5G is the latest iteration of wireless network connectivity. The Internet of Things (IoT) has become one of the most important sectors in the technology field, with potential large-scale applications for consumers and enterprise organisations. 5G promises to unlock IoT capabilities that were previously unattainable on 4G networks. 5G will introduce major innovations, like higher connection speed, greater capacity, and lower latency. Over time, these benefits will lead to technological milestones that will have a significant impact on business strategy.

So, how will 5G transform enterprise IoT? Kumulos takes a look along with our friends at Oracle!

5G’s major innovations
Higher connection speed
At peak speed, 5G operates at 10Gbps. That’s 100 times the speed of current 4G networks, which top out at about 100Mbps. To put that into perspective, users will be able to download an entire HD movie in less than 10 seconds. A task that takes several minutes over a 4G connection.

Greater capacity
5G will allow for more high-demand devices to connect over a single network. Until the introduction of 5G, IoT networks couldn’t support such extensive connectivity. The ability to support more connections at a higher speed will help alleviate that strain, meaning more people can transmit data at the same time.

Lower latency
Latency, or ‘lag time’, is the amount of time that passes between when a device is commanded to perform a task and when it actually completes the command. On 4G networks, the average latency speed hovers between 40 and 50 milliseconds. Over 5G, latency speed will be cut down dramatically.

How 5G’s innovations will transform the IoT
Truly connected cities
By 2020, many experts have projected there to be close to 30 billion connected devices globally, with a majority being industrial connections, which are a critical component of smart cities. Experts don’t believe 4G networks have the capacity to manage truly connected cities. 5G networks, however, can support the enormous amount of data smart cities will generate.

Streamlined transportation
Although autonomous vehicles have been a buzzword for several years, these self-driving cars can’t operate efficiently over high-latency connections. They need real-time awareness that’s only attainable over a high-speed, low-latency network. 5G’s innovations could eventually allow for autonomous vehicles to safely interact with each other, traffic infrastructure, and even the roads themselves.

Enabled IoT devices
5G greatly improves what businesses can do with connected devices. This is because of the capabilities of 5G technology to support more simultaneous internet connections, require less energy from wireless radios, enable more IoT video applications, and mitigate problems associated with wireless latency.

According to Dr. Jeff Loucks, executive director at Deloitte’s Centre for Technology, Media, and Telecommunications:

“The promise of IoT has long been touted, but the difficulty of setting up low-latency wireless networks capable of linking sensors and connected devices has typically been a serious barrier to widespread adoption.

“Many of the most promising IoT use cases, such as industrial automation, asset tracking, smart city applications, autonomous vehicles, and remote surgery require ultra-low latency.”

Thus, the potential use cases within the enterprise could be limitless, particularly when it comes to creating cost-effective operational efficiencies and leveraging real-time data to future-proof the business. Currently, many enterprises use large-scale software solutions to track data and forecast trends, whose functionality could be enhanced with access to more enabled IoT devices than ever before.

Widespread connectivity
5G networks will be able to reach previously isolated areas, such as remote regions, rural landscapes, and underground tunnels (i.e., subways). Sensors could be placed in these locations to alert authorities of emergencies and to ensure people are safely connected. With its expansive network capabilities, 5G could also help close the “digital divide” between easily connected urban areas and rural towns.

Better mobile app development
Mobile app developers can use 5G technology to dramatically improve the user experience. For example, this speed afforded by a 5G download means users will experience shorter wait times for app downloads, irrespective of size. This can lead to fewer app-abandonment rates.

Another factor impacting user experience is the clarity of an app’s user interface. With 5G, users will see a marked increase in the quality and clarity of video and graphic in-app content over previous network generations. Just think of the benefits for rich push notifications!

With 5G, mobile app developers can take advantage of better coverage, speed, connectivity, and latency rates to integrate the latest technologies into their apps. Imagine a time when seamlessly incorporating augmented and virtual reality technology is a standard feature for apps. Within a 5G infrastructure, developers, consumers, and business leaders can bring that to fruition.

Developers will be creating superior mobile experiences, which means a focus on app performance will be paramount for apps to compete in a thriving marketplace. Forward-thinking business leaders will leverage digital tools for mobile app performance management in order to retain subscribers, garner in-depth insights into engagement and location metrics, and deploy rapid crash reporting and diagnostics.

As application technology becomes more complex, companies must maintain the necessary tools and infrastructure to drive better business outcomes.

Immense potential of 5G and IoT
The IoT’s potential is immense. With the onset of 5G, the IoT’s promise can finally deliver. The IoT enables enterprise organizations to reach their target consumer at a greater scale, while also optimising their internal processes and improving their bottom line. Business leaders can see the beginnings of this technology at work in connected cities, optimised transportation systems, broader device networks and connectivity, and cutting-edge app development.

5G networks will allow for growth across a wide range of business verticals in the near future, provided business leaders work to invest in the tools and processes needed to manage such a vast number of connected devices. That said, IoT-enabled devices, and the data associated with them, will prove to be a valuable asset for businesses going forward. If you would like to learn more about 5G check out the 5G section of Oracle blog.

Create superior mobile experiences using Kumulos
Kumulos Mobile App Performance Management platform comes with a comprehensive range of services covering the entire life cycle of the app. Its five integrated services include app store optimisation, analytics & reporting, backend hosting, crash reporting & endpoint monitoring and its award winning push notifications service, which received awards from Business of Apps, Mobile App Daily and The Tool.

It provides a management console that delivers comprehensive visibility on how the app is performing technically and commercially. It’s easy to setup and there’s no SDK required.

Start monitoring now by signing up for a free trial or book a demo. And, when you’re up and running with your free trial, make sure you download the free Kumulos Companion App to try out the push notifications for real.