The excitement around the rollout of 5G technology could not be more palpable. We see this Next Generation of Wireless Technology in news headlines and commercials, with promises to usher in the next wave of internet capabilities, speeds, and frictionless internet access. Let’s look at what 5G is and how semiconductor advancements are driving this new technology.
What is 5G?
5G technology can be summarized as the next iteration of wireless technology. 5G offers high-speed data transfer rates, much lower latency, or the time required for data to travel between two points, and the ability to handle significantly higher densities of devices per cell site.
The upgraded technology is the best-suited network to manage the increased data generated by IoT devices and next-gen electronics. 5G was designed with an extended capacity to better user experience (UX), power new deployment models, and deliver new services. 5G is expected to impact nearly every industry, enhancing transportation, agriculture, healthcare, and beyond.
How 5G will improve day-to-day life?
The advantages of 5G and edge computing are seemingly endless. Early indications anticipate the upgraded network will operate up to 100x faster than 4G and reduce network latency by 500%. Not only will 5G and edge computing improve the speed and efficiency of data transmission, but they will also significantly improve the performance of applications to allow for huge amounts of data to be processed in real-time.
The reduced latency inspired by edge computing will bring the user closer to the network. In addition to the speed and processing power, 5G will also improve the connection between devices and virtual networks, streamline internet connectivity, and facilitate greater bandwidth for users.
Examples of what 5G will look like
Let’s look at how it will revolutionize the way the world connects and communicates.
Public safety
Public safety is one of the areas that will benefit the most from the introduction of 5G. As cities adopt this next-generation technology, real-time analysis of video recordings could quickly identify dangerous situations in public places. Additionally, authorities could be automatically alerted in cases of car accidents or dangerous situations. Cities will also be able to connect 5G equipment with mobile network coverage to monitor mobile devices including drones and robots.
Esports
The future of eSports depends on 5G. A sport that did not exist ten years ago, will soon be a billion-dollar business with over 300 million devoted fans. The continued growth of the sport, however, is contingent on the continued growth of the wireless network. eSports demands low latency for players to optimize gameplay, and to provide fans with the best possible viewing experience. Although most games were primarily played on PCs, they are now moving to mobile. Popular games including Fortnite, PUBG, Clash Royale, and Arena of Valor are all now available on phones. As 5G becomes more prevalent, eSports will benefit from the ease of watching and gameplay and likely attract more users and continue to grow as a sport.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry will be vastly improved from 5G. Smart manufacturing will employ 5G networking capabilities to connect systems for real-time response changing conditions. Customer needs will be met in a more streamlined manner, as robots will be able to collaborate and synchronize remotely using 5G’s lower latency and greater security.
5G DEPENDS ON SEMICONDUCTORS
With the future rollout of 5G, the need for high-performing and reliable semiconductor chips has become essential. A study suggests that data creation will increase ten times by 2025, as data storage and analysis play an instrumental role in 5G, leading to increase demand for chips.
The hype 5G has garnered is well-deserved, as technological capabilities will be catapulted to an unprecedented level. Despite the fact that it is misunderstood by most, the benefits of the upgraded network will affect all. As cities become safer, streaming becomes easier, and downloads complete faster, the capabilities of 5G will take shape. Chip technology — the unsung hero — is laying the groundwork for the rollout of 5G and far beyond.
