5G and The Internet of Things
5G and The Internet of Things
Emerging Technologies
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects— “things”—that are
embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging
data with other devices and systems over the internet.
Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) was the network that became the
basis for the Internet.
Kevin Ashton
In 1999 British technology pioneer Kevin Ashton, co-founder of the Auto-ID Laboratory at
MITOffsite Link, invented the term "The Internet of Things" to describe a system where the Internet is
connected to the physical world via ubiquitous sensors, including RFID (Radio-frequency identification).
The first IOT Device
In 1990, John Romkey created the first considered Iot device, a toaster that could be turned on
and off over the Internet for the October '89 INTEROP conference. Dan Lynch, President of Interop
promised Romkey that, if Romkey was able to "bring up his toaster on the Net," the appliance would be
given star placement in the floor-wide exhibitors at the conference. The toaster was connected to a
computer with TCP/IP networking. It then used an information base (SNMP MIB) to turn the power on.
B. BENEFITS
Benefits of 5G
Speed Upgrades
Each wireless network generation has reflected a significant increase in speed, and the
benefits of 5G—the fifth generation of cellular network technology—will push far beyond 4G
LTE. Predicted speeds of up to 10 Gbps represent up to a 100x increase compared to 4G.
Low Latency
Latency measures how long a signal takes to go from its source to its receiver, and then
back again. One of the goals for each wireless generation has been to reduce latency. New 5G
networks will have even lower latency than 4G LTE, with the round-trip transmission of data
taking less than five milliseconds.
Enhance Capacity
5G will deliver up to 1,000x more capacity than 4G, creating fertile ground for
IoT development. 5G and IoT are a perfect match, set to redefine how wireless
networks—and the internet as a whole—are used. With capacity for hundreds or
thousands of devices seamlessly communicating, new applications and use cases for
cities, factories, farms, schools, and homes will flourish.
Greater number of connected devices
With 5G the number of devices that can be connected to the network increases
greatly, it will go to millionaire scale per square kilometer. All connected devices will
have access to instant connections to the internet, which in real time will exchange information
with each other. This will favor the IOT.
It is anticipated that a common home will have a hundred connected devices sending
and receiving information in real time. If we think of industrial plants we would speak of
thousands of connected devices.
Network slicing
The 5G also allows to implement virtual networks (network slicing), create subnets,
in order to provide connectivity more adjusted to specific needs.
The creation of subnetworks will give specific characteristics to a part of the
network, being a programmable network and will allow to prioritize connections, as
could be the emergencies in front of other users, applying for example different latencies or
prioritizing them in the connection to the network so that they can’t be affected by possible
overloads of the mobile network.
Benefits of Internet of Things
Automation
By automating tasks, organisations may save time and money. IoT provides an
automated approach with machines communicating with each other in a Machine2Machine
(M2M) language. This reduces complexities and the devices automatically process data either at
the local nodes or on the cloud. The machines can automatically identify or even predict a fault
and inform the maintenance team of the faults. Allowing you to reduce downtime and
unexpected, or unnecessary maintenance costs.
Decision Support and Analytics
With the data collected, organisations quickly learn and adapt to wide decisions and
choices. IoT is beneficial in asset tracking, monitoring, inventory management, energy
optimization, etc. For example, monitoring the devices that transmit wirelessly in real-time,
including surveillance systems, cameras, infrared detection sensors, motion capture and
temperature of objects can help us build better industrial environment.
Improved customer experiences
The interconnection of more services will generate huge data coming from various
sources and services. With so much data and information, organisations will be in a better
position to improve their customer experience by making decisions on the data collected from
IoT Devices. A business will get opportunities to operate more on the real numbers and less on
assumptions thus accurately understanding the requirements and appropriately serving the
customers.
Safety and Security
Safety is increased with the digitalization of assets and technology with IoT technology.
