5G, the next generation of mobile communication network, assures faster data upload and download speeds, wider network coverage, and improved connection stability.
Several 5G use cases have already been identified, from smart manufacturing to connected automotive, immersive technology, and a lot more
When completely deployed, 5G technology has the potential to provide 20Gps of data between devices and screens. That is roughly 100 times faster as compared to 4G, and 10 times faster as compared to broadband.
A dependable 5G network will assist Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications in unleashing their true potential. Some experts even say that the future of immersive AR and VR technology depends entirely on 5G.
Why?
Both AR and VR need a cheaper and more substantial network featuring lower latency and improved consistency if they have to continue getting better and more immersive. In short, 5G is a necessity for VR and AR.
Latency
Latency refers to responsiveness – the time lag between sending a request and receiving the response.
An ABI Research commissioned by Qualcomm predicts that 5G will bring about around 10 times reduced latency. 5G will also enhance data rate, which refers to the time it takes to transfer requested data to the user.
It means you can expect to witness a webpage load completely in just one second; the era of waiting for several seconds to receive the data will finally come to an end.
The impact decreased latency will bring on the web pages is easy to understand; however, the advantages of 5G for VR are a touch more complex.
As such, the bare minimum to enjoy non-VR gaming is 50 ms latency. Users in VR will be left spellbound when latency will come down to 20 ms. With the sub-5 or sub-2 ms latency of 5G, the user experience will receive a drastic facelift.
In simple terms, it will all be natural and smooth.
As VR is synonymous with immersion – giving you a feel of actually being in the virtual environment – it is extremely important.
The advantages will be felt by numerous industries using VR – from entertainment to healthcare and manufacturing.
Connectivity and reliability
Both VR and AR applications can be extremely sensitive to network performance, and any minor interruption may have a considerable negative impact on the user experience.
Today, we’re consuming more data than ever before, particularly as the popularity of music and video streaming spikes.
Current spectrum bands just can’t cope, as they’re getting more and more congested. This is resulting in service breakdown, particularly when numerous users in the same region are trying to access online services at once.
More smart devices on the network will build more requirement for connections – something 4G is not capable of.
5G is way better at managing thousands of smart devices at once, from equipment sensors and video cameras to mobile phones and smart street lights.
“A 5G network provides up to a million connections per square kilometer.” Millions, even billions, of connections are needed for tech like VR and AR to flourish,” as per Huawei.
The Cloud
At present, several VR head-mounted HMD displays need a robust PC to run them. It implies that your VR user experience is confined to a specific location. The advent of 5G will drive the storage, processing power, and power consumption from the computer and into the edge cloud.
It signifies that VR users will only need a headset, which in turn opens up access to VR at any time and from just about anywhere.
A recent white paper released by Huawei Wireless X Labs predicts that the market volume of cloud VR/AR will surge up to US$292bn by 2025.
Improved 4G network coverage has already started making network-assisted VR and AR applications more viable than ever. However, it will take 5G and its endless capabilities to leverage wider bandwidths and more spectral bands for a high-quality networked VR and AR experience.
As per a recent report by Chip giant Intel, AR games are estimated to make up over 90% of 5G AR proceeds or roughly $36 billion around the world by 2028.
This is down to the extreme data intensiveness of AR – one minute of AR will eat around 33 times more traffic as compared to one minute of 480p video. Moving on, it is interesting to see that the forecasts are for a widespread surge in the entertainment industry, instead of the enterprise sector.
The report further suggested that a new rise of VR-powered experiences will be on a high as early as 2025.
The gen-next of immersive experience will come up with new sensations – users will actually feel the breeze on a tropical island or the vibrations of a car race. Magnanimous 4D experience will be the norm.
The lack of an appropriate supporting network is one of the vital aspects that have contributed to a slower as compared to expected uptake in VR adoption. 5G technology will usher in the coming age of cloud-connected and immersive experience.