In recent years, there have been increasing advancements in the technologies used to drive various industries. For example, the introduction of 5G technology has started to make a significant impact on innovative sectors like IoT (Internet of Things), which is starting to add a new level of disruption to organizations reliant on the use of IoT devices and sensors.

The unparalleled speed and responsiveness of 5G networks have unlocked a new level of efficiency in IoT infrastructures, supporting the introduction of unique use cases. However, with 5G technology becoming the latest standard in wireless connectivity, there are various benefits and potential challenges that will need to be considered when to ensure wide-scale adoption.

How Does 5G Compare to Earlier Cellular Technologies?

While 5G technology may seem like the next progressive step in wireless technology, as seen between 3G and 4G, it is actually a significant leap forward. When 4G was introduced late in 2009, there were gradual improvements in wireless networks’ speed and capacity. 5G is in a completely different class of its own.

One of the most notable improvements of 5G over 4G is the download speed it can support. As opposed to 4G’s 1 gigabyte per second data stream cap, 5G multiples this tenfold, allowing up to 10 gigabytes per second.

However, while the data transmission speed was greatly improved in 5G technology, another considerable advantage it has over earlier cellular technologies is its low latency. This virtually eliminates the lag experienced on networks when devices communicate with each other, allowing for real-time data exchanges.

How 5G is Transforming IoT

Although 5G isn’t a revolutionary concept for most modern cell phones, the technology creates a new level of disruption in the IoT industry. Below are some ways 5G is starting to transform IoT:

Increased Speed and Reduced Latency

5G’s lightning-fast speeds and near-zero lag time have become game changers for industries that rely on IoT solutions and supporting infrastructure. With these advancements, IoT sensors and devices can now gather and transmit information without delay.

This instant transfer of data is enabling IoT devices to facilitate real-data analysis. This opens up a world of possibilities, including the optimization of manufacturing facilities reliant on machine automation and even the development of more intelligent, interconnected cities.

Enhanced Networking Functionality 

Traditional IoT networks, although highly-capable, often struggle with the ability to scale after a certain point due to network restrictions. 5G technology changes this narrative by enabling the support of a larger number of connected devices at once.

This ability to support a much larger number of IoT devices is critical in city development projects that can involve thousands of IoT sensors designed to monitor everything from real-time traffic conditions to air quality reports and energy consumption readings.

Advanced IoT Applications

The integration of 5G technology in the IoT sector is creating new opportunities for innovation in various industries. For example, the automotive industry regularly releases next-generation consumer vehicles, many of which leverage the speed and responsiveness of 5G technology to power more advanced vehicle features like autonomous driving and navigation systems.

Today, most new vehicles use GPS and AI-driving components that rely on the high bandwidth and low latency provided by 5G. This results in a much more intuitive user experience that adds more value to the vehicle while improving certain safety features and efficiency when operated.

Recent Advancements in 5G and IoT Integrations

Despite the fact that 5G technology isn’t a brand-new concept, especially for individuals using the latest smartphones, its widespread adoption is still facing certain challenges.

Infrastructure limitations in many regions around the world, even in more developed countries like the U.S. and Canada, are still slowing down the technology’s potential in the IoT sector. That being said, telecom companies still recognize that 5G technology is the future of wireless connectivity and are working towards larger investments to help expand its support.

In the meantime, 4G will still remain relevant in the foreseeable future due to the time and resources required to execute 5G deployments. However, the positive impact of IoT 5G is already evident. This is especially true in manufacturing and automotive industries, where more 5G-enabled IoT applications are being introduced and utilized regularly.

However, before adoption rates for enhanced IoT solutions can continue, some hurdles still need to be addressed:

• Infrastructure Investments – Implementing a comprehensive 5G network requires significant investments in supporting infrastructure. This includes new cellular towers, fiber optic cabling, and major development projects. This continues to be a major hurdle in more rural and underserved areas.
  
• Device Compatability – Although most newer devices are being designed to be at least cross-compatible with 4G and 5G technology, not all legacy IoT devices have this capability. Organizations wanting to upgrade their current IoT solutions may be stuck with having to replace many devices, significantly increasing their spending as a result.
  
• Cybersecurity Concerns – While 5G has introduced many benefits to IoT, its increased network performance and expanded features also introduce new cybersecurity concerns. As these technologies become more developed, it will be important to implement adequate security measures to protect against potential digital threats.
  
• Energy Consumption – Many IoT sensors are battery-powered, which can drain much quicker when using the advanced performance capabilities that 5G technology unlocks. Finding the right balance of performance and energy efficiency is critical since too frequent battery replacements or recharging will likely be unsustainable for many organizations.

The Future of 5G and IoT

The IoT industry is changing quickly, with projections now stating there will be 25 billion active IoT devices worldwide by 2025. The growth trajectory is expected to rise even further as 5G technology matures.

However, while rapid expansion in this sector is expected, ensuring that all ethical considerations are made before wide-scale industry adoption is still critical. As more organizations use 5G-enabled IoT solutions, it will be important to prioritize data security, privacy, and responsible usage. This will help all industries unlock the full potential of these technologies while ensuring their benefits far outweigh their risks.

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Author Bio:
Guido Voigt

Guido Voigt is the Director of Engineering, at Lantronix, a global provider of turnkey solutions and engineering services for the internet of things (IoT). Guido’s and Lantronix’s goal is to enable their customers to provide intelligent, reliable, and secure IoT and OOBM solutions while accelerating time to market.