The working environment is automated with optimum temperature and worker’s safety is
achieved with machine automation and reduction of manual processes. Certain incidents or floor
accidents can be easily avoided with IoT implementation such as proximity, movement or
hazardous gas sensors. The ability to control machines and appliances from anywhere while not
physically present is another added benefit from the IoT technology.
Revenue Generation
Adoption of IoT may impact business revenue in the initial stages but the benefits surpass
the cost. IoT offers improved efficiency and business realizes the new business functions thus
leading to newer revenue opportunities. IoT is also helping to get strategic advantages and stay
ahead of competition.
C. DISCUSSION ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY
Internet of Things in 5G Era
The Internet of Things (IoT) is rising as the number of connected devices is set to increase from
700 million to 3.2 billion by 2023. While there are a number of factors contributing to this rise, one of the
most important will be the development of 5G networks.
The fifth generation of cellular mobile communications or 5G is great news for the IoT market.
This is primarily due to the fact that 5G networks will go a long way towards improving the performance
and reliability of these connected devices. Here's why:
Data-Transfer Speeds
The commercial success of any IoT is ultimately tied to its performance, which is dependent on
how quickly it can communicate with other IoT devices, smartphones and tablets, software in the form of
its app or website, and more. With 5G, data-transfer speeds will increase significantly.
Greater Network Reliability
In addition to the increase in speed, 5G networks will operate more reliably creating more stable
connections. Having a reliable and stable network condition is extremely important for any IoT, but
especially for connected devices like locks, security cameras, and other monitoring systems that depend
on real-time updates.
How 5G works?
Most operators will initially integrate 5G networks with existing 4G networks to provide a
continuous connection.
5G network architecture illustrating 5G and 4G working together, with central and local servers
providing faster content to users and low latency applications. A mobile network has two main
components, the ‘Radio Access Network’ and the ‘Core Network’.
The Radio Access Network
Consists of various types of facilities including small cells, towers, masts and dedicated in-
building and home systems that connect mobile users and wireless devices to the main core network.
Small cells will be a major feature of 5G networks particularly at the new millimeter wave
(mmWave) frequencies where the connection range is very short. To provide a continuous connection,
small cells will be distributed in clusters depending on where users require connection which will
complement the macro network that provides wide-area coverage.
5G Macro Cells will use MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antennas that have multiple
elements or connections to send and receive more data simultaneously. The benefit to users is that more
people can simultaneously connect to the network and maintain high throughput. Where MIMO antennas
use very large numbers of antenna elements they are often referred to as ‘massive MIMO’, however, the
physical size is similar to existing 3G and 4G base station antennas.
The Core Network
The mobile exchange and data network that manages all of the mobile voice, data and internet
connections. For 5G, the ‘core network’ is being redesigned to better integrate with the internet and cloud
based services and also includes distributed servers across the network improving response times
(reducing latency).
Many of the advanced features of 5G including network function virtualization and network
slicing for different applications and services, will be managed in the core.
5G working with 4G
How IoT Works?
The cloud
The cloud is where all the data from the different devices is gathered and where software
can reach this data for processing. Because most of data processing happens in the cloud, it
lessens the burden on individual devices.
User interface
The user interface communicates to the users the data gathered by the devices and allows
the users to make the necessary commands to be executed by the devices.
D. TYPES
Three TYPES of 5G
Low Band 5G
Low band spectrum 5G is best understood as a blanket layer for nationwide coverage. One low
band 5G tower — transmitting on the same frequency that was once used for TV broadcasts — can serve
customers within hundreds of square miles, also covering more rural locations. This baseline tier is
already approximately 20% faster than 4G LTE networks.
Mid Band 5G
About six times faster than 4G LTE, mid band 5G is likely to be more available in major
metropolitan areas of the United States. Mid band 5G offers service within smaller areas compared to low
band 5G, and because carriers can allocate more resources in mid band, data speeds are higher than for
low band 5G.
mmWave High Band 5G
Characterized by extremely low latency and approximately 10 times faster than 4G LTE
networks, millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G enables messages to transmit almost immediately, but it
requires close proximity to a tower.
