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5G – The backbone of industry 4.0

10/07/2024
Stefan Ilchmann

With its high bandwidth, extremely low latency and ability to connect millions of devices simultaneously, 5G plays a central role in the implementation of Industry 4.0. In this article, you will learn why 5G is a key enabler of Industry 4.0 and what advantages this technology offers for industrial applications.

What is 5G?

5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile network technology.

Built on a new radio technology (5G NR) that uses high-frequency radio waves, 5G networks offer significant improvements over its predecessor, 4G LTE. For example, higher data speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity, and advanced network reliability specifically required for industry applications.

Theoretically, 5G can deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second), which is 100 times faster than 4G.

5G’s key features

Low latency

5G’s ultra-low latency (measured in milliseconds) enables real-time control of machines and processes. That is crucial for tasks like remote operation, automated assembly lines, autonomous driving machines, and predictive maintenance.

High bandwidth

5G can handle massive amounts of data, supporting applications that require high-resolution video streaming, large file transfers, and IoT device connectivity.

The ability to process and analyse vast datasets in real time fuels data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics.

Massive connectivity

5G can support up to 1 million devices per square kilometre, making it ideal for IoT deployments in industrial settings.

Efficiently managing numerous connected devices ensures smooth communication and minimises network congestion.

Reliability and availability

5G’s reliability and availability are essential for mission-critical industrial processes that cannot tolerate interruptions.

Advanced network architectures and redundancy features ensure minimal downtime.

Security

5G incorporates robust security measures to protect sensitive industrial data from cyber threats.

Network segmentation and isolation help prevent unauthorised access.

Availability of 5G

The rollout of 5G networks has been ongoing since around 2019, and as of 2024, 5G is widely available in many parts of the world, particularly in urban areas of developed countries. However, the availability of 5G varies significantly depending on the region, the specific telecommunications provider, and the type of 5G being deployed (low-band, mid-band, or high-band mmWave).

Here’s a breakdown:

United States, South Korea, Japan, and Europe: 5G networks are well-established in major cities, with coverage expanding to suburban and rural areas. These regions have seen significant investments in 5G infrastructure, including mid-band and high-band deployments.

China: China has been a leader in 5G deployment, with extensive coverage in urban areas and plans to extend 5G to rural areas. China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have been aggressively expanding their 5G networks.

India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa: 5G deployment is progressing but at a slower pace. In these regions, 5G is typically available in major cities, with expansion plans targeting more areas in the coming years. The focus has often been on mid-band 5G, which offers a balance of coverage and speed. By 2025, it’s expected that 5G will be available in most countries, though the level of coverage and the type of 5G (low, mid, or high band) will vary. Full nationwide coverage, especially in rural and less populated areas, may take longer, potentially extending into the late 2020s.

Public 5G vs private 5G networks and hybrid 5G networks: Finding the right fit for industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 refers to the ongoing automation and digital transformation of manufacturing and industrial practices, driven by advancements in technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data. When it comes to leveraging 5G for industrial applications, businesses face a critical decision: should they rely on public 5G, establish a private 5G network, or adopt a hybrid 5G approach?

Public 5G networks

Public 5G networks, deployed by telecom operators, are designed to provide wide-ranging coverage and support millions of devices. These networks are available to the public and are ideal for industries that require widespread connectivity without the need for extensive customisation.

Advantages

  • Wide Coverage: Public 5G networks offer extensive coverage, making them ideal for geographically dispersed operations and urban environments.
  • Lower Cost: Businesses can access the network without the need for heavy upfront investment in infrastructure.
  • Leverage existing infrastructure: Businesses can benefit from the existing infrastructure and ecosystem of public networks.

Disadvantages

  • Limited Control: Businesses have limited control over network performance, configurations, or upgrades.
  • Variable Performance: Public networks often prioritise consumer traffic, which can lead to unpredictable performance, especially in densely populated or high-traffic areas.
  • Security Concerns: Using a public network introduces potential security risks, as the data may be more vulnerable to breaches or cyberattacks.
  • Less Customisation: Public 5G doesn’t allow businesses to tailor the network for specific use cases, such as prioritising critical operations or achieving ultra-low latency in certain areas.

Private 5G networks

Private 5G networks are built exclusively for individual businesses or industrial campuses. They offer customised services and features based on the specific requirements and applications of a business, such as network configuration, performance, and security.

