Although 5G is a cutting-edge technology with the ability to revolutionize the way people interact with their devices, its capabilities and potential benefits for users are still not widely understood.
5G itself refers to the latest generation of broadband mobile phone networks that support stronger and faster internet connections. It builds on the advanced features of 4G, which already supported text messaging, data streaming, web browsing, and more by incorporating mmWave technology.
“The thing about 5G is that it not only has 4G, but it also has mmWave,” said Alexander Wiglinski, associate dean of graduate studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
“Millimeter waves are the technology behind Uber and high-speed data communications.”
For many people, knowledge of what 5G can do is limited to the symbol that sometimes pops up in the top right corner of their smartphones to improve connectivity.
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In addition to improving mobile connectivity, 5G will enhance many areas of our lives, from instant improvements in the Internet of Things (IoT) to more breakthrough solutions such as healthcare, autonomous driving, and drone technology. To do.
“5G will blur the lines across all digital experiences, giving consumers the ability to access live media and entertainment, track and manage their health, and monitor the safety of their home and family anytime, anywhere. ” said Principal Dan Littman. Deloitte Consulting LLP.
ZDNET spoke with experts and compiled four applications of 5G that will improve your workflow and daily processes, increase productivity, and make your life easier.
1. Improved video connectivity
The pandemic has made remote working a common practice, and hybrid and remote work models are here to stay. As a result, video conferencing has become a cornerstone of most people’s daily workflow.
A strong, reliable connection is essential for smooth, lag-free video calls, but Wi-Fi limitations often make this type of connection difficult to achieve. That’s where 5G can intervene.
“5G’s improved bandwidth and lower latency enable remote workers to participate in high-definition video conferences without interruptions or delays, facilitating better communication and collaboration,” said Gartner’s Technology and Service Provider Research Group. said Deputy Analyst Peter Liu.
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5G also eliminates the need for employees to tether their devices to a wired Ethernet connection. Many people choose a wired Ethernet connection because of the increased reliability and faster Internet connection that wired Ethernet cables provide.
Improving video connectivity applies not only to video conferencing, but also to video streaming. 5G has high-quality video streaming capabilities, so you can improve the speed and quality of streaming your favorite content like Netflix, YouTube, and more.
2. Faster
As mentioned earlier, 5G is famous for its ability to provide high-speed internet connectivity to mobile devices. These speed features don’t have to be limited to mobile devices. Instead, you can promote all devices, including those that can more directly assist your workflow.
“The idea is the seamless, real-time connectivity that you expect from all cellular technologies, but extends that to all technologies, and that’s 5G,” Wiglinski said.
A fast connection on your phone is great for web browsing, video streaming, and scrolling through social media, but your workspace needs an even faster connection, and 5G’s low latency will optimize nearly every digital aspect of your workflow. can.
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For example, many work tasks require the use of CPU-intensive programs or robust files that require connectivity, where 5G can improve performance.
“5G offers significantly higher data speeds and lower latency than previous generations,” Liu said. “This means his remote workers can experience seamless video conferencing, quick file transfers, and smooth access to cloud-based applications, increasing overall productivity.”
5G speeds are so great that NFL football stadiums have adopted the technology to ensure coaches, players, in-person spectators, and in-stadium vendors can always rely on it, even with tens of thousands of people in attendance. I have access to the connection. Devices competing to connect at the same time at the event.
3. Connect to more IoT devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) simply refers to devices connected to the Internet. IoT devices can range from something as small as a wearable ring, to something as large as a smart refrigerator, and everything in between.
In a smart home, all of these separate devices are connected to the internet, interconnected, share data, and launch smart routines simultaneously from an app that turn on lights, turn off blinds, and set off alarms all at the same time. This enables functions such as:
5G allows IoT devices to connect to the internet and each other at high speeds, enabling faster and more reliable data sharing, taking these devices to new levels of functionality and interoperability. Masu.
