5G and IIoT - key factors to becoming a digital company

The 5G mobile communications standard has the potential to fundamentally change companies. Particularly in the context of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), 5G is becoming a key technology for companies that want to drive their digital transformation forward. In this text, we look at the central role that 5G plays in the realisation of a digital enterprise and how it is revolutionising the implementation of IIoT solutions.

5G: the revolution in Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things

Around five years ago, the 5G mobile communication standard emerged as the fifth generation of mobile networks. Unlike its predecessors, 5G represents an independent advancement initially crafted for digital voice telephony transmission, now facilitating advanced, high-bandwidth data transmission.

The rollout of 5G provides consumers with a notably swifter mobile phone connection while simultaneously fostering the increased interconnectivity of various devices in daily life. 5G extends beyond the realm of mobile communications, playing a pivotal role for companies in Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In this context, smartphones are regarded as merely one element in a wide-ranging network of connectivity. 

The adoption of 5G networks is growing in importance, especially within the industrial and service sectors in the UK. 5G technology facilitates efficient communication between various devices and machines. Specifically tailored to the requirements of companies or organisations, campus network technology is widely employed in this context.

The added value of 5G for digital companies

5G was developed from the ground up as a new type of data transmission standard for the Internet of Things (IoT) that combines the flexibility of a wireless network with the reliability and performance of a wired network.

The advantages of 5G:

• Bandwidth of up to 20 Gbit/s
  
  
• Low latency times of less than 1 ms
  
  
• High reliability of 99.999%
  
  

With the introduction of 5G, there are 3 major areas of application:

1. eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband):
   eMBB refers to the improvement of data transfer rates and capacities in mobile networks in order to provide users with a faster and more efficient mobile broadband experience. With eMBB, users can utilise high-resolution streaming, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
   
   
2. URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications):
   URLLC offers reliable communication with minimal delay. Compared to 4G with latency times of 60-98 ms, 5G delivers latencies of less than 1 ms. This is particularly important for industrial control systems, autonomous driving and critical emergency services that require immediate response.

3. mMTC (massive Machine Type Communications):
   mMTC focuses on wireless communication for the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing, in which many devices can transmit data simultaneously. Due to the short latency times and high data transmission rate, decentralised data processing in intelligent applications can take place almost in real time, which is advantageous in robot-based systems for transport, handling or monitoring, for example.

Efficient and flexible networking

5G offers a multitude of benefits that are invaluable when designing, setting up and managing networks. Aside from its remarkable performance, energy efficiency, accurate positioning, and secure communication, 5G presents additional benefits. Notably, the swift and cost-effective deployment of 5G networks supports digital transformation and enables the implementation of bespoke solutions, seamlessly integrating the potential of 5G with artificial intelligence.

Mobile devices such as sensors, actuators, drones or autonomous vehicles can be wirelessly networked over long distances or between different locations without the need for cabling. This enables flexible and efficient use of the devices and simple scalability of the networks. In addition, the devices often generate large amounts of data that can be transmitted quickly and reliably with the help of 5G. This data can in turn be used to create real-time analyses and make decisions that are of great benefit in many areas of application.

5G deployment scenarios for digital companies

For UK businesses, a notable benefit of 5G lies in incorporating a range of cutting-edge technologies during network development. Furthermore, the consideration of openness for the seamless implementation of future developments was regarded as a key aspect.

The potential applications of 5G in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are already diverse and promise to create real added value as the technology advances.

Exemplary scenarios:

Network virtualisation:

Network virtualisation is an efficient and flexible solution for adapting a company's infrastructure to changing requirements. With the help of this technology, users are able to design the network environment according to their individual needs and fulfil both current and future requirements.

By implementing network virtualisation, various virtual networks can be operated on a single physical infrastructure. This results in optimum utilisation of the available resources and a significant reduction in hardware costs.

Network slicing:

Companies in the UK have the flexibility to establish distinct virtual wireless networks, commonly referred to as slices, on a shared physical infrastructure. These slices come with individual performance characteristics, allowing precise customization to specific requirements. For instance, efficient transmission of measurement and operating data from sensors and actuators is achievable through a network with low bandwidth and low latency.

On the other hand, controlling autonomous vehicles necessitates a network with high bandwidth, low latency, and high reliability to transmit camera images to an edge server for AI analysis. Additionally, a separate network could be configured to grant external service providers limited data access for remote services.

Leading the future with the 5G network and the IIOT

For optimal online visibility, businesses are encouraged to explore the possibilities of a 5G network, even if they don't currently require extremely low latency, bandwidth exceeding 1 Gbit/s, or the connection of numerous network nodes. The ongoing evolution of 5G ensures that each future standard release will introduce new features, enhancing the value it brings to businesses.

With capabilities like real-time communication such as TSN (Time-sensitive Networking), satellite communication, and precise positioning, the facilitation of digital transformation in operational processes becomes more straightforward, both in terms of setup and management. To pave the way for resource-efficient applications in the future, establishing the necessary infrastructure now is crucial. This shift underscores why 5G is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for digital companies and the seamless integration of smart factory processes.

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