6G Network
Networking

6G Network: Will It Outpace 5G?

Just as society is starting to learn about 5G wireless networks, new ideas are forming for a 6G network. While 5G opened the door to wider and faster bandwidth to accommodate autonomous vehicles and automated tasks, 6G will be more equipped to handle virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR). Here's a deeper look at what's on the horizon with 6G.


Wider Bandwidth and Higher Speed

The main characteristics of a 6G network, much like 5G, are wider bandwidth and higher speed. Frequency bands will expand to terahertz (THz) with 6G while transmission speed jumps from 20 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 1 terabit per second (Tbps). In the process, latency will be reduced to less than one millisecond, making it a much more reliable connection.

Due to its broader coverage and faster speed, 6G will be more suitable for advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Machine learning combined with automation will be an important aspect of this development. It will also facilitate an expansion of big data for factories and cloud-based businesses.


Rise of Extended Reality

Extended reality is the result of combining virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. Virtual reality simulates the physical world with the use of electronic equipment such as a helmet or goggles. Augmented reality is an interactive experience that replaces physical elements with digital representations. Mixed reality mixes the physical and virtual worlds with 3D interactions.

Although XR can already work on 5G, it will be a greatly enhanced experience with 6G. Its application will be useful in multiple industries such as medicine, media, education and manufacturing. The amount of data that 6G will support allows for virtual face-to-face real-time meetings to seem even more real.

Are you prepared for planning a 6G network? Even if you haven't adopted 5G for your infrastructure yet, it's good to know what's up ahead. Working with technology professionals is the best way to plan a roadmap for your future technology.

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More Expansive Communication

Another benefit of 6G will be how it improves communication. It will be useful in urban and rural areas for transmitting large amounts of data. To make big data more efficient, AI will help speed up the process. Some of the more advanced applications include holographic communication and other forms of 3D technology.

Virtual communications will encompass all five senses, delivering immersive experiences. At its most powerful, 6G allows for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, which can prevent traffic accidents. It may even finally create an environment for domestic robots.


Challenges Ahead for 6G Implementation

One of the biggest challenges facing the development of 6G will be the investment in new technology to facilitate terabit speeds. It will require new cabling that could disrupt the current infrastructure. Much more computing power will be required, so ideally, renewable energy will be part of the mix.

In order for 6G to gain acceptance with significant early adopters, it must deliver high reliability for mission-critical tasks. A key technological challenge will be meeting demand for high-energy consumption with stronger antennae density. Engineers will need to improve battery life of network devices.

Due to the increase in data shared over wireless connections, there will be a greater need to keep up with the most robust cybersecurity. Hackers will have an easier time stealing data from those that don't take cybersecurity seriously.

Another risk factor to consider that could slow down 6G development is the lack of standards set by a governing body. At present, there is no formal entity overseeing the development of 6G. Without standards, there will likely be incompatibility issues.


Where Is 6G Going?

Despite the technological and financial hurdles facing 6G development, there are large players trying to beat competitors at new innovations. The earliest 6G pioneers can expect standards is 2028, according to Samsung. Such a milestone would set up mass commercialization by 2030.

You'll know it's the 6G era when you begin interacting with holograms. Extended reality will no longer be just a novelty and will provide useful functions for various industries. A much greater emphasis and expectation will be placed on the reliability and trustworthiness of technological performance.

Currently, the United States and China are in a race to develop a 6G network. Congress is working on a roadmap for the Biden administration to follow that includes reallocation of the radio spectrum to accommodate 6G functions. This blueprint is being developed with the help of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS). The organization aims to fast-track 6G standards by 2024-2025.


Conclusion

Are you prepared for planning a 6G network? Even if you haven't adopted 5G for your infrastructure yet, it's good to know what's up ahead. Working with technology professionals is the best way to plan a roadmap for your future technology.

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3G Sunset
Networking

How to Prepare for the 3G Sunset in 2022

Have you heard about the 3G Sunset and how it will impact online activities in 2022? Telecom companies that provide wireless connectivity are shutting down 3G networks throughout 2022 so they can focus tower space on 4G and 5G networks. Businesses that still use 3G devices need to prepare for this major change or face disruption through the potential loss of internet connectivity.


Telecoms Shutting Down Networks in 2022

Various industries still rely on 3G equipment for their operations. Logistics firms, first responders and oil companies still use equipment that connects with 3G networks. But once all the 3G networks are shut down, devices designed for 3G will no longer connect with the internet. Here are sunset dates for some of the top internet providers:

     ✓ T-Mobile - March 31, 2022

     ✓ AT&T - February 2022

     ✓ Verizon - December 31, 2022

     ✓ Sprint's 3G - January 1, 2022

     ✓ Sprint's LTE - June 30, 2022

     ✓ Other global telecom firms - Boost, Cricket and Straight Talk have also announced shutdowns. More 2G networks will also shut down in 2022.


