The importance of 5G in the industry

Acceleration boost for smart factories
5G has opened up a whole new chapter in the digital transformation of industry. The mobile internet no longer just connects people with people and machines with machines wirelessly, but all kinds of things, including battery-powered wireless sensors, thus accelerating their use in the Internet of Things (IoT).
5G technology is the latest 5th generation mobile communications standard and brings with it a number of improvements. Compared to its predecessors 4G/LTE and 3G, data transmission is significantly faster, meaning that maximum speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s are theoretically possible. This means that larger amounts of data can be transferred in a shorter time.
What are the differences to 4G/LTE?
5G can be up to 10 times faster than 4G, which enables applications such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in real time. In addition to the higher speed, the latency time, i.e. the delay in data transmission, is significantly lower with 5G. This enables more precise control and faster reactions in automated processes and time-critical applications such as autonomous driving and industrial automation. In addition, 5G can support a much higher number of devices per square kilometer, allowing many more devices to be networked at the same time - a decisive factor for the Internet of Things (IoT) in industry.
Another difference is the reliability and stability of the connection. 5G networks are more robust and less susceptible to interference, which is an advantage in industrial environments with many machines and devices.

What does 5G have to do with NB-IoT and LTE-M?
NB-IoT and LTE-M are Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies, i.e., like LoRaWAN, they are very energy-efficient wireless technologies and are characterized by a long range. However, they are mainly used in applications where rather small amounts of data are transmitted over a long period of time. Typical scenarios include agriculture, smart metering and environmental monitoring. They were originally developed for the 4G/LTE network.
However, although they are based on 4G technology, they are supported by the 5G standard. This is because they play an important role in realizing IoT communication in the IoT ecosystem due to their low energy consumption, long range and potentially wide range of applications. As such, both technologies have been adopted as part of the 5G standard for Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). mMTC is one of the three main categories of 5G application profiles and aims to support a large number of IoT devices that transmit small amounts of data. Thus, both NB-IoT and LTE-M benefit from the higher energy efficiency and capacity.

In which industrial applications does 5G play a role?
The introduction of 5G in industry can significantly improve efficiency, productivity and safety. It also helps to introduce new technologies and optimize existing systems and operations or even open up new business models. The benefits of 5G are particularly noticeable in environments with high data traffic and real-time requirements, making it a decisive factor in the digital transformation of industries.
Some of the key industrial applications of 5G are listed below:
Industry 4.0 and smart factories
Automated production
5G enables real-time communication between machines, robots and control systems. This improves efficiency, as machines can work autonomously and in a coordinated manner
Predictive maintenance/IoT
Sensors can collect and analyze data in real time to predict machine maintenance and prevent unforeseen failures. By combining with energy-saving wireless technologies such as NB-IoT and LTE-M, battery-powered sensors can also be connected and enable easy retrofitting.
Augmented reality (AR) for maintenance and training
Technicians can use AR headsets to receive instructions and diagnostics in real time, making it easier to repair and maintain machines.
Logistics and transportation
Connected vehicles
5G enables faster and more reliable communication between vehicles/construction machinery and between vehicles/construction machinery and the infrastructure. This is crucial for the development of autonomous vehicles.
Logistics and fleet management
5G supports the monitoring of vehicles, construction machinery and supply chains in real time.
Networked infrastructure
5G improves communication between transport infrastructure and vehicles. Wi-Fi is less suitable for driverless transport systems (AGVs) in particular, as the vehicle would stop briefly when switching between two Wi-Fi hotspots until it has connected to the next hotspot.
Rail/passenger transportation
In trains, 5G can be used to improve communication, surveillance and entertainment.
Data protection and security aspects when using 5G in industry
Data protection and security aspects play a central role in the use of 5G in industry. With the introduction of 5G networks, huge amounts of data can be transmitted in real time, which brings many benefits, but also risks. Companies must ensure that their networks are protected against cyber attacks. This requires robust security protocols, strong authentication and encryption methods and regular updates.
How can a campus network contribute to data security?
A private campus network can make a significant contribution to data security in industry. It is worth mentioning that private networks have only become possible with 5G. By using 5G technology in a private network, a stable and fast connection within the company premises is guaranteed. This is because the network is used exclusively and is independent of the public 5G network. Each network receives its own radio frequency. This means there are no external sources of interference that could affect the data speed. Furthermore, companies in a private 5G network retain control over all communication channels and can therefore better implement security measures.
Another advantage is the low latency of 5G in your own network, which enables a rapid response to security incidents. Sensitive data can be stored and processed locally, minimizing the risk of data leaks. A private 5G campus network can also apply specific security protocols and encryption methods tailored to the company's needs.
Overall, a 5G campus network provides a robust infrastructure that both increases efficiency and improves data security.
5G products in our m2m store
IDG780 5G industrial router
The powerful IDG780 router from AMIT has various interfaces, including 5G NR Cellular, Giga Ethernet, 5G WAN Extender, WiFi Uplink and SMA connections for external cellular or WLAN antennas. Thanks to its robust metal housing, the device is suitable for operation in a wide range of industrial environments. With 5G NR mobile radio, the device can even replace the original giga-level fixed network.
UF31 5G dongle/5G modem
The UF31 5G modem from Milesight is a powerful 5G modem for 5G wireless network applications. It supports 5G NSA&SA, 4G LTE and 3G networks from major telecom service providers. The USB Type-C and Ethernet port provide high-speed Internet access for field devices.
Ultra-flat antenna for 5G campus networks
The ultra-flat 4×4 MiMo 5G antenna from Panoramas Antennas was specially developed for MiMo dual-band
3.6/5.0GHz coverage in a private 5G campus network. The compact, robust housing contains up to four antenna elements for 3.4-3.8/4.9-6GHz. The approvals according to EN45545-2 and EN50155 also permit use on and in rail vehicles.5G modules
In contrast to earlier mobile radio standards, the modules of the latest 5G mobile radio technology have higher data rates and lower latency times and are also suitable for low-power applications. The modules have extensive firmware and can be operated with AT commands as with the older standards (2G to 4G). You can find various interface and country-specific versions in our store.
Future developments in 5G and industrial applications
Even if 5G in industry has so far been used more by large corporations, airports or large research institutes, the future of 5G in industry looks very promising. The faster data transmission rates and lower latency times enable more efficient networking of machines and systems. In manufacturing in particular, 5G will play a key role in enabling real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance. Autonomous vehicles and drones will also benefit from 5G as they will be able to work more reliably and precisely. The networking of sensors and devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) will also be significantly improved by 5G, leading to optimized production control. Overall, 5G can increase flexibility and productivity in industry and enable new business models.
Would you like to find out more?
Then get in touch with us. We will be happy to advise you on the hardware you would like to use or your specific concerns regarding the use of 5G.