Advantages

  • Full control: Private 5G networks offer complete control over the network, enabling businesses to configure it to their specific needs, optimise performance, and update as required.
  • Ultra-Low Latency: Industrial operations often require real-time communication, particularly for applications such as autonomous robots, augmented reality (AR) for maintenance, or automated quality control. With no competing public traffic, a private 5G network can prioritise low-latency connections for critical tasks.
  • Improved Security: Because the network is closed and dedicated to the business, there’s a significantly lower risk of external threats and breaches.
  • Custom Quality of Service (QoS): Businesses can allocate bandwidth and resources to different applications or devices, ensuring that critical operations are never compromised by less important traffic.

Disadvantages

  • High Investments: Private networks require a significant investment in infrastructure, including base stations, hardware, and software.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Managing and maintaining a private 5G network can be resource-intensive, requiring specialised expertise and dedicated IT support.
  • Limited Coverage: The coverage area of a private 5G network is limited to the enterprise’s physical site or campus, which may not be sufficient for companies with widely distributed operations.

Hybrid 5G networks

A hybrid 5G network combines public and private 5G network infrastructures.

Advantages

  • Flexible Deployment: Businesses can leverage public 5G for less sensitive, non-critical tasks while using a private 5G setup for critical or highly secure business operations.
  • Reduced Costs: By leveraging public networks, when possible, companies can reduce the costs associated with deploying and maintaining private infrastructure.
  • Seamless Connectivity: Hybrid networks can ensure continuous, uninterrupted connectivity as devices move between public and private 5G zones, which is important for applications like autonomous vehicles, smart factories, or logistics systems.
  • Balanced Security: Critical data can be kept within the private network for enhanced security, while less sensitive operations can utilise the public network.

Disadvantages

  • Complex Management: Managing a hybrid network involves coordinating between public and private infrastructures, which can add complexity in terms of operations, monitoring, and security protocols.
  • Potential for Inconsistent Performance: While private 5G offers reliable performance, using public 5G for some tasks can introduce variability, particularly in areas with heavy public traffic.
  • Investment Still Required: While hybrid networks may reduce costs compared to full private deployments, they still require investment in private network infrastructure and the technical expertise to manage it.

Choosing the right network for industry 4.0

Deciding between public, private, or hybrid 5G networks depends on several factors, including the nature of the industry, the specific use cases, and budget considerations. While public 5G may be sufficient for applications like remote monitoring or basic IoT deployments, private 5G is often the best choice for industries that require maximum performance, security, and control.

Hybrid 5G, on the other hand, offers a flexible middle ground, providing the right balance between cost savings and tailored solutions. As Industry 4.0 continues to evolve, this flexibility will be key in ensuring that businesses can scale their digital transformations while maintaining the performance and security needed to compete.

Specific applications of 5G in industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 refers to the ongoing automation and digital transformation of manufacturing and industrial practices, driven by advancements in technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data. 5G is already making a significant impact on various aspects of Industry 4.0, including:

Smart factories and manufacturing

5G enables real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes by connecting thousands of sensors and machines across a factory, improving efficiency and reducing downtime. It supports advanced robotics and automation systems that rely on low latency and high reliability. That allows robots to communicate seamlessly with each other and central control systems to optimise production lines. Additionally, 5G facilitates the use of digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets—that are updated in real time with data. Companies can simulate, analyse, and optimise operations without disrupting actual processes.

Industrial IoT

Industry 4.0 relies heavily on IoT devices, from sensors to automated guided vehicles (AGVs). 5G’s ability to connect millions of devices simultaneously without significant drops in performance makes it ideal for these environments.

Autonomous vehicles

In warehouses and manufacturing plants, AGVs are used to transport materials and products. 5G provides the low latency and reliable communication needed for AGVs to operate autonomously, navigate complex environments, and avoid obstacles.

Remote operations

5G allows for the remote monitoring and control of industrial equipment, enabling operators to work from anywhere in the world.

Predictive maintenance

5G-enabled sensors can collect and analyse data to predict equipment failures, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 5G’s combination of low latency, high bandwidth, massive connectivity, reliability, and security make it an indispensable technology for driving innovation and efficiency in Industry 4.0. As 5G networks continue to expand and mature, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking applications emerge in the industrial sector.

Interested in 5G? Let’s explore your possibilities.