How Will 5G Impact IoT?

The IoT or Internet of Things is booming, given the increase in connected devices and, especially, the evolution of enterprise IoT.

Thanks to advances in connectivity, IoT is set to take off even further, driven in large part by 5G. But to what extent do they need each other, how do 5G and IoT relate to business development, and what opportunities will they bring to businesses?

5G and IoT

We are at a time when 5G mobile service has started to become widespread, which is great news, as these networks are helping to improve the performance and reliability of connected devices.

This network is set to drive digital transformation globally, thereby spurring innovation and transforming industries. As companies turn to next-generation networks and sensors, their businesses will improve significantly.

If we talk about the commercial success of IoT, we would be talking about its performance and its dependence on how fast it can communicate with other smart devices. That is why 5G is a key factor in increasing data transfer speeds.

The IoT Market and 5G

Despite the problems arising from chip shortages, the global IoT market grew by 22% in 2021 to reach almost $158 billion. In fact, this figure is expected to rise to $3.2 billion by 2023 and to $525 billion by 2027.

On the other hand, IoT-related job offers grew by 41% between July 2021 and March 2022, which, in turn, poses a major problem when it comes to finding specialized personnel in this field, given the high demand for projects.

If we talk about the future prospects of 5G, it is expected to be 10 times faster than current LTE networks, a key point for devices to communicate and share data faster than ever before.

The Impact of 5G on IoT

We are seeing 5G have a significant impact on the operation of IoT devices, whether for industrial, healthcare, or home applications.

The convergence of the two technologies will affect virtually every component of the IoT, either directly or indirectly; for sensors, it offers greater bandwidth to transfer information faster and increase functionality.

The Benefits of Combining 5G and IoT

• Faster transmission speeds: Speeds of up to 20 Gbps will enable remote applications to access files, data, and programs faster.
• More connected devices: With 5G, all connected devices will be able to communicate with each other and exchange information.
• Increased security: Whether in smart homes or industrial facilities, these devices will be able to optimize processes, as well as security, by offering greater control.
• New product development: Connecting the two enables companies to create new products, services, and business processes, or improve existing ones.
• Lower latency: With 5G networks, response times are one-tenth of what they were with 4G, allowing for increased use of sensors for logistics management or remote transportation, for example.
• Social benefits: IoT together with 5G can foster the implementation of government policies by enabling greater control of electricity, demand, and supply, or reducing resource waste.
• Mass mobile IoT: Enables mass deployment for efficient and simpler devices thanks to its low cost, energy efficiency, and reliable coverage.
• Enhanced broadband: Achieves higher data communication and better performance.
• Critical communication: Improves data predictability and security by providing a fast response for rapid device decision-making.

Use Cases of 5G and IoT

5G is the first mobile network designed from the ground up to support IoT use cases and will enable new use cases to emerge and improve the efficiency or exist at a larger scale than existing 4G. Some examples include:

Remote Industrial Maintenance

Mass mobile video streaming will enable the repair and maintenance of complex machinery remotely. This translates into savings in travel and personnel costs by reducing expert travel. These are placed in a central location, to assist less skilled personnel, robots or a combination of both.

Medical Applications

With 5G, doctors will be able to treat patients in rural areas from afar, even performing surgery remotely.

5G and IoT Security

Critical 5G communication will enable use cases where IoT devices and machines interact with each other. To make this possible, a very fast and reliable connection is needed, which 5G brings.

It will give a fast response from the cloud with a decentralized approach and smaller local networks that improve security by choosing a private cloud.

Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles can also benefit from this fast, reliable, and safety-enhanced response thanks to 5G. Vehicles and robots in industrial locations will be the first to emerge, but other aspects such as liability and consumer privacy must be taken into account.

Long Battery Life Devices

5G technology enables devices with simpler and more efficient hardware that need long battery life. These devices can send information about their location for months or years, such as sensors in smart buildings, for asset tracking, theft protection, etc.

We are currently only in the first phase of the 5G transition, but companies that want to take advantage of all these new capabilities should be sure to work with partners who know how to find the solution that best fits each business. At Plain Concepts, we help you overcome these challenges and your connectivity options.