Compared to its predecessor networks, 5G promises wider bandwidth, lower latency and faster speeds. However, there are some issues as well, such as inadequate global coverage, cybersecurity concerns and the lack of encryption. Therefore, 5G needs complementary technologies to improve its efficiency and capabilities in order to reach its full potential.

Complementary technologies such as internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, when combined with 5G, create opportunities to enhance digital experience, improve performance, bolster data security and enable continuous operations in various industries, such as finance and healthcare. Each technology has its own set of use cases, and is also inextricably connected to another. For example, the proliferation of IoT devices demands seamless and secure connectivity solutions. Therefore, blockchain’s decentralised architecture offers robust security and authentication mechanisms for IoT connectivity devices. It enables IoT devices to communicate securely with each other, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and potential vulnerabilities in the network, making 5G a secure network.

Some of these complementary technologies include:

  • IoT: 5G relies on extensive telecommunication equipment to provide high quality services but its failure is a common reason for telecommunication breakdowns. For this, IoT sensors can be installed in cell towers to collect and analyse data, enabling real-time monitoring and problem identification. This reduces maintenance costs and downtime while streamlining workflows, increasing efficiency and productivity. IoT integration with 5G networks ensures data transmission from thousands of devices while maintaining communication speed and bandwidth. For example, in smart homes and cities, 5G and IoT enable the management of security systems, lighting and electronics using proximity sensors. IoT-based smart cameras monitor potential safety breaches and send real-time warning alerts, enhancing physical safety. Remote asset monitoring is another popular IoT 5G use case, allowing the real-time tracking of physical assets such as vehicles, patients and orders via a mobile app. IoT collects signals from embedded sensors and transmits them to industry-tailored applications, thereby monitoring movements.
  • NFV: Network function virtualisation (NFV) in 5G enables faster service deployment by transitioning from hardware to software-based functions. It decouples network functions from specialised hardware, running them on high performance servers for deployment. NFV revolutionises network service management by running functions as software on standard servers or cloud infrastructure. It facilitates functions such as packet inspections and load balancing through software solutions such as virtual evolved packet core and virtualised radio access networks, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in network operations. Combining NFV with 5G’s data speeds enables mobile network operators to develop and deploy new services quickly and cost-effectively, enhancing differentiation, customer satisfaction and revenue growth. Operators can program networks in real time and introduce new services based on service needs, making it essential for mobile end users and varied bandwidth demands.
  • SDN: Software-defined networking (SDN) and NFV are complementary technologies that can help enable and support the deployment and operation of 5G networks by providing the flexibility, agility and scalability needed to meet the diverse requirements of new and emerging applications and services. SDN is a network architecture approach that separates the control plane from the data plane, enabling centralised network management and control. This architecture aligns well with 5G network’s separation of hardware and software components. SDN is used to implement network slicing, which is a crucial feature of 5G networks. Network slicing allows network operators to divide their network into multiple virtual networks, each tailored to a specific use case or customer. SDN enables centralised control of network slicing, making it easier to allocate, manage and optimise these virtual networks. SDN enables operators to quickly respond to changing traffic patterns and optimise network resources.
  • Small cell: 5G networks require a higher density of base stations due to the shorter propagation ranges of higher frequency bands. Small cell deployment helps achieve this densification, improving network coverage and capacity in densely populated areas. These cells enhance macro communications networks by increasing coverage in specific areas, adding targeted capacity, supporting new services and enhancing user experience. They also enhance coverage in densely developed environments by strengthening data transfer speeds and eliminating the need for devices to compete for bandwidth. According to a report by Gartner, indoor 5G coverage accounts for over 80 per cent of data consumption. Thus, public areas such as malls, stadiums and train stations are deployed with small cells to enhance the quality of network and people’s ability to stream videos from anywhere. Further, private 5G networks with small cells are used by sectors such as manufacturing, specifically for mining, to monitor their sites since they have high quality service requirements. They are also used in healthcare and logistics to meet specific connectivity needs, improve automation and enable IoT applications.
  • Edge computing: It enhances 5G and 6G networks by processing data closer to its source, reducing latency and optimising bandwidth. It enables real-time applications, offloads data processing tasks, fosters innovation and enhances network efficiency, scalability and user experiences. In manufacturing, 5G and edge computing can transform operations by automating machine maintenance and improving quality checks on production lines. This means reduced need for human involvement in routine tasks, freeing up time to focus on improving processes and creating new products. Gaming companies can take advantage of the powerful graphics of 5G phones to enhance their games, making them even more enjoyable for players by enabling quicker response times, lesser lag when executing commands and better-looking graphics. In healthcare, edge computing optimises data processing by handling information from devices at its source. This enables operations such as real-time surgeries, remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, processing medical imaging data in real-time and speedy diagnoses, ultimately improving patient care.
  • Blockchain: Blockchain technology, with features such as decentralisation, immutability, transparency and cryptographic mechanisms, can address security challenges in 5G communication. It facilitates secure monetisation and data sharing, maintaining privacy through encrypted transactions and smart contracts. This makes 5G more reliable and trustworthy, offering protection against unauthorised access and data breaches. According to a report, the 5G market is expanding rapidly, with a projected growth rate of 29.4 per cent during 2021-26, presenting new opportunities across the blockchain sector. A 5G network facilitates high speed data transmission and blockchain technology ensures the security of that data. For instance, the finance industry uses blockchain to ensure reliable and timely flow of data using 5G; in healthcare, it ensures patient privacy while preserving significant amounts of patient medical data through remote patient monitoring systems; and supply chain management utilises blockchain to track the origin, movement and configuration changes of devices or software, ensuring authenticity and reducing the risk of tampering or counterfeit components.
  • AI/ML: AI and ML have significant potential to enhancing 5G networks. ML can predict network congestion, optimise traffic flow and improve user experience by dynamically allocating resources, while AI can automatically monitor and manage network performance. Combining 5G and AI technologies can enhance efficiency in various industries, such as healthcare, where patients can be attended via video conferencing and calling, thereby avoiding network disruption. Other roles of AI and 5G include resource allocation, fault detection, identifying network abnormalities, anticipating failure based on patterns, tackling complexity, preventing malware or cyberattacks and reducing manual intervention and operational costs.
  • Automation: The intricate infrastructure of 5G networks makes manual configuration more complex and error-prone. The potential for human errors is minimised by automating routine tasks such as device provisioning, software updates and network monitoring. AI-enabled automation enables network operators to dynamically allocate resources, optimise energy consumption in network operations, lower operational costs, configure devices and manage traffic patterns, thereby optimising the performance of 5G networks. It also facilitates consistent and standardised security across the network, ensuring the uniform application and monitoring of security measures. 5G presents numerous opportunities that necessitate extensive network automation. Automation enables telecommunication companies to offer customised services through network slicing. This allows them to tailor services to specific user needs, providing a more personalised and satisfying customer experience. It can also quickly identify and address network issues, hastening problem resolution and minimising customer disruptions.

Conclusion

The combination of complementary technologies and 5G has the potential to transform various aspects of our lives, from smart homes to autonomous vehicles. They can be used to enhance the consumer experience while improving the performance and efficiency of the 5G network. The transformative potential of 5G lies in its ability to provide faster and more reliable internet connections, and its impact extends far beyond the realm of mobile phones and streaming with its low latency, high bandwidth and increased device density. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative use cases emerge, creating a more connected and intelligent world.