Every day, the devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) are on the rise. A better quality, faster network technology is essential to sustain the demand. And 5G technology is a high-quality cellular networking technology that can satisfy that need. Read on to find out how 5G technology can impact IoT.

5G and IoT Technology

5G

5G refers to the fifth generation of cellular networking. It can provide several GB/s data speeds with low latency. A 5G network will have excellent dependability and support more users than the current generation. Additionally, the user experience will be more consistent.

Internet of Things

“Internet of Things,” or “IoT,”refers to the practice of connecting different devices that can process and exchange data with each other. It can be over the Internet or other communication networks; you don’t need the public internet. For example, a light bulb connected to your Wi-Fi that you can control using your smartphone.

The Impact of 5G on the Internet of Things

5G will provide a faster communication medium; you can expect speeds up to a few gigabits per second. As a result, your devices can coordinate and accomplish tasks faster. In addition, it will provide an ultra-low latency network; according to Verizon, early 5G deployment showed a latency of 30 ms. That will help use IoT devices to do delicate tasks such as surgery. Finally, because 5G has a high bandwidth, you can connect more devices to it without experiencing quality loss.

IoT Challenges in 5G

5G will indeed have an enormous impact on how industries work. However, there are many challenges that researchers need to address before fully implementing them.

1. As 5G technology uses short waves, you need towers close to each other. That means you need more cellular towers for a 5G network.
2. Because many 5G components will be virtual, there are increased security risks. Additionally, the increase in users in a network will need more drastic security measures.
3. The cost of implementing new network devices will be immense. You require more equipment, and these must support high-frequency band operation. However, you may reduce these costs if vendors share hardware.

5G Internet of Things Applications

5G and IoT will have a lot of applications:

• People can use a 5G IoT network to park their cars without going to a parking spot. Similarly, you can directly summon it.
• Farmers can use the IoT network to monitor crops and livestock and control equipment remotely.
• Doctors can perform surgeries remotely with low latency equipment.
• The low latency can also improve your entertainment. For example, you would be able to play AAA games without installing them
• People can monitor and maintain their houses while they are on vacation. For example, you can track your robot vacuum cleaner while sunbathing at the beach.

IoT 5G Use Case & Business Opportunities

Following are some use cases where industries can improve their businesses:

• IoT 5G sensors can connect with machines and tools to monitor their health status. It will enhance productivity. You can gather data about oil levels, electric outputs, temperature, and speed without stopping the production.
  
• Industries can use automated guided vehicles and mobile robots to automate production and delivery. It will reduce cost and time.
  
• 5G IoT technology will open markets for health-related IoT devices. Health care providers can use the 5G IoT technology to monitor their patients’ conditions.
  
• Cities can themselves become smart. 5G IoT networks can monitor HVAC systems, water levels, and cleanliness. Therefore, there will be a vast 5G IoT monitoring devices market.
  
• Industries focused on AI will also benefit hugely from 5G IoT devices. They would now be able to integrate their AI with IoT devices seamlessly. For example, AI in different cars can communicate with each other and reduce accidents and traffic blocks.

5G IoT Today

Currently, the world has over fourteen billion IoT devices. These devices have a significant impact on our economy. The IoT applications and use cases you read above have improved the standard of living. Home automation gives people more time to focus on their jobs. They can do chores quickly. For example, consider an automatic vacuum cleaner programmed to clean houses at a specific interval. People no longer have to spend their valuable time doing that. That can make them more productive.

As mentioned above, the automation of production lines using private 5G IoT networks can improve productivity and reduce cost. That will make commodities cheaper, impacting the economy.

FAQs

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things is the collection of various devices that are wirelessly connected. They each can process data and communicate with other devices. For example, you can connect a sensor that senses the presence of a person to a fan. Then the fan will switch on whenever a person is in the room. Here, the fan and the sensors form parts of the Internet of Things, or IoT.

What is the main aim of the Internet of Things?

The main aim of the Internet of Things is to integrate multiple devices and communicate with each other. That will eliminate the need to feed data from one device to another manually. You can then make an automated system that functions according to set rules. Additionally, IoT devices are helpful when you need to operate a remote machine. It will help those working in hazardous conditions.

Why is it called the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things, or IoT, gets its name because each device can send and receive data from one another. So it is similar to the actual Internet. However, you need to send and receive data on the Internet. And it only connects two computers. But in IoT, the network is between various devices or things. And they send and receive data without human interference.

How many IoT devices are there?

The number of IoT devices is increasing every day. In 2021, there were 10 billion IoT devices. Currently, the world has over 14.4 billion IoT devices. And after deploying 5G worldwide, this number may rise to over 75 billion.