The rapid developments in IoT technology are bringing the promise of an exciting and convenient future. Soon nearly every piece of technology we use will be part of an always-on, always-connected web of smart sensors and data feedback devices. According to Gartner, the number of IoT devices globally will reach 20.4 billion by 2020. That in turn, will enable things like self-driving vehicles, real-time telemedicine, and advanced personal robotics. It will also unleash a torrent of data traffic across the internet. Currently, the amount of data uploaded to the internet in a single second is a staggering 24,000 gigabytes. 5G will expand the already pivotal role of cellular connectivity in such deployments, and so the advantages of 5G will likely mean a lot for this growing network of connected “Things”.

5G network speeds are estimated to be as high as 10-20Gbps, allowing the rapid transmission of vast amounts of data between connected IoT devices, and powering applications that demand real-time connections. Ideal for critical or bandwidth-hungry applications, 5G will enable an even broader array of IoT capabilities and combined, 5G and IoT will be able to deliver connected applications beyond today’s capacity, for example, advanced virtual reality, M2M and artificial intelligence.

Working in conjunction with increased speed, another key benefit of 5G will be lower latency and increased reliability. Targeted to have less than 1-millisecond latency, 5G will enable mission-critical IoT applications that require maximum responsiveness and reliability – this could range from industrial automation to connected/driverless vehicles and remote healthcare. However, super-fast download speed and low latency are not necessarily required for all IoT applications, and 5G will also support those with low power consumption and high energy efficiency requirements, such as smart cities. Paid Focusgroup

These multiple factors, combined with 5G’s high connection density, will allow IoT deployments to expand in scope and operate with greater efficiency. 5G will further enhance the flexibility and scalability of connections already offered by today’s cellular networks, and will both accelerate the adoption of existing IoT applications as well as pave the way for future technologies.