Challenging Transition to 4G and 5G

Despite the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, tough challenges face telecom and tech developers of 4G and 5G products and services. Supply chain delays have created a domino effect, while chip shortages have also contributed to a slowdown in a wide range of developments. So it may be an awkward transition for some people, especially those who know little about 2G thru 5G and don't keep up with the latest tech news.

Meanwhile, old iPhones and Androids simply won't connect to the internet once the 2G and 3G networks are completely shut down. People who have yet to invest in a modern smartphone might finally get one now that old cellphones will no longer be useful for mobile connectivity. Old 3G phones won't even be able to call 911, but they may still have certain functions over a Wi-Fi connection.

The shift to 4G and 5G may come as culture shock to some people who are happy with their old flip phones. Minimalists who don't like to buy the latest trendy gadget every few years will be annoyed they are forced to conform to a new paradigm. They won't even have the benefit of reselling their old phones as used items. It's possible that remote workforces will face disruption if the full staff doesn't accept the new 4G and 5G standards.

Some environmentalists may complain that this move is causing perfectly good working gadgets to go to waste. At the same time, environmental laws are getting stricter on how to dispose of e-waste. There's also a growing trend toward recycling old electronic gadgets.

The transition to 4G and 5G will most likely disrupt consumers who haven't heard much about it and find out they need to purchase a new mobile device this year.

Despite the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, tough challenges face telecom and tech developers of 4G and 5G products and services. Supply chain delays have created a domino effect, while chip shortages have also contributed to a slowdown in a wide range of developments. So it may be an awkward transition for some people, especially those who know little about 2G thru 5G and don't keep up with the latest tech news.

Meanwhile, old iPhones and Androids simply won't connect to the internet once the 2G and 3G networks are completely shut down. People who have yet to invest in a modern smartphone might finally get one now that old cellphones will no longer be useful for mobile connectivity. Old 3G phones won't even be able to call 911, but they may still have certain functions over a Wi-Fi connection.

The shift to 4G and 5G may come as culture shock to some people who are happy with their old flip phones. Minimalists who don't like to buy the latest trendy gadget every few years will be annoyed they are forced to conform to a new paradigm. They won't even have the benefit of reselling their old phones as used items. It's possible that remote workforces will face disruption if the full staff doesn't accept the new 4G and 5G standards.

Some environmentalists may complain that this move is causing perfectly good working gadgets to go to waste. At the same time, environmental laws are getting stricter on how to dispose of e-waste. There's also a growing trend toward recycling old electronic gadgets.

The transition to 4G and 5G will most likely disrupt consumers who haven't heard much about it and find out they need to purchase a new mobile device this year.


Industries Affected By Telecom Changes

     ✓ Transportation - Vehicle telemetry is an emerging technology that has allowed trucking companies to monitor various metrics that reflect the vehicle and the driver. Companies that have deployed digital transformation in recent years likely already have 4G and 5G compatible technology.

     ✓ Energy - Several EV charging stations are now over a decade old and were originally set up to connect with 3G systems. Such charging stations must be upgraded to still function properly.

     ✓ Utilities - Smart meters are at the heart of Industry 4.0 for power companies, but those designed for 3G communication must be upgraded. Consumers who check their energy usage with old cell phones will need to upgrade to smartphones.

     ✓ Healthcare - The use of wearables for patient monitoring has helped revolutionize the healthcare industry, but older wearables are in jeopardy of ceasing to function with the shutdown of 2G and 3G. It's imperative for doctors to alert their patients who need new wearables.

     ✓ Consumer - Security alarms built years ago that communicate with law enforcement or other monitoring sources online may need to be replaced. Alarm systems that connect on 3G networks will no longer work after 3G connectivity is phased out.


Industries Affected By Telecom Changes

Most people actually already own phones designed for 4G and 5G networks, so they won't be affected at all by the change. For businesses still using 3G phones and other old devices, the challenge will be to set aside a budget for replacement devices. An obvious option for businesses to avoid paying for new technology is to enforce a "bring your own device" (BYOD) policy with the understanding the device must be compatible with 4G or 5G.

While private networks are an option, most companies need to create an action plan to either replace, upgrade or retrofit devices that rely on older cellular technologies. Businesses need a backup plan to avoid downtime if they are unable to meet the sunset dates with replacement devices. Here are action items to consider when preparing for network shutdowns:

     ✓ Identify cellular technology used by devices (2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, etc.) - Make note of which older devices can be upgraded.

     ✓ Identify the cellular carrier providing connectivity for devices - Be aware of what the carrier's plans are with 4G and beyond.

     ✓ Find out when the carrier will shut down 3G service - Remember that by the end of 2022 there will be no more 3G connectivity.