According to the Deloitte Connectivity and Mobile Trends report, half of 5G smartphone users agree that “the new connectivity standard will offer more features and experiences,” and a quarter of respondents said they’ll have more features and experiences than before switching to 5G. are now watching more streaming video, and one in five are increasingly using their 5G smartphones for mobile hotspots and payments.
“Consumers can use 5G to leverage multiple IoT devices (such as virtual assistants, smart home devices, and wearable technologies) to streamline processes, increase task efficiency, and improve overall performance through improved connectivity. It can also improve your quality of life,” Littman said.
5G’s advanced connectivity bandwidth will allow more devices to connect to IoT networks. At the smart home level, the connectivity of more devices expands the reach of his IoT ecosystem, providing more seamless integration throughout the home and automating more tasks.
“5G’s ability to support vast numbers of devices simultaneously allows remote workers to integrate smart devices into their workspaces, improving automation, remote monitoring, and efficiency,” said Liu.
5G’s advanced connectivity density can go beyond smart homes to support smart factories and even smart cities. According to a report by market and consumer data firm Statista, 5G can accommodate as many as 1 million 5G devices per kilometer, compared to 100,000 devices supported by 4G.
In smart cities, various sensors and IoT devices are connected to share and analyze data in real-time to improve various aspects of urban life and infrastructure, such as “traffic flow, energy consumption, waste management, air quality, etc.” Strengthen the sides. To Mr. Liu.
“Smart cities will leverage 5G’s high data speeds, low latency, and capacity to connect and manage vast networks of IoT devices and sensors,” he added.
4. Secure connection
Whether you’re dealing with sensitive company data or your own finances, keeping your information safe is essential. However, performing any of these tasks outside of your home exposes you to numerous security breaches.
Using public Wi-Fi can put your personal information at risk because other people on the same network may be able to access your personal information. However, with the increasing availability of 5G, employees will have access to a secure and reliable internet connection on the go.
When connecting to 5G, your identity remains encrypted, adding an extra layer of protection to your personal data when accessing high-speed connections.
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“Furthermore, as 5G becomes more widespread, remote workers will no longer have to rely on unsecure public Wi-Fi services such as hotels, airports, and stores, and can instead rely on faster, more secure connections via reliable 5G. It becomes a service provider,” says Littman.
Another alternative to using Wi-Fi in public places is to use a mobile hotspot.
However, depending on your phone plan, hotspot connections can be weaker and slower than Wi-Fi, can incur additional charges, and are generally inconvenient, especially when you’re at work, so you may want to avoid this solution. This is often the case.
A workaround to this problem is to use a 5G-enabled mobile hotspot that provides both security and the connectivity you need.
“5G-enabled mobile hotspots provide reliable, high-speed internet access so remote workers can create a dedicated workspace from anywhere without relying on potentially unreliable Wi-Fi connections. We can,” Liu said.
These hotspots are more expensive than their 4G hotspot counterparts. However, its high speed and security make it a worthwhile investment for people who are always on the go.
Many major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer 5G plans for compatible mobile devices. 5G hotspot devices are also a reliable option.
What’s next after 5G?
Now that you know all about the positive impact 5G has on your workflow, you may be wondering what the next step is to implement this technology into your workflow.
First, think about the specific benefits that 5G offers and weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s a technology you want to invest in.
“Think about how 5G can benefit your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether it’s speeding up work-related tasks, improving your entertainment experience, or enhancing your remote communications, adjust your exploration accordingly.” ” advises Liu.
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Once you’ve decided if you want to pursue this, you’ll need to check if it’s possible on your device and region.
Since 5G is still an emerging technology, not all regions, devices, and carriers support the technology, so you should first check to see if you’re eligible. In that case, you will need to contact your carrier to find out how to establish his 5G connection between your devices.
Regardless of what you choose now regarding 5G, rest assured that the technology will continue to evolve, become more ubiquitous, and transform virtually every industry, including the automotive, commercial, and even health industries.
“5G will connect everything by the end of this decade,” Wiglinski said.
