Unlocking the Future: How Evolving Devices Impact 5G Deployment

Chris Pearson – October 2023

The journey to 5G has been truly transformative. We’ve seen how this next-generation technology redefines the boundaries of connectivity and enables previously unimaginable applications and services. But while much of the attention is focused on the capabilities of 5G networks themselves, there is an equally important story unfolding. That’s the rapid evolution of 5G-enabled devices.

In the early days of 5G, the focus was primarily on smartphones. These pocket-sized and powerful devices are the first to harness the speed and efficiency of 5G networks, taking everyday tasks and entertainment to a new level. But as 5G technology matures, other opportunities are emerging. The device landscape is expanding beyond smartphones to include specialized Internet of Things (IoT) and future ambient IoT devices. His latest white paper, “Device Evolution for 5G Deployment,” provides a short, fast-paced look at how new devices are beginning to take advantage of 5G’s amazing capabilities.

The adaptability of 5G technology ensures that it can support a wide range of applications, from smart homes and cities to industrial automation. This versatility in device functionality opens new avenues in a variety of fields, including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.

One of the most exciting developments in the 5G device landscape is the emergence of future ambient IoT devices. These target low-cost, battery-less devices with a high degree of adaptability. Imagine a world where the environment is filled with smart sensors that do not require batteries and can seamlessly communicate with each other to provide real-time data and insights. This is not science fiction. That’s the power of the future of ambient IoT enabled by 5G.

The development of these new categories of devices is no mere coincidence. It is a direct result of the capabilities provided by 5G networks. With high data transfer speeds, low latency, and the ability to handle large numbers of connected devices simultaneously, 5G is the perfect vehicle to enable the next wave of device innovation.

Another notable trend is the rise of Reduced Capability (RedCap) devices. These mid-tier IoT device bridges have the potential to bridge the gap between high-performance smartphones and low-power ambient IoT devices. It provides enough computing power to perform certain tasks efficiently without draining resources or requiring constant power. RedCap devices could become the workhorse of installing smart factories, monitoring health conditions, and managing smart cities.

What makes the evolution of this device even more appealing is its potential to transform entire sectors. In the healthcare field, for example, dedicated 5G devices will enable remote monitoring and diagnosis, potentially changing the way medicine is approached. In the transportation sector, the use of 5G-enabled sensors has the potential to enable safer and more efficient traffic management. The possibilities are endless and the future is definitely bright.

As you can see from the table below, many IoT devices are now leveraging the capabilities of 4G LTE networks, from Cat4 to Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) covered by 3GPP Release-13. Among other characteristics of 5G RedCap devices, you can see the difference between peak download and upload data rates. This capability allows 5G RedCap to deliver faster data, opening the door to higher-resolution video cameras and sensors, as well as denser data sets such as AI training data.