5G and IoT: New opportunities for companies

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks and the successor to 4G. The technology is characterized by higher speed, faster data transmission, low latency and greater capacity. Latency indicates the time it takes for data to be transmitted over the network. For example, networks with a longer delay have a high latency, whereas networks with faster response times have low latency. 5G also uses new frequency ranges between 3.4 and 3.7 GHz.

Differences between 5G and other mobile networks

Compared to 4G, 5G has a significantly higher bandwidth, up to ten times faster data transmission and lower latency. So far 4G has been sufficient for a number of IoT applications, but 5G opens up new possibilities for high-performance applications, e.g. real-time applications such as autonomous driving, which 4G is not capable of..

LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies such as NB-IoT (Narrowband-IoT) have a lower data rate and higher latencies than 5G, and are intended as a niche technology for low-power IoT applications in indoor areas. On the other hand, 5G connects a large number of IoT devices across a large area and supports a wide range of IoT solutions. Currently NB-IoT is being integrated into 5G and improves its performance.

5G and its impact on IoT

5G supports the prevalence of the Internet of Things and connects a wide range of devices as well as sensors. Companies are able to develop new IoT applications and optimize existing processes, e.g. in manufacturing. 5G with IoT is also helping to develop smart cities. For example, electricity demand can be better controlled and adapted to the conditions. It can also help to counteract the waste of critical resources such as water.

The benefits of 5G for IoT:

• Increased data transmission rate: The high data transmission rate of up to 10 gigabits per second is crucial for applications that need to process large amounts of data in real time, these include industrial automation and IoT solutions in the healthcare sector. Cities, urban areas and local networks also benefit from the increased data transmission rate.

• Low latency: Latency times of less than one millisecond allow almost instant communication between IoT devices. This feature is particularly relevant for time-critical applications such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgery.

• High capacity: 5G can simultaneously connect up to one million devices per square kilometer. Capacity is becoming increasingly important because more and more IoT devices need to communicate with each other, e.g. sensors in smart cities or household appliances.

• Improved energy efficiency: Despite the high data rate and connection density, 5G is geared towards energy efficiency. The battery life of IoT devices is extended and maintenance costs are reduced. This applies in particular to devices used indoors.

• Stable connection: 5G promotes machine-to-machine communication (M2M) through a stable and fast connection. This is relevant for applications such as industrial automation, where reliable communication between machines is essential. In addition, 5G will connect rural areas to the internet more reliably once it replaces the aging 2G and 3G networks.

• High security: 5G ensures high security standards in the Internet of Things. Critical applications such as industrial control systems and medical devices, in particular, benefit from that.

• New application areas: 5G supports new IoT technologies such as massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) and Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), meaning a large number of applications with low latency can be reliably connected.

5G use cases for the Internet of Things

5G technology is particularly suitable for IoT applications that require high bandwidths and low latencies.

Healthcare

In healthcare, 5G makes telemedicine and remote monitoring of patients possible. Doctors can perform operations remotely and medical devices are able to transmit data in real time. 5G technology thus facilitates the remote treatment of patients, e.g. in rural areas.

Industrial automation

In the Industry 4.0, 5G optimizes production processes through the automation and networking of production facilities. That includes the seamless integration of robotics, sensors and AI into production lines. Machines are controlled and monitored more efficiently, resulting in higher productivity and less downtime.

Smart cities

5G in smart cities is used for traffic control, monitoring environmental conditions and intelligent lighting systems. A smart traffic and energy management system can increase efficiency and the quality of life in cities.

Agriculture

5G is also changing agriculture. The sensors in IoT applications monitor soil and weather conditions and determine precise irrigation and fertilization. The results are higher yields and a sustainable use of resources.

Transportation and logistics

5G in transportation ensures the efficient control and monitoring of fleet vehicles. Real-time data enables better route planning and reduces downtime, whilst 5G technology also promotes the development of autonomous driving. This allows vehicles to communicate with each other and the infrastructure at the same time.

Energy industry

In the energy industry, 5G monitors and controls power grids. By enabling energy suppliers to analyze data in real time and react immediately, network efficiency and the security of supply are significantly improved.

Challenges and future of 5G for IoT

The high 5G frequencies have shorter ranges and difficulties penetrating buildings, which leads to uneven coverage, especially indoors. More transmission masts and a denser network coverage are required for the infrastructure.

The implementation of 5G technologies is costly and time-consuming. Companies have to invest in new hardware and software, which increases the initial costs considerably, and represents a financial burden for smaller companies in particular.

The increasing connectivity through 5G also increases the risk of cyberattacks. Every connected IoT device is a potential target for hacker attacks, therefore the introduction of 5G requires a robust network security to protect data and devices.

Future outlook of 5G and IoT

Despite these challenges, 5G offers immense opportunities for the Internet of Things. In the coming years, 5G will play a key role in the digitalization of sectors such as healthcare, industry and transportation. The benefit of 5G makes new and innovative IoT applications possible that cannot be realized with previous technologies, and the integration of LPWAN technologies such as NB-IoT and LTE-M into 5G networks will further improve coverage and optimize energy consumption.

FAQ on 5G and IoT

1. How does 5G impact IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects numerous devices with each other and collects their data. 5G provides the necessary speed and capacity to transfer large amounts of data efficiently and enables seamless communication between IoT devices.

2. What are the benefits of 5G for IoT?

The extremely high data rates and low latency of 5G are ideal for IoT applications that rely on fast and reliable data transmission.

3. In which cases is 5G more suitable than 4G?

5G is faster and has lower latency than 4G. This is relevant for real-time applications and, in addition, 5G connects more devices simultaneously.

4. How many IoT devices can 5G support?

5G supports up to one million IoT devices per square kilometer at the same time, whilst other IoT technologies have a lower capacity.