5G for business is here…what’s the big fuss about?

5G infrastructure has rapidly increased across Australia over the last few years, with carriers expanding their 5G networks. This is exciting news not just for consumers but perhaps more importantly for businesses who are exploring the value of Wireless WAN connectivity for their organisations.

But of those organisations still on the fence, many are asking — what’s the big deal? Isn’t it just a bit faster? And with all this wireless connectivity outside the office walls, isn’t my organisation’s data security at risk?

What can 5G do for businesses?

While most of us know that 5G offers faster connectivity with lower latency and higher bandwidth, not many of us have considered what that really means in a practical sense. Let’s take a few steps back and cover some of the technology details first.

Reach

5G will allow for much wider IoT coverage while providing high capacity for remote control of operations. Consider environmental sensors in remote areas that are prone to fire. IoT sensors could measure wind and temperature and transmit the data to a central hub for remote monitoring for extreme weather conditions that would likely cause fires. Low-power cameras could be added and video footage could be fed back for real-time monitoring of events.

Enhanced capacity and performance

5G enhanced capacity is extremely exciting for industry leaders interested in scaling their technology initiatives. Increased capacity means that the network can hold thousands of devices and applications seamlessly communicating to each other without slowing down the network. The increased performance of 5G will move use cases like fixed wireless access from the fringes to mainstream.

Edge computing

5G also allows for better edge computing. Edge computing co-locates computing, storage, and networking functions closer to where the data originates. This reduces the amount of data being sent back and forth between devices and the cloud, saving time and power, conserving bandwidth, reducing latency, and providing additional security for safer transactions. It also provides rapid and cost-effective scaling under a common infrastructure.

Network Slicing

One of the features of 5G is that it enables network slicing. Built upon a Service-Based Architecture, the new 5G core will allow network operators to provide tailored network services for each organisation’s unique needs, while enabling companies to select the right level of security for each use case. It provides the ability for businesses to deliver services faster with high security, isolation, and applicable characteristics to meet customer SLAs.

However, network slicing requires edge to core standalone 5G network capability and support. Standalone also offers the lowest latency, which is of utmost importance if you think about some of the practical use cases of 5G applications.

In Sweden, a commercial trucks and buses manufacturer has been trialling automated trucks to drive in formation or as a convoy in close proximity, in order to increase efficiency and lower environmental impact. Enabled by a computerised driving application running on 5G technology, the standalone 5G capability means that latency between the computer and the truck is so low that the trucks readjust speed and distance virtually instantly when needed.

5G Solutions for Business

The digital technologies that are transforming how organisations extend services, improve customer experiences, and drive new strategies require infrastructure that supports rapid growth. Network connectivity is an integral component of swift change, and Wireless WAN is one of today’s most efficient tools for ensuring reliable, agile connectivity anywhere.

Many organisations are building Wireless WANs based on LTE and 5G, which include leveraging cellular routers or adapters as WAN infrastructure for sites, vehicles, IoT, and remote workers. Cradlepoint Wireless WAN is a simple and secure, cloud-managed enterprise network solution with the unmatched agility and reach of advanced cellular connectivity.

Visit: Cradlepoint.com/au

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Wit