Network providers around the world are rolling out 5G networks that can connect the handful of available 5G-capable devices. Currently, very few devices are connected to these new networks, allowing providers to promote 1 Gbps plus download speeds. That is up to ten times faster than the "super fast" broadband services that UK households enjoy when they are with a major provider, which is about 50-100Mbps from home, to be shared with all occupants, Like a data-hungry young family or even a group of students.
About the Author
Jason Curtis, Head of Business Solutions, UK and I, Orange Business Services.
Although higher data rates will allow for new use cases, including the replacement of existing cable broadband services, my premise is that data throughput is not where the true value of 5G lies. Two critical benefits introduced by 5G:
Reducing network based delays.
Through enhancements to data transmission technologies, 5G will reduce device-to-cell tower delay to less than 1 millisecond. Along with the integration of state-of-the-art computing, this will enable truly real-time applications, regardless of where you are. This is essential for automation that supports faster reaction times than humans.
Guaranteed critical data throughput
5G has the concept of network segmentation built into its core. This technology will ensure "outages" of network capacity for nominated applications, ensuring that data deemed critical to security is, at a minimum, delivered and returned in accordance with the contractual agreement with the service provider. With these benefits, 5G will act as the foundation and enabling platform for a series of technological revolutions for the next decade and beyond.
Level 4 and 5 autonomous vehicles
To reach these levels of autonomy, vehicles will have to go beyond simply scanning the environment with their infrared scanners and cameras, as modern cars already do. They would have to interact with it, with sensors and vehicles within it in real time to ensure the highest level of safety for vehicle occupants. This will be crucial in a hybrid world of autonomous and driven vehicles.
Robotics and automation beyond CGI and science fiction.
Many of you will have seen widely shared YouTube videos of the advancements made in mobility and robotic prowess by people like Boston Dynamics in the US. USA Or the advances made in artificial intelligence (AI) of global players. Beyond the obvious risk of creating a robot that suddenly decides that we are not your friend, one of the main reasons why a highly advanced robot that combines mobility, dexterity and intelligence has not yet been commercialized is the lack of ability to interact. with their environment. and the data that is in the cloud, in real time. Plant machines and robots connected to 5G will benefit from much faster end-to-end connectivity, and therefore real-time changes to your workload or methods will be possible.
Personally, I don't think these developments lead to robots walking the streets "I, Robot" style in the short or medium term. However, I look forward to seeing automation capabilities in industrial and operational technology (OT) environments take a revolutionary leap: Production lines and logistics in enterprise resource planning get the most benefit from 5G deployment.
Online / streaming game services that are as immersive as the leading game consoles
Traditionally, online / streaming games have had a bad relationship with main consoles due to bandwidth issues and lag between the player and the cloud (where the processing takes place). Gaming is an area where any delay in the game (even a few milliseconds) affects the gameplay. It is no coincidence that major players like Google (with Stadia) and Microsoft (with X-Cloud) have waited until now, with 5G networks in their initial implementation, to launch their platforms. More offers will continue to come in from the big gaming houses as they prepare to exploit the 5G edge.
Rich and smooth virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), from any location
It's no coincidence that companies like HTC in Korea have essentially bet their entire future on virtual reality, or that Google has just released a new version of its augmented reality toolchain, alongside global 5G deployments.
Like online gaming, real-time access to cloud computing resources over 5G will exponentially elevate how immersive and rich these apps can be, while enhancing the user experience by eradicating the delays currently caused due to latency and slow data transmission speeds.
Again, VR and AR providers are likely to work closely with 5G providers to drive early adoption.
In conclusion, the potential that 5G offers as an enabler for the next phase of the technology revolution is exciting. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will see AI and advanced automation embedded in many industries that have so far been highly human effort oriented. As a leading technologist working for a company at the forefront of next-generation connectivity, cloud services, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence / data analytics, I can see that the pace of change and evolution of technology will accelerate as 5G is rolled out globally, which means my life work will remain interesting if nothing else.