Despite its rapid growth, the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand at a rapid rate. Several things that seemed impossible only a few years or even months ago have begun to take shape. Traditionally, bandwidth has been a limiting factor, as was the cost of IOT software. The range of cellular networks is good, but the bandwidth is rather limited. Despite its wide range and good bandwidth, WiFi can be challenging to secure.
The growth of 5G is one thing that might change. By increasing cellular bandwidth by an enormous amount, 5G will make it easier to connect a large number of devices in the Internet of Things.
5G
Cellular networks of the future are known as 5G. For upload and download speeds, 4G’s speed ranges from 7 Mbps to 17 Mbps with a typical range of 12 to 36 Mbps. While 5G transmission speeds may be as high as 15 or 20 Gbps, 4G speeds are typically lower. The proper unit of measurement is gigabyte, not megabyte. Moreover, the number of devices that can be connected significantly increases, and the latency will be ten times less. It will take only a few seconds for a 5G phone to load a full-length feature film in HD.
In this way, 5G removes all bandwidth limitations at least until usage catches up to the increased capacity.
As the Internet of Things continues to evolve, 5G will be a game-changer in several ways.
Smart Cities and Building Solutions Made Possible by an Increase in Connected Devices
Smart cities and buildings will be able to deploy many more sensors with the increase of connected devices. At present, smart city sensors cover a very coarse area, and they are generally mounted on lampposts. In a 5G environment, small sensors can be used to saturate an area, whether that is a good or a bad thing. With current systems, there is a potential problem of the lights not detecting a stationary person and reverting back to their off state when they are not moving. With this system, people can detect pedestrian movement and lights can turn on and off.
With Bluetooth technology, people, vehicles, and equipment can already be tracked within buildings. As a result of the Internet of Things, 5G will enable the transmission of much more data. Doctors would be continuously updated on a patient’s vital signs in a bed that continuously updates them.
Automated traffic control improves through AI integration
Imagine the possibilities of directing traffic around accidents, or finding parking within a smart city equipped with thousands of cameras. The development of autonomous vehicles will also accelerate. IoT combined with 5G networking allows cars to interact with each other and their surroundings more efficiently, leading to fewer accidents and an increase in traffic efficiency. As a result of these factors, traffic jams will be fewer, commute times will be shorter, and energy will be saved by reducing the time that vehicles need to wait in traffic or at red lights.
The owner would be notified of any oil or brake problems, and the car would connect them directly to their chosen repair facility. Furthermore, self-driving cars would record and transmit data back to the manufacturers that they could then use to improve their software and design future vehicles.
Telehealth
For those relying on telehealth, a lack of connectivity and the possibility of blackouts pose problems. These are people in rural areas where doctors may be an hour away.
As an example, 5G could make it possible for specialist surgeons to work with robots in small rural clinics, extending internet speeds in remote areas. Along with the personal medical kits being developed, the system will allow the diagnostics of contagious diseases to be done remotely, without requiring the person to enter a hospital or office and spread the disease.
A wearable health monitor improves patient engagement and results, as well as reduces hospital costs. This frees up additional funds that can be placed elsewhere.
Merchandising
You could easily walk into a store and your phone… or even your AR glasses… would tell you where the product you are seeking is located. Virtual reality can show you how a dress will look on you when you look at it using your gear. A smoother and more enjoyable shopping experience is possible thanks to smart tags and digital signage. It may even come to a point where we have clothing printers that automatically make the clothes that match our measurements.
You would be able to connect your phone to the network and inform the hostess before you even step into a restaurant about the population at your party, any food allergies, etc.
Supply Chain Integration
The industrial Internet of Things is already used by factories and warehouses to track inventory, products, equipment, and parts in real-time throughout the entire production cycle. By integrating supply chains, we will be able to reduce costs, improve customer service, and reduce the loss of products during transit. We can track a product from manufacturing to an end-user, seamlessly, without needing to check it in or out. Law enforcement could also track missing parcels using 5G tags if they were cheap enough to reduce porch banditry.
A tracking system would make it possible to spot production bottlenecks and improve processes, which would be beneficial for the industry.
An overview of network slicing
The ability to implement virtual networks is one of the best aspects of 5G. Virtual networks will allow different traffic priorities to be set for different subnets. If the network in a hospital were designed so that ensuring a surgeon’s connection to a robot took priority over, say, communications used by patients, the network could ensure that. So even when the network is nearing capacity, emergency communications can still be received.
The bottom line
Our lives will be transformed over the next few years by the internet of things, and the rollout of 5G will enable much wider and more comprehensive connectivity. As cities, vehicles, and packages become smarter, our doorsteps will tell us when packages arrive. In the years to come, we’re going to see the 5G revolution unfold quite a bit. Discover how 5G and the Internet of Things can help your company by contacting the experts at Davra.