Infrastructure IoT
Infrastructure IoT is concerned with the development of smart infrastructures that
incorporate IoT technologies to boost efficiency, cost savings, maintenance, etc. This includes the
ability to monitor and control operations of urban and rural infrastructures, such as bridges,
railway tracks, and on- and offshore windfarms.
Common IoMT applications include connecting ships, planes, tanks, soldiers, drones, and
even Forward Operating Bases via an interconnected system.
E. APPLICATIONS
Smart Home
Smart Home is inarguably the most popular IoT application. It is an application that allows the
user to access the home appliances like lighting, heating, security, and entertainment remotely. It provides
security, comfort and convenience to the owners. Wearables
Smart watches are the most common wearable tools right now. One of the first IoT inventions,
Bluetooth, was initially used to exchange messages between devices. Today, IoT wearables can display
calls, test messages, social media updates, and track fitness and health. We are not just talking about
Fitbits, but also devices like pacemaker and insulin pumps can connect to the IoT for added monitoring.
Smart City
Smart City solutions using IoT include Smart Parking, Waste and Water Management, Smart
Street Lighting, and Smart Surveillance. Smart Parking is one of the first steps for a city towards
becoming a Smart City. It resolves a lot of parking related issues, notifies users for open spaces and when
the parking time is expired.
Smart Grid
Smart Grid applications gather the information from smart meters, sensors and other devices.
They can effectively avoid or reduce the damage of natural disasters, and improve the reliability of power
transmission and reduce economic loss.
Industrial IoT
IIoT (Industrial IoT) uses the IoT technologies for manufacturing and industrial processes. I IoT
uses Machine Learning, Big Data and M2M (machine-to-machine) communications.
Connected Car
A Connected Car is a tech driven car that has internet access and a wireless local area network.
This technology provides various benefits to the user like in-car infotainment, advanced navigation, fuel
efficiency, and fleet management.
Connected Healthcare
Connected healthcare allows real time monitoring with the help of smart devices. It can collect
and transfer health data: blood pressure, oxygen and blood sugar levels, weight, and ECGs. This data is
stored in the cloud and can be accessed by an authorized person when required. In case of an emergency,
the patient can contact a doctor mile away via smart mobile apps.
Smart Retail
IoT applications in retails give a whole new experience to the shopper. With the help of IoT apps,
customers do not need to stand in long queues as the checkout system can easily read the tags from the
products, and deduct the total amount from the customer’s mobile payment app.
Smart Supply Chain
With Smart Supply Chain, clients are able to automate shipping and delivery. It also provides
real-time status and details of the supply network.
Smart Farming
With the use of IoT, farmers will be able to reduce waste and enhance productivity. This system
will allow monitoring the crop field with the help of censors. Also, the farmers will be able to monitor the
field condition from anywhere.
F. EXAMPLES
Viomi 21Face 5Gᴵᵒᵀ Refrigerator (IoT in Homes)
The refrigerator packs an expansive smart interactive touch-sensitive screen. The screen can be
used to watch videos, listen to songs or if the owner wants to read recipes. Quite interesting is the
disclosure that the display can also be used as a hub to control all other connected house appliances. Its
AI voice interaction system allows you to link other smart home appliances without hands, making the
kitchen no longer monotonous.
Bitdefender BOX
Bitdefender BOX is the innovative security hub for the connected home. It protects
all internet-connected devices in your digital life, at home and on the go. With Bitdefender BOX
you get complete, multi-layered cybersecurity for your computers, smartphones, tablets, baby monitors,
game consoles, smart TVs, and everything that’s connected in your household.
Bitdefender BOX lets you control all your connected devices from a single app. It
employs machine-learning algorithms and intrusion prevention systems to pick up new
threats and unsafe behavior and keep your smart home safe.
Smart energy management has long been recognized as one of the key benefits of smart cities.
Governments are planning to use 5G IoT to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver core services
like monitoring critical infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, managing road traffic and enhancing
public safety.