Widespread use of 5G is becoming more common in the US and globally and will provide the foundation for the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Each generation of wireless technology has allowed new devices to flourish. The first generation of mobile networks gave rise to the widespread use of mobile phones. Networks based on 2G technology allowed the use of text, picture and multimedia messaging, while 3G added video conferencing, video streaming and voice over IP (VoIP) capabilities. The 4th generation (4G) paved the way for high definition (HD) video and gaming services.
Widespread use of 5G is becoming more common in the US and globally and will provide the foundation for the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is the set of connected devices that is growing exponentially and will grow even more in the coming years.
Now that 5G is becoming increasingly available, it's time to start thinking about what it can do for your business. In the sections below, we look at what a boom in IoT means across industries. But first, let's take a closer look at how exactly 5G will support IoT.
5G is perfect for IoT
Networks powered by 5G will significantly improve the performance and reliability of IoT devices. See how:
Faster data transfer. The faster IoT devices can communicate with other devices, the more useful they can be. In networks running on 5G, data transfer speeds will increase significantly. This means that IoT devices will be able to operate much more efficiently.
Lower latency. Latency is the delay between sending and receiving information. The lower the latency rate, the more efficiently the software can send information to and from IoT devices. Networks operating in 5G have considerably lower latency rates than those operating in 4G.
Increased device capacity. Networks running on 5G have the bandwidth to support more IoT devices, a capacity that comes just in time given the enormous growth of IoT that is expected to continue in the coming years.
Greater network reliability. Networks running on 5G will operate more reliably, creating more stable connections. This stability is especially important for IoT devices that provide safety and security, such as connected locks, security cameras, and healthcare devices.
Stronger security. One downside to the proliferation of IoT devices is that each new device represents a new attack vector that hackers can take advantage of. That's why manufacturers are increasing the security of devices intended to be used with 5G.
Logistics
The shipping industry is using IoT technology to monitor cargo and develop autonomous vehicles. Operators can know where a shipment is at any time, making the delivery process more efficient and predictable. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles can drive directly on highways without needing to stop for long periods, as human-driven vehicles do.
Agriculture
Smart agriculture, powered by IoT, can help farmers in many ways. Sensors can be installed between crops to monitor things like plant health and water and nutrient needs. Agricultural drones can be configured with sensors and cameras to provide images that help farmers visualize crop conditions, as well as perform simple functions such as planting, spraying and controlling pests.
Likewise, sensors can be installed in livestock areas to provide information and perform various tasks. These methods are collectively known as precision agriculture, something that is becoming more important as the world's population grows.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of the industries that benefits most from IoT. Companies in this space can use IoT technology to optimize systems, reduce costs and improve the customer experience. On the one hand, IoT technology can be used to monitor processes and provide data that can be analyzed to improve them and achieve greater efficiency.
Manufacturers also use IoT devices to monitor equipment, obtain important information, and analyze this data to know the best times to perform maintenance tasks or replace equipment. Using this proactive approach saves time and money. They can do the same with the products they sell to customers, using the data received from those products to learn usage patterns and make adjustments as necessary.
Health care
The healthcare field uses IoT devices for a variety of applications. Just like in manufacturing, equipment can be monitored to ensure it is properly maintained. Patient devices, such as wearables, can send information to their healthcare professionals or caregivers in real time. And monitoring devices can be used to generate more accurate diagnoses. Rural areas benefit greatly from IoT technology in healthcare because healthcare procedures, even surgeries, can be performed remotely.
Power delivery
Electric utilities are building a new smart grid to account for the changing nature of power generation. Now that customers can contribute to the network, it's a two-way interaction that can benefit from IoT technology. For example, IoT devices can determine when the energy load (demand) becomes so high that more energy is needed from distributed energy resources (such as residential solar panels). The devices can also be used to monitor customers' energy usage, provide information about equipment health, and offer safety oversight.
Retail
By connecting to customers' phones, IoT sensors can be used in a retail environment to determine where they spend most of their time and provide a more personalized shopping experience. For example, a salesperson might approach them with already chosen items that they might be interested in. Aggregated data from all shoppers can provide an overview of which items or categories they are most interested in. inventory management and checkout processes.
The Next IoT Explosion
The IoT uses mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we can expect in the coming years. This evolution will only be possible through 5G technology, which provides the backbone for all things IoT and ensures that the interconnected revolution has solid foundations to thrive.
If you liked this, be sure to check out our other IoT articles.
- How can we secure the Internet of Things?
- How IoT can boost renewable energy
- How to Avoid Common IoT Mistakes
- The Impact of the Internet of Things on Web Design and Development
- Internet of Behavior: Understanding the Next Digital Frontier
Source: BairesDev
