Introduction: 5G networks are under construction worldwide, and while early discussions focused primarily on how the technology can help consumers, businesses are beginning to see how to leverage 5G to enhance and improve their applications.
From protecting software-based networks to the impact on the edge and IoT, solution providers should keep a close eye on five 5G trends in 2021.
The Rise of 5G
In recent years, fifth-generation mobile network technology (5G) has been a top priority in the telecommunications industry, and the hype has swept across almost every other market as companies seek ways to manage change through new connectivity options.
Compared to today's 4G and LTE speeds, 5G guarantees data rates 10 to 100 times faster. This means that cellular technology will not only help improve the performance of today's use cases, but will also support entirely new and emerging applications.
5G networks are being built worldwide, and while early discussions focused primarily on how the technology would benefit consumers, businesses are beginning to see how 5G can be used to boost and enhance their applications. But first and foremost, 5G must be more widely adopted, a promise many large telecom companies in various countries have pledged to fulfill by 2021. In fact, according to US media reports, data from telecom giant Ericsson predicts that by 2025, the number of 5G users will reach 320 million.
With new cellular technologies becoming viable connectivity options, solution providers should pay attention to some of the most important 5G trends this year.
The construction of next-generation networks is still ongoing.
Next-generation cellular technology can provide data rates 10 to 100 times faster than current 4G networks. Despite the impact of the global pandemic on many businesses, major global wireless carriers still expanded 5G coverage and built their own networks in 2020.
In the United States, AT&T's Dallas-based network currently covers approximately 16% of Basking Ridge, while Verizon's New Jersey-based 5G UltraBroadband network is now operational in 31 states. T-Mobile, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, took over Sprint's 5G footprint after completing its acquisition last year. The company stated that by the end of 2020, it had 5G operational in parts of all 50 states. Consumers and business users will likely have to replace their equipment; however, because many existing devices are not designed for the new protocols, new mobile devices will need to be purchased.
The impact of 5G on the Internet of Things
5G can offer higher latency and bandwidth, thus further boosting the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT opportunities will particularly benefit from mobile and cellular connectivity, including use cases in transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and smart cities. 5G may even enable emerging use cases and applications, such as connected cars, which require lightning-fast, low-latency technology, to become a reality for the first time.
Beyond cutting-edge use cases, many industries now require highly reliable, low-latency wireless links that can power existing IoT use cases as quickly as possible.
Internet Community
In recent years, smart cities have become a major Internet of Things (IoT) trend as metropolitan areas around the world equip themselves with sensors in indoor and outdoor areas to collect data and gain insights to better manage their assets, resources and services.
5G is the technology that smart city and connected community use cases have been looking for. Existing 4G networks are limited by their ability to support simultaneous connections, high power consumption, and high cost per unit. On the other hand, 5G promises to drive smart city applications by addressing these issues and, in turn, leverage the newly captured data to improve city operations.
5G and Security
As the number of 5G deployments increases, the need for robust security will become even more critical. Carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have been enhancing their next-generation networks by adding encryption and additional defenses at the network edge.
However, unlike previous iterations of cellular technology, 5G will consist of a primarily software-based network, making its security a separate effort. Applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications that will run on top of 5G networks will also require additional security layers to lock down new devices and connections joining the network.
5G at the edge
The connection between 5G and edge computing is all about latency. 5G promises to drive edge innovation by supporting entirely new use cases, enabling more data collection and faster processing than ever before, while providing businesses and organizations with another connectivity option.
By combining 5G with edge computing, organizations will be able to equip devices such as smart cameras and sensors to collect more data, which will drive more computing use cases at the edge. Channel partners told CRN that this will expand the opportunities for solution providers to collect data at the edge.
According to research firm IDC, the global edge computing market is projected to reach approximately $250 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% over the next four years. 5G technology is expected to be a catalyst for this market growth.
