Written By- Jaya Pathak
Understanding 5G
5G stands for the 5th generation of wireless technology. It is on the base to improve many aspects of current generation mobile networks. Some of these factors include speed, latency, bandwidth, energy consumption and more. All the 5G wireless devices in a cell are connected to the Internet and the telephone network by radio waves through a base station and antenna in the cell. It offers a higher download speed with a peak speed of 10 gigabits per second. It has higher bandwidth which allow them to connect more devices simultaneously and improve the quality of Internet services. It is suitable for applications requiring real time data exchange such as extended reality, autonomous vehicles, remote surgery and industrial automation.
Transition from 4G to 5G
The transition won’t be instantaneous, in fact it has been going from as early as 2011- the commercial inception of 4G networks. 4G is a true mobile broadband solution, which provides the foundational infrastructure for 5G to build upon, 3 GPP, is the organization that has been defining global standards for mobile networks since 2G. During the lifespan of a mobile generation, multiple evolutions are undergone which 3 GPP set standards for in the form of releases.
They also named 4G LTE, which stands for long term evolution and recently, 5G and R which stands for new radio. It is poetic in the sense that 4G is the long term revolution towards the new radio. Releases 10, 11 and 12 from 2011 to early 2015 were about creating the standards for a true 4G mobile network with LTE advanced. With LTE advanced VC the beginnings of the core 5G technologies such as small cell deployments and mimo.
Understanding 6G networks
6G stands for the 6th generation of wireless technology. It will provide wireless connectivity that is more will be ubiquitous, efficient and immersive than 5G and enable multiple new technologies. It is in its early stages of standardization process. It is likely to be faster than the previous generations. The proposals include a ubiquitous connectivity model which could include noncellular access such as a satellite and Wi-Fi, precise location services and a framework for distributed edge computing supporting more sensor networks and artificial intelligence workloads. It will provide network simplification, increased interoperability, lower latency and energy efficiency.
Understanding IoT
The Internet of Things is the network of physical objects or things embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity, which enables these objects to collect and exchange data. It allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure creating opportunities for more direct integration between the physical world and computer based systems and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit.
IoT is shaping the way we live our lives. It helps us to get a better insight into to the working of things around us. So basically, Internet of Things is the system of interrelated devices connected to the Internet to transfer and receive data from one to another. Smart home is the best example of IoT. Home appliances such as the AC, doorbell, thermostats, smoke detectors, water heaters and security alarms can be interconnected to shared data with the user over a mobile application. The user can now get details about the working of devices around him.
Smart cities: Concept and importance
A smart city uses information and communication technology to improve operational efficiency, shared information with the public and provide a better quality of government service and citizen welfare. The main goal of a smart city is to optimize city functions and promote economic growth while also improving the quality of life for citizens by using smart technologies and data analysis. The value lies in how this technology is used rather than simply how much technology is available.
A city’s smartness is determined using a set of characteristics including
- An infrastructure based around technology
- environmental initiatives
- effective and highly functional public transportation
- confident and progressive city plans
- people able to live and work within the city using its resources
Functions of a smart city
- E governance and citizen services including public information, electronic service delivery, citizen engagement, video crime monitoring.
- Smart management including smart meters and management, renewable sources of energy, energy efficient and green buildings.
- Waste management including waste to energy and fuel, waste to compost, waste water to be treated, recycling and reduction of C&D waste.
- Urban mobility including smart parking, intelligent traffic management, integrated multimodal transport.
- Water management including smart meters and management, leakage identification, preventive measures, water quality monitoring.
- Telemedicine, education, incubation, trade facilitation centres, skill development centres.
How 5G and 6G are revolutionizing smart cities and IoT
- The 5th and 6th generation of wireless technology is offering a faster speed along with lower latency and a more reliable connections in comparison to its predecessors. These networks are acting as a crucial enabler of the Internet of Things ecosystem period prior to introduction of these wireless network the devices were struggling with limitation of bandwidth and a slower transfer speed of data and network congestion of course. But with the advent of new technology, it is offering an enhanced capabilities so that the Internet of Things devices can operate seamlessly by improving its efficiency in real time data processing.
- The updated wireless technology is revolutionizing the smart cities in the current time. For the smart cities, congestion is posing a significant challenge. But the 5th and 6th generation of wireless network is offering a real time traffic management system which is monitoring the flow of traffic and identifying the bottlenecks. It is adjusting the traffic signals accordingly. IoT sensors are placed throughout the smart cities which can track the traffic patterns and reduce congestion, travel time and carbon emissions.
- With the advent of the latest technology. Energy consumption and conservation is also being revolutionized. Smart grids are powered by this latest technology which can monitor the usage of energy across buildings and neighborhoods through which you can optimize the distribution of energy and minimize the waste. Smart cities use sensors to monitor. By adjusting energy consumption based on real time data. You can make the buildings more energy efficient by reducing the environmental impact and cost.
- It offers a high speed connectivity so that the public safety systems can function effectively in smart cities. IoT devices can detect the potential threats and alert the authorities. Hence it provides an enhanced public safety to the smart cities.
- It provides waste management solution which is a crucial challenge for the smart cities. With its sensors installed in waste bins. It can notify city authorities when the bins are full so that they can collect it. It will reduce the need for garbage truck trips which will contribute in lowering the fuel consumption and pollution.
- With the evolving technology, healthcare industry is also being revolutionized as doctors can monitor patients remotely, they can provide them telemedicine and allow real time health data transmission. The wearable devices can track the vital signs and then send to the healthcare provider in case any quicker intervention is required.
Conclusion
The integration of 5G and 6G technology is completely revolutionizing smart cities and IoT devices. It is making the cities smarter and more efficient. Undoubtedly, technology is paving the path for the upcoming future. It will address the major challenges faced by the modern society and provide a remedial solution.