     ✓ Identify and prioritize which devices to replace - Consider replacing these items with the same brands to maintain consistency and familiarity.

Beyond finding capital in their budget to cover the expense of upgrades, companies must also be able to find the necessary parts for the equipment. Ongoing supply chain challenges include labor shortages, supply shortages and shipment delays for items such as computer chips. Due to this logistics crisis, it may be difficult to find affordable or ideal phone brands and models for your business right away.

Some carriers are offering free and low-cost smartphones for 3G users who need to upgrade. Certain older phones can be upgraded for 4G and 5G with a software update and a new SIM card.


Conclusion

The world of 3G is becoming a ghost town in the IT world. Much of it will no longer be supported by telecom or tech companies. The one thing you can predict this century with technology is constant change.

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WiFi6
Networking

What to Expect From WiFi 6 in 2022

Since its introduction, WiFi has become one of the most popular and successful wireless technologies. At its core, WiFi is a simple protocol that can be used to connect any two devices over an invisible radio link. However, the technical underpinnings of WiFi make it so successful.


What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is the latest version of the WiFi standard used to connect devices to a wireless local area network (WLAN). It’s also known by the marketing name Gigabit WiFi and was approved in December 2017 as part of the IEEE 802.11ax standard.

The 802.11ax standard is backward compatible with previous WiFi versions and offers several improvements over 802.11ac, including greater capacity and speed.

WiFi 6 is designed to support a wide range of applications and use cases that require many users or devices connected simultaneously, such as in public hotspots or dense residential environments such as apartment blocks. It also boasts improved network efficiency for more streamlined operations at scale and increased performance for individual users.

WiFi 6 promises higher speeds and better performance for your data-hungry devices than previous versions of WiFi. That’s not just good news for you; it means the technology will help fuel a new generation of internet-connected devices, from virtual reality headsets and smart home appliances to autonomous vehicles.

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What Is Unique About WiFi 6?

The first difference is speed and capacity. Unlike previous WiFi upgrades, which added more frequency bands and more spatial streams to achieve higher speeds, WiFi 6 uses wider channels (160 MHz instead of 40 MHz). It has larger packets (2,560 bytes instead of 1,280 bytes) to achieve higher data rates (upwards of 10 Gbps). This gives WiFi 6 up to four times the speed and capacity of previous versions.

WiFi 6 also brings several changes designed to improve reliability and security. Multiple Access Points can now talk to each other directly without going through the router.

This means clients can connect directly with each other while still enjoying the benefits of a centralized management interface like the dynamic quality of service (QoS) or traffic shaping. These features should make WiFi 6 less prone to interference, especially in crowded environments like stadiums or airports.



What Makes WiFi 6 Faster?

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access: This is one of the main improvements that WiFi 6 brings to the table. The basic concept behind OFDMA is that it divides radio frequencies into multiple channels, enabling various devices to share the same space without interfering. This can be extremely important in crowded areas like airports or coffee shops where many people use their devices at once.

Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS): To provide faster speeds, WiFi 6 allows two devices to connect simultaneously on the same channel. This is similar to how you might use your laptop and phone as hotspots for your tablet, but with WiFi 6, the second device doesn’t slow down the first one. The second device can still receive a strong signal from the router, even if connected to another device.

Beamforming: Beamforming helps direct wireless signals in specific directions rather than broadcasting in all directions like a radio tower. This method directs the wireless signal only where it needs to go and away from where it doesn’t need to be. This prevents interference with other wireless devices nearby.


WiFi 6 Is a Major Leap Forward for Internet Access

Like how the jump from 3G to 4G LTE gave us faster data speeds and better coverage, WiFi 6 will usher in new capabilities like multi-user access and increased capacity. Where does that leave your older routers? It might be time to upgrade.

In addition to providing better connectivity, WiFi 6 also has more efficient spectrum use, which will allow carriers to use their 4G networks more efficiently while still offering good coverage and fast speeds to customers.

Because it is backward compatible with previous generations, businesses don’t have to worry about replacing their older devices if they want WiFi 6 capabilities; they need to ensure that their access points support the newer standard.

It is also safe for businesses to upgrade their network now because the new standard will be supported by most devices within a few years when it becomes a de-facto standard for any new device purchase.

According to Deloitte Global, the trend is clear: we will have more WiFi 6 devices than 5G by 2022, with 2.5 billion units shipped versus 1.5 billion.

WiFi 6 offers the most advanced wireless technology available today and has many applications. From smartphones and laptops to smart TVs, and even cars, WiFi 6 can offer fast connections and reliable performance in many environments.

Some wireless carriers in the United States and other countries have conducted trials of 5G technology, but those tests are just getting started. Meanwhile, some wireless carriers around the globe are already testing or deploying WiFi 6 gear.

