We’ve all seen science fiction movies with a “smart” home where we can handle everything automatically from one central point. While some smart home technologies have existed since the 1980s, they had very limited applications and would come at a high cost. But that is all about to change with Narrowband and 5G IoT.
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things is a generic term that includes any electrical or electronic device that is connected to the Internet. Internet of Things or IoT for short, has been existing for more than 20 years since the term first appeared in technical presentations in the late 90s.
IoT is a network of physical objects that contain embedded electronic systems and can connect to the Internet. This Internet connection allows them to communicate and interact with each other by exchanging information and performing various actions.
IoT enables these objects to be controlled remotely via software through an existing network infrastructure. This is achieved by integrating the physical world with advanced computing systems. This will, in turn, result in an increase of efficiency and accuracy and a consequent reduction to costs.
Today, devices controlled by humans are usually connected via the existing mobile and fixed network to the Internet. IoT, however, will expand on devices which are not a “traditional” computer desktop, mobile device, or tablet, and will also focus on device-to-device communications.
IoT devices are equipped with sensors that can now be part of a smart ecosystem such as smart homes, vehicles, and cities. Each of these objects is uniquely recognized by the embedded computer system. Thus, they can operate both independently and in conjunction with the rest of the network infrastructure.
Narrowband IoT
Today, transmission technology is expensive, service-intensive, and energy-dependent, since such as battery change. Furthermore, in the existing cellular networks, unnecessary functions such as SMS, voice, and high data rate significantly increase costs. NarrowBand IoT is the first step for connecting devices, making new use cases economically viable for the mass market. NB IoT is a technology standard developed by 3GPP to enable a wide range of services via the use of cellular radio networks and devices.
NB-IoT is a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology but is superior to proprietary LPWA technologies. Proprietary solutions are dependent on individual suppliers, the network is usually operated by third-party providers, and there is a lack of international coverage. NB-IoT is a standardized approach which provides inter-vendor interoperability, an ecosystem of large MNOs, network suppliers, and vendors with a global footprint. Furthermore, NB-IoT offers an operator-managed radio spectrum, where straightforward network capacity extensions are possible, and specific SLAs can be guaranteed.
Which enhancements will 5G bring?
5G IoT networks will lay the platform on which IoT will be expanded. Currently, NB-IoT focuses on typical low-cost, low-energy, small-data volumes applications. These applications include smart metering, smart agriculture, logistics, tracking, and fleet management. 5G networks will help the transition from Massive Machine Type to Critical Machine Type Communications. 5G networks will provide higher connectivity, higher capacities, and Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) to support high-reliable and high-availability services.
Current technologies provide a multi-standard network, with Cat-M1/NB-IoT being the dominant one together with cloud-optimized network functions and VNF orchestration. NB-IoT covers specific areas such as Automotive, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Energy & Utility services. 5G networks can enhance services such as online gaming, on-demand video, and traffic information in the automotive business. Process automation in the manufacturing sector, smart-grid and metering and connected doctors and patients in the healthcare business is also addressed. The development of 5G networks with enhanced broadband, massive MIMO, Network Slicing, and Predictive analysis will further enhance V2V real-time information, flow and resource management, remote supervision, and monitoring.
5G IoT expansion
As 5G will become more mature with time, real-time machine learning & AI, 5G Cloud and virtualized RAN will provide more advanced 5G IoT services. In the Automotive area, autonomous vehicle control can be supported, while cloud robotics and remote machine control may expand the manufacturing businesses. AI and machine intelligence can provide advanced energy and utility services, while remote operations may be feasible in the healthcare business.
5G is a use case driven technology. As 5G will expand, the 5G business will grow, and more services will become available. An example of the evolution of the 5G IoT can be the connected urban transport, where traffic surveillance, traffic analysis, and static road-traffic information are already available. IoT will, therefore, monetize on specific 5G features to develop IoT use cases such as cooperative vehicles & platooning, autonomous buses/trains, and pedestrian protection. Network Slicing can be used to provide autonomous public transport, while 5G positioning will provide precise traffic control and security. 5G cloud will provide distributed decision making and backhaul off-loading.
How does 5G IoT work?
One of the main goals of a 5G IoT network is to give users as much control as possible over different devices. Of course, this should be done remotely over the Internet.
To communicate with IoT devices, we need the corresponding applications, on our mobile or other controlling devices. These applications contain several possible scenarios that the device can respond to upon user’s choice.
These user selections are then transferred to the 5G Cloud server and processed appropriately by various algorithms. Shortly before the end of the chain, the data is stored in the so-called IoT Gateways. These elements undertake the function to “bridge” the appropriate device with the correct mobile or computer.
Finally, the information is passed to the IoT device’s built-in sensors, which decrypt the message and execute the command. The whole process, of course, also works in reverse. The information from the sensors can be transferred to the user’s application to report on the condition and overall control of the device. Data encryption is also necessary to be able to connect between the right devices and applications.
5G IoT characteristics
Dynamic nature
A critical factor for IoT is that the parameters underlying the application are subject to dynamic changes that originate in the environment of the particular device.
For example, an IoT thermostat continuously records and sends different values of temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, etc., that alternate according to external conditions.
A properly designed application will give the user access to all the necessary information so that users can easily find what they need and the options they have for the device.
Ambient Intelligence
Ambient intelligence is an exciting notion that is quite close to artificial intelligence. This idea slightly removes the devices from their regular command operation. It enables them to change some settings based on specific metrics and parameters automatically.
A simple example is an IoT refrigerator that automatically adjusts the cooling level based on the outside ambient temperature. This feature, although not profoundly developed yet, is one step closer to the autonomous operation of IoT devices.
Sensing
A focal point of the Internet of Things is the sensing of the IoT devices. Sensors are used to measure temperature, pressure, position, speed, etc. to help create a number of advanced applications. From the 5 basic human senses, the only thing that cannot be integrated into an object is the … 6th sense. At least for the time being!
Compatibility
One of the main reasons 5G IoT applications will be fully operational is compatibility with all platforms. Most users will be able to manage an IoT device, via handheld devices, both on a mobile Android and an iPhone.
Based on the architecture of IoT, as long as the connection is available, the type of network the device is connected to is of little importance.
Security
In order to launch an IoT device into the market, it is essential to be able to protect the data transmitted through the applications. Furthermore, we need to ensure that the right applications interact with the right devices. The user must be sure that data will not be manipulated and privacy and confidentiality are guaranteed.
5G IoT takeaways
With 5G on the way, there seems to be a significant 5G business potential from digital industry transformations. IoT may take advantage of the 5G advanced functionalities to deliver new specialized services. URLLC, enterprise control, ultra-high security, 5G distributed cloud, and positioning will help IoT to monetize on 5G technology.
Value chains will transform into value networks, where scale will depend on the scope increase. Agile IoT platforms will take advantage of the 5G ecosystem and will expand the IoT market position for expansion into 5G IoT business.
We are undoubtedly a long way from the fully automated smart homes, smart cities, and smart societies, but with 5G IoT, we are definitely on track.
