Although 5G devices are used in various fields, there is no single device type that can meet all the requirements needed for different use cases. This briefing paper reviews the evolution of 5G devices from smartphones (based on enhanced mobile broadband eMBB) to mid-tier IoT devices with Reduced Capability (RedCap), and explores the evolution of 5G devices from emerging low-cost, battery-less devices (based on ambient Introducing IoT. ) covers a wide range of 5G use cases. Classification and analysis of 5G device types is provided based on multidimensional device characteristics, requirements, market evolution, and enabling technologies. This whitepaper provides insight into how 5G is evolving from a device perspective to address different use cases through optimization and adaptation.
Device characteristics
Device characteristics play an important role in determining device classification. High-level classification helps you understand connectivity requirements and map technology options. It is difficult to lay out an accurate classification of devices, so a multidimensional perspective must be considered.
- mobility: Devices such as smart meters, sensors, and parking payment points are immobile compared to warehouse inventory sensors and readers, which tend to be relatively mobile within a specific area, such as a corporate campus. At the other end of the spectrum, fleet management devices, tracked containers, trucks, and electric scooters are mobile and expected to travel over large geographical areas.
- Bandwidth requirements: Devices drive different amounts of data, both sending and receiving information, depending on usage. A security camera that sends a 24-hour video stream requires much higher bandwidth than a smart water meter that sends small amounts of data on a scheduled basis. Devices with higher upload requirements as well as asymmetric aspects of the connection must be considered.
- Size (form factor): Industrial applications impose specific size requirements and physical constraints on devices. This can impose limitations on batteries, antennas, and general size. Tracking devices attached to livestock collars have different requirements than shipping container tracking modules or weather monitoring stations.
- Accessibility/Maintenance: Devices, especially those deployed in uninhabited environments (such as wildfire monitoring or farms), are expected to perform tasks autonomously, although access is very limited for maintenance and management purposes. Masu. These devices have different durability requirements.
- Fee: Ranging from simple sensors with limited connectivity options to complex devices consisting of computing, storage, and several radio modules.
- security requirements: Security is especially important when devices are deployed in uncontrolled or unprotected environments. In this environment, protecting data at rest (in the device) is just as important as protecting data in transit (sent or received).
- coverage: Modern connected devices require a wide range of coverage options depending on the application. Technologies and network topologies that support connectivity include relay, proxy, or mesh networks.
- battery life: Depending on their mobility, location, size, and complexity, devices require at least one method to remain operational.
- wireless access technology: Most connected devices use Bluetooth, WiFi, 4G, 5G (or a combination of these) to achieve their functional requirements, depending on availability, coverage, or bandwidth needs.
