if you are a business owner and contemplating to get ready for 5G, you can begin laying the foundations of IoT use cases without bothering about its application and geospatial context.
The bottom line
IoT has already created a lot of buzzes, but the current telecom infrastructure is not capable of handling such advanced technology. However, the introduction of 5G ensures justice to IoT, and we can expect significant developments in the IoT industry post 5G introduction.
According to the current analysis, enterprises will benefit the most out of 5G with IoT. The advantages of personal users are not yet predicted.