The biggest advantage of WiFi 6 over 5G is that it’s easier to set up and deploy. If you’re a business owner, starting a WiFi network for your store is not a complicated thing. The equipment needed for setting up a WiFi 6 network is also cheaper than what’s required for setting up a 5G network.

The two technologies don’t directly compete against each other. However, 5G will likely take a bite out of WiFi usage as people move more of their data traffic away from home onto cellular networks.

At the office, large enterprises say WiFi 6 would be critical in the next three years, with 73% saying it would be relevant by 2023 compared to 61% of medium businesses and just 34% of small businesses. Overall, 58% said it would be relevant by 2023.


WiFi 6 Release 2 Has Arrived, It’s Even Better

On January 7, 2022, the WiFi Alliance announced the official launch of WiFi 6 Release 2. This is a significant update to the WiFi 6 standard. New features in Release 2 are designed to boost efficiency by allowing devices to sleep longer and wake up less often — and when they do wake, they can receive data from multiple access points at once. These new features also allow WiFi 6 devices to connect with each other directly, without needing an access point as an intermediary, in a technology called “multi-user spatial multiplexing.”

Uplink MU-MIMO is one of the most exciting new features in WiFi 6 Release 2. It gives access points the ability to send data back to client devices without waiting for the client device to send an ACK (acknowledgment).

Without uplink MU-MIMO, if an AP sends a data frame to a client device and that client device doesn’t work ACK within a certain period (typically three times the maximum frame length), the AP is required to resend that data frame. With uplink MU-MIMO enabled on both the AP and client device, this requirement no longer exists.

This second release of the specification adds other capabilities to help further differentiate devices and provide additional flexibility for manufacturers and operators to meet specific use cases or tailor the technology to different device form factors like automotive, IoT, or even home appliances and other connected devices.

WiFi 6 is only in its infancy so far, but it promises to have a much more significant impact on the industry than WiFi 5. The tech development has already had a significant effect on what we can expect from our devices in the future, and it seems clear that the WiFi 6 will be bringing us many exciting new features as the years go by.


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Hybrid Connectivity
Networking

Pathways to Hybrid Connectivity

Many businesses are venturing into hybrid connectivity that includes both wired and wireless internet solutions. On the wireless side, Bluetooth LE combined with low-power cellular technology is poised to escalate IoT adoption around the world. Rising populations will demand greater energy and connectivity in the future, setting the stage for the mass proliferation of IoT devices embedded across business networks and smart cities.


Emerging Hybrid Gateways

The need for hybrid connectivity is growing to improve business continuity. Although the grid infrastructure of the past century is decaying, which is evident by an increase in power shortages during storms, utilities are adopting renewable energy to fill in power gaps. Meanwhile, IoT sensors are being installed in power plants to make operations more efficient. Businesses that adopt hybrid connectivity solutions will be able to handle power outages more effectively.

Life for society, in general, will improve in terms of the speed of information exchange. Real-time data monitoring is the key to IoT viability, which requires the strategic placement of sensors in vehicles and production equipment. The use of Bluetooth combined with new low-power cellular IoT technology has already proven to be an effective hybrid solution.

Wired devices provide the most stable and reliable internet connectivity performance, whereas wireless IoT devices can be installed in a lot more places. Embedding sensors within machinery is part of the hybrid solution. Tech experts have estimated there are already over 70 billion devices connected to the internet. As IoT devices expand across the internet, more electric power will be needed to meet energy demands, as utilities adopt backup renewable energy as a solution. IoT sensors will be responsible for alerting utilities on power consumption.

Certain IoT devices only need to transfer data short distances, such as within about 500 feet. Bluetooth operates on a 2.4GHz frequency to deliver high-quality short-range wireless connectivity with throughput of 2 Mbps. Wi-Fi is another short-range solution up to about 200 feet, but with faster transmission speed up to 600 Mbps. The main issue with Wi-Fi, however, is privacy. A more energy-efficient wireless solution is Z-Wave, which transfers data at a frequency of 900 MHz while extending the hardware's battery life.


Long-Term Connectivity Management

As connectivity quality improves, IoT installations will expand among companies looking to streamline operations. Nowadays, only a small percentage of supply chain data is even utilized, but in time early adopters will set new models for logistics efficiency with the help of countless IoT devices.

Wired internet solutions are by no means outdated and are usually most appropriate for stationary equipment. Making sure heavy-duty equipment is connected online while mobile devices can be wireless is a strong hybrid strategy. Wired internet makes sense for smart grids, extended wiring, home networks, and municipal use, such as for smart parking meters and street lights. Meanwhile, Bluetooth can handle many short-range wireless data exchanges with the advent of mobile personal area networks (PANS).


Future of Business Connectivity

Within the next decade, the rise of IoT will be more visible among big producers since they have the most need to cut wasteