5G technology is improving IoT connectivity
Many industries have been actively deploying new IoT (Internet of Things) solutions to help automate and streamline their business operations. However, the introduction of 5G technology is adding a new dimension of efficiency and reliability to these interconnected systems.
5G technology, now being actively used in many modern smartphones, brings faster speeds to IoT-enabled networks and systems while being able to accommodate a much larger number of devices.
From supporting smarter cities with optimized traffic flows and energy consumption to more advanced industrial automation capabilities,5G is becoming a game-changer for IoT.
The introduction of 5G technology isn’t just a small progressive improvement from previous versions - it’s a giant leap. Significant improvements in 3G and 4G technology capabilities have allowed for significantly better connections and improved the ability of devices to interact with and transmit data.
Although 4G was a major step forward in cellular technology, its data transfer cap would max out at around 1 gigabit per second. 5G technology has shattered previous data transfer limits and can now support 10 gigabits per second. This major increase supports much faster download rates and smooth, uninterrupted data streams.
However, 5G technology introduces more capabilities than just increased networking speeds. It also introduces significantly lower latency than previous versions. Latency can create performance issues when operating real-time applications. 5G technology drastically reduces this possibility, with latencies measured in milliseconds. This allows IoT devices to respond instantaneously and makes it possible to support highly technical and time-sensitive processes.
5G’s introduction to IoT has provided a number of benefits, including:
Better speed
Because of the lightning speed that 5G technology supports, it provides near-zero lag time between IoT devices and allows them to collect and transmit data instantaneously. This real-time responsiveness can be a game-changer, particularly in scenarios where split-second decisions are critical.
For example, in factory floors where automated systems are established to help minimize damage to equipment or other production components, IoT devices can monitor conditions and respond immediately when something malfunctions. 5G technology is also beginning to support healthcare industries and the ability to support remote surgery technologies that need immediate data responsiveness with no lag in data streams.
Capacity increase
The limitations of previous cellular technologies often limited organizations' ability to scale their IoT solutions past a certain point. However, 5G technology has shifted the narrative and now supports a much larger ecosystem of IoT devices.
This increase in capacity is allowing smart cities to continue to develop, enabling more intelligent traffic lights, parking sensors, and public transportation systems to synchronize. This helps to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion, especially during peak travel hours.
Multiple supported use cases
There are a number of new exciting use cases that 5G and IoT have supported. One of these is in the automotive industry, where 5G technology is becoming a primary component of smart vehicle manufacturing, especially in supporting more autonomous vehicles.
Modern vehicles increasingly rely on sophisticated GPS tracking systems to enable navigation capabilities and the ability to track vehicle locations. 5G technology is also being used to support various new AI-powered features that can only work as intended if they have reliable, high-speed data transmissions.
This new integration of 5G and IoT is helping to pave the way for safer and more efficient vehicle production processes while giving customers the features they are now looking for in their vehicle investments.
The fusion of 5G technology, along with advancements in the IoT is opening up a variety of opportunities to advance various industries around the world.
However, the rapid evolution of these technologies does mean that organizations have certain ethical responsibilities before wide-scale adoption, considering the security implications of data security and privacy when expanding interconnected networks.
Still, by taking a cautious approach when moving forward with building larger IoT networks, organizations will be able to benefit from the added efficiency and reliability of a 5G-enabled IoT infrastructure.
Guido Voigt is the Director of Engineering, at Lantronix, a global provider of turnkey solutions and engineering services for the internet of things.
