How 5G and data analytics will change the way we live

5G and data analytics are going to disrupt the way we live. Building on the foundations of 4G technology, 5G networks are expected to deliver faster network speeds, which means downloading and uploading data will be faster than ever before. The rapid transmission of data brings several technological developments experts are calling ‘Industry 4.0’.

With industry 4.0, we can expect to see smart cities, self-driving cars, smarter AI and more. Therefore, it is important to understand the connection between fifth-generation networks and data analytics, and how this connection will change how we live.

What is 5G?

The fifth generation of wireless communication (5G) is an evolution of 4G technology, leading to faster download and upload speeds. For comparison, 4G networks transfer data at around 5-12 Mbps. On the other hand, 5th generation networks deliver can download/upload at 20 Gbps. To put this in context, it takes 40 minutes to download a movie using 4G. It takes 35 seconds to download that same movie with a fifth-generation network. Thus, 5G connections allow users to do more in less time compared to 4G networks.

However, speed is not the only upgrade with 5G. A fifth-generation network comes with network management features not seen in 4G networks. The most prominent network operations include network slicing, which allows telecommunication providers to run several virtual networks within one physical connection. Fifth generation connections also come with a lower latency rate (1 ms) compared to 4G (50 ms).

Lower latency rates mean fewer delays in transferring information. Hence, fifth-generation networks do not just mean higher speeds, they also mean less lag in transferring data and better network management.

What is the connection to data analytics?

Thus, 5G can power several technologies like IoT, data analytics, AI and cloud computing. Technologies that will herald industry 4.0.

Data analytics will benefit tremendously from fifth-generation networks because the promise of faster download speeds combined with low latency makes it possible for analysts to collect, clean and analyse large data volumes in a shorter period of time. Therefore, we can soon expect to see data analytics power technologies that were not possible before. For example, self-driving cars were not possible due to the fact that data analytics was restricted by the high latency of older networks.

However, fifth-generation networks combined with data analytics would make self-driving cars a reality. The lower latency rates facilitate real-time data exchanges between cars and their surroundings in (a crucial feature for self-driving cars). Moreover, technologies derived from data analytics, like predictive maintenance, AI and deep learning, will be much more effective with 5G.

For example, cognitive analytics consists of descriptive analytics and simple BI reporting. But with a fifth-generation connection, cognitive analytics evolves into machine AI and deep learning. Thus, delivering analytics platforms that study past data and make optimal decisions, rather than simply reporting insights. We can, therefore, expect to see analytics evolving into more powerful, versatile platforms.

How will Data Analytics and 5G Lead to Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 refers to the latest technology wave that is expected to change the way we live. The latest wave of tech is powered by data and machine learning, which builds on the technologies introduced in Industry 3.0 (industry powered by computers). Examples of smart cars, automated factories, smart devices, and augmented reality are just some of the technologies we see from Industry 4.0. These technologies will transform the way we work.

For example, a smart factory with AI and machine learning will allow machines to self-optimise, re-configure and execute complex tasks without human supervision.

Devices derived from Industry 4.0 need data analytics and fifth generation connections to work because smart devices collect a lot of data. For example, a self-driving car collects petabytes of information, within one minute. A data analytics platform is needed to analyse this large volume of data smart devices collect, to derive meaningful insights. By incorporating 5G connections into the fold, we can facilitate transmission between devices and sensors, allowing for real-time feedback, which will be invaluable.

We will see fifth-generation networks and data analytics facilitate the creation of new business models through data monetisation. Telecom providers will benefit from this because they can profit not just from the provision of network connectivity but also from value delivered through network layers. As mentioned before, 5G allows providers to slice one physical network into different virtual networks. Having different networks and virtual layers provide additional value to businesses, which will benefit providers in return. Thus, we can see the creation of new business models through data monetisation.

Key Takeaways

5G and data analytics are set to disrupt the way we live by facilitating Industry 4.0 technology. A faster network speed makes it easier to analyse petabytes of data and transmit the results in real time. Meanwhile, data analytics allows for the development of more sophisticated technologies powered by AI and machine learning. These sophisticated technologies do more than analyse data and relay information. They can self-assess, self-adjust and even perform complex tasks without human intervention. Thus, these technologies will become truly transformative as they become more widespread across society.

Don’t stop here! Visit our Selerity blog to find out more about the power of data analytics. We discuss the implications of big data on aviation, public transport, natural disaster management and more!