By Shannon Flynn
There’s been a lot of talk about how 5G will change the wireless communications game. It’s because of the implications of the technology, which significantly improves upon previous generations of mobile networks.
If all goes according to plan, we should see lower latency, increased bandwidth and support, and better wireless connections all around. With all of that comes faster speeds, which bodes well for IoT and connected devices. Most importantly, it strengthens edge computing solutions, and the combination of these two technologies will revolutionize the digital market.
Revolutionize, you say? How?
1. They Transcend Modern Mobile
Modern networks, 4G LTE included, are only a reliable solution for select mobile devices. Edge computing helps expand that usability by shifting processing and functional tasks closer to the users or devices.
Instead of these events happening on a remote server in the cloud, they happen at the edge of the network. It allows for faster connections, stronger and more reliable access, and new opportunities for IoT platforms.
5G, which uses a wider band of the wireless spectrum, will completely turn that on its head by allowing for more expansive support, which includes devices we’ve never seen before. We’re talking about internet-enabled medical devices, remote-access solutions, industrial applications, and more.
So many new possibilities will be introduced because the network supports faster and stronger connections, while edge computing solutions offer even more stability and security.
2. They Both Elevate Data
Imagine edge computing as a way to retain data by keeping it close to the point of execution, even while leveraging powerful processing and analytics solutions. Wireless networks like 5G are more about transmitting or sharing data.
By merging the two technologies, you are essentially allowing various devices to reach their full potential. By and large, the Internet of Things requires a constant stream of data flowing in and out, as well as access to analytics, processing, and remote control systems. With 5G and edge computing technologies working in tandem, it suddenly becomes possible to leverage these applications in unprecedented ways.
For example, autonomous driving sensors can send and receive data in real-time to take action while on the open road. They benefit from a stable connection to an edge computing system, which helps collate information and make split-second decisions with virtually no lag or delay in response times. The always-on access to information and processing empowers instantaneous action.
It’s now possible to have connected medical devices which continuously transmit the wearer’s vitals, allowing doctors to monitor progress and health remotely, from anywhere.
3. They Improve Services
When is the last time you made a video call using just a mobile connection without Wi-Fi? The quality was probably poor, with fluctuating visuals and audio, or maybe dropped connections. This is a product of unreliable networks with high latency and low bandwidth support. It also explains why regular voice calls drop when you have a poor signal. The lower the quality of the connection, the less likely the communications will work.
These things may still happen with 5G, especially when you’re out of range of a wireless source, but it should be far less common. Edge computing, however, can help eliminate that problem by offering another pass-through for local connections. It lightens the load on the network, as less data needs to be sent over the air.
It also improves response times, especially in spotty coverage areas. Ping times between a cell tower and the device connecting are reduced quite a bit with the help of edge computing.
5G and Edge Computing Will Drive Digital Transformation
The limitations posed by the previous generation of wireless networks are to blame for slow digital transformation efforts in many cases. Slow connections, unreliable access, high latency, and poor bandwidth severely choke connections, bringing down the average experience. You can’t have a successful conference through live video if the connection is always dropping.
5G, on its own, will change that by offering better speed, performance, reliability, and bandwidth. But when you tack on edge computing solutions, all of those positive features get a boost. By moving data centers closer to the end-users or devices, you’re not just securing reliability and access, but also vastly improving performance for platforms like mobile computing and IoT.
The pairing of these two technologies will drive digital transformation, introducing a whole new world of wireless and digital solutions.
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About the Author
Shannon Flynn is a tech writer who covers topics like cloud computing, business technology, and data. You can find her work on Hackernoon, Cybint Solutions, Irish Tech News, and ReHack.com. Visit ReHack for other trending tech topics covered by Shannon.
