In today’s increasingly digital-first world, emerging 5G technology and its faster speeds, lower latency, and expanded connectivity promises to become an essential component in how we live, work, and play.
“5G is set to be available in almost every part of the world in the next two years, and many people, especially IT professionals, have high expectations regarding its performance. Individuals are also eager to learn about its capabilities and how it differs from previous networks,” wrote Devin Partida in TechRepublic. “Many service providers are already rolling out 5G across countries like the U.S., U.K., and China.”
A study by Juniper Research published last year predicted that 5G service revenue would reach $315 billion globally this year, rising from $195 billion in 2022 to become 35 percent of operators' total revenue.
“This represents growth of over 60 percent in a single year,” said the study authors. “The research predicts this increase in revenue will be driven by the accelerating migration of cellular subscriptions to 5G networks; owing to operator strategies that minimize or remove any premium over existing 4G subscription offerings.”
The study suggests this is just the start of a 5G network wave with over 80 percent of global operator-billed revenue to be attributable to 5G connections by 2027.
At its core, 5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, succeeding 4G. It represents a leap forward in wireless technology, offering significantly improved performance compared to its predecessors.
Key characteristics of 5G include:
The folks at PwC say business will be supercharged with 5G.
“5G is a reality. Lightning-fast network connections are rolling into select cities now, and the new technology’s impact is likely to be pervasive within five years,” said PwC. “For business, 5G is about more than just mobile speeds. New levels of connection will amplify the insight leaders get from connected technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Powered by 5G, PwC believes businesses will be able to see, do, and achieve more.”
Here are some of the 5G trends to watch in 2023 and 2024:
o Network Optimization: AI algorithms continuously monitor network performance and adjust parameters in real time. This optimization leads to improved quality of service and network efficiency.
o Predictive Maintenance: AI-driven predictive maintenance helps identify potential network issues before they cause disruptions, reducing downtime and operational costs.
o Enhanced Security: AI can detect and respond to security threats rapidly, safeguarding the network and user data from cyberattacks.
o Personalized Services: AI enables the delivery of personalized services based on user behavior and preferences, leading to a more engaging and tailored user experience.
o Robust Connectivity: 5G's ability to connect a vast number of devices simultaneously makes it ideal for IoT applications. This includes smart homes, industrial automation, and agricultural monitoring.
o Low Latency: IoT applications that require real-time responses, such as autonomous vehicles and remote control of machinery, benefit from 5G's low latency.
o Energy Efficiency: 5G IoT devices are designed to be energy-efficient, extending battery life and reducing the environmental impact of connected devices.
o Network Segmentation: 5G networks can segment traffic and isolate sensitive data, reducing the attack surface for cybercriminals.
o End-to-End Encryption: Strong encryption protocols protect data transmission from end to end, ensuring data privacy and security.
o Authentication and Access Control: Multi-factor authentication and robust access control mechanisms limit unauthorized access to the network.
o Low Latency: Edge computing processes data closer to the source, reducing latency. This is crucial for real-time applications like augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation.
o Bandwidth Efficiency: By processing data locally, edge computing reduces the need for massive data transfers to centralized data centers, saving bandwidth and reducing network congestion.
o Data Privacy: Edge computing allows sensitive data to remain on-premises or within a localized network, enhancing data privacy and compliance with regulations.
o Scalability: Scalable edge computing infrastructure can be deployed to meet the specific needs of different industries and applications.
While initial deployments of 5G were non-standalone, integrating with existing 4G networks, the trend is shifting towards standalone 5G networks. Standalone (SA) 5G operates independently, offering better performance and enabling innovative applications.
Here's a closer look at 5G Standalone Infrastructure:
Other 5G infrastructure that helps make this new technology possible includes:
o Low-Band (Sub-6 GHz): Provides wide coverage and is ideal for rural areas.
o Mid-Band (6-30 GHz): Balances coverage and capacity and is suitable for urban and suburban areas.
o High-Band (mmWave, above 30 GHz): Offers high capacity but has limited coverage and is primarily used in dense urban environments.
5G is not merely an evolution of wireless technology but a revolution that will shape the future. Its benefits, including faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced IoT connectivity, have the potential to transform industries and drive economic growth.
“New use cases and business models will almost certainly emerge from this era of hyper-connection. Organizations that are prepared for 5G will likely see improved operations and differentiating customer experiences as they leverage 5G's speed and reliability,” says PwC.
Trends such as standalone networks, AI integration, IoT expansion, cybersecurity, and edge computing are crucial for unlocking the full potential of 5G and ensuring a connected, efficient, and secure future for the United States and beyond.