The Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping the world of technology as we know it, and as you can imagine, IoT demand is only going to increase. We are more connected than ever by our devices, and wireless data exchange is becoming an essential element of communication across the world. What’s even more exciting is 5G and its impact on both IoT now and the future. 5G is at the core of increasing our connectivity capabilities, and its expansion in just the next decade will bring about huge advancements in technology and business.
What is 5G?
5G is the 5th generation cellular network, and its implementation has the potential to affect our mobile phones, cars, homes, and smart cities.
5G uses a wide range of radio frequencies, which creates more possibilities when it comes to connectivity. The lower range falls under the sub-6GHz category, which includes frequencies between 600 MHz and 6GHz. This lower band of frequencies is used in some 4G/LTE services, which we see in phones, TV, Wi-Fi, and other commercially supported technology. However, unlike 4G/LTE, 5G can also go above 6GHz, sometimes up to 86GHz. This higher band allows you to carry more data at faster transmission speeds.
2G/3G networks are becoming more obsolete, and though 4G made things like HD video streaming and fast web browsing speeds possible, 5G is pushing the boundaries of both smartphones and other smart technology. Generally speaking, 5G has a higher performance when it comes to connectivity.
Advantages of 5G and IoT
IoT, devices that use sensors, software, and other technology to communicate and streamline processes, heavily contributes to the function of commerce, communication, and more. IoT requires security, consistency, and accuracy to benefit people, especially when it comes to business. 5G has many advantages that add to IoT reliability and performance.
Improved data transfer speed
As mentioned, 5G is notably faster than preceding cellular networks—up to 10 times faster. Though it’s not the only factor, how quickly devices can communicate and share data largely affects the efficiency of IoT technology. A reliable connection between tablets, phones, software, and apps is essential for most industries in the modern world.
Programs run better, information is streamlined, and data is far more accessible. All consumers will have a better user experience, and businesses can depend on large amounts of data being seamlessly transferred from sensors and devices.
Increased device capacity
It’s predicted that more than 50 billion devices will be used by 2030 for IoT technology. As the number of devices in the world increases, current networks don’t have the bandwidth to support the exponential growth that is expected. 5G has much higher bandwidth and consequently, increased device capacity. IoT is all about device connection and collaboration, for both M2M networks and LPWAN networks.
One home can have dozens of smart devices, and one company can have hundreds. 5G is a critical part of building more advanced IoT technology because it has the power to sustainably run billions of devices.
Lower latency
Latency is how long it takes for devices to respond to an action or request. Lagging can cause issues with remote work or work that requires a great deal of precision. Lower latency means that data transfers happen in near real-time and with greater accuracy.
Near real-time reactions can be a matter of life and death in some industries, such as surgical healthcare, automated transportation, telematics, and more. Even among average consumers, smart cars require precision. Lower latency is both more convenient and safer, which makes 5G IoT considerably important for both today’s advancements and the future.
Current 5G IoT Applications
Today, 5G in IoT is improving communication and supporting massive IoT. Outside of our personal phones, 5G is enhancing all sorts of industries. Better experiences with augmented reality and virtual reality are possible with lower latency; remote control of vehicles and procedures are safer and more accurate; scaling with a large amount of IoT devices becomes much easier. Below are some industry-specific 5G IoT application examples.
Manufacturing & Factories: Product lines can reliably use more robotic technology with 5G, bringing down labor and improving efficiency. With more accurate sensors used across the entire factory, manufacturers can reduce downtime and manage problems in near real-time.
Transportation: Automated vehicles, near real-time traffic information, driver assistance, and roadside sensors all rely on 5G for accurate data transmissions. This results in safer roads, smarter drivers, and more lives protected.
Security: Video surveillance has improved through 5G IoT applications, such as superior monitoring due to wireless connectivity, more accurate, timely security alerts, and lower costs. Protecting assets and facilities is easier with IoT technology that uses 5G.
Broadcasting: Live video has greatly benefited from 5G-supported devices. Broadcasters can operate their own networks without relying on a wireless operator, allowing users to seamlessly view live content on their mobile devices. Feeds can be sent directly to production hubs, which lowers costs and increases a crew’s efficiency. Lower latency and faster data transmission make live video far more dependable.
Logistics: Asset tracking is an important part of delivering and managing goods, and 5G improves how IoT sensors monitor. 5G means better communication with the cloud, tracking things like the temperature and location of items, and accurate data transmissions between all the moving parts of logistic technology.
The Future of 5G and IoT
5G plays a vital role in both personal and professional settings, and it will even more so in the future. Industries will become more and more digitized, labor jobs will become less intensive, and greater safety measures can be implemented.
As 5G is implemented over the next couple of decades, we’ll benefit from smart cities that reduce waste, track traffic data, and improve public transportation and utilities. Healthcare professionals will use amazingly accurate AR technology to perform medical procedures remotely. Smart grids will make energy production, tracking, and monitoring all the more efficient and help protect the environment. All industries will be affected, from agriculture to retail.
Get Ahead With SIMON IoT
SIMON IoT offers a range of networks to choose from, including 5G. With our global SIM cards, you’ll be able to access 4G/LTE and 5G technology. You can also track your data usage, speed, and more to create a customizable plan, meaning you only need to pay for what you use. Learn more about our IoT SIM cards today and see what type of network option will work best for your needs.
