The 5G network, or the 5th generation of mobile wireless, was designed to be faster, more flexible, and more reliable than previous generations -- with the promise that 5G would exponentially change the way our world operates. We're already seeing expansive advances in technology with 5G and what it empowers, such as Multi-Access Edge (MEC) computing, especially in industries that rely on Machine-to-Machine (M2M) operations and Internet of Things (IoT) and "smart" tech.
5G networks use radio waves to connect devices, objects, and machines. Operating at higher speed, higher bandwidth, and lower latency than previous networks, 5G has improved such digital experiences as faster file sharing in the medical field -- which can help physicians make faster decisions to treat patients in life/death situations. And high speeds plus low latency have enhanced edge computing, bringing data storage and computation closer to the source, enabling businesses and machinery to make much faster decisions and actions.
Another benefit of 5G is that it has massive network capacity, which allows it to connect more devices than ever before. And because 5G is up to 100x faster than 4G, its predecessor, 5G technology has revolutionized all industries from retail, hospitality, and transportation to entertainment, sports, and manufacturing.
5G has already proven to be a catalyst for innovation in manufacturing as far as empowering the production of new products and delivering these products into the supply chain with new efficiencies. It uses C-band spectrum, which enables manufacturers to do more with IoT technology than before 5G. 5G plus edge computing optimizes communication between sensors and machines and provides manufacturers with data that can be acted upon in real time.
What is latency? Latency is the time it takes for a data set to pass from one point to another on a network. Lower latency means faster data travel, which has unlocked new opportunities in manufacturing. Think of 5G as an enablement to advanced technologies that are building businesses to be faster, more intelligent, and carrying data faster than before.
Speed, reliability, and lower latency have enabled new and improved capabilities in manufacturing, including:
Automated guided vehicles that can be used to accomplish tasks on the factory floor, for example.
Real-time communication between machines, which can increase safety and efficiencies.
Industrial automation. Low latency and reliability make 5G ideal for controlling industrial systems such as heavy machinery.
Remote operations are now possible to conduct maintenance, service, or assembly.
Augmented reality applications, such as asset maintenance or product assembly demos.
Cloud robotics. 5G is considered a mainstream use case for cloud robotics, which requires ultra-reliable low-latency communication.
More efficient supply chain management. 5G enables manufacturers to track the locations of goods in real time, which can help optimize operations, improve customer service, prevent theft and spoil, cut down on fuel consumption, and more.
How will your factory use 5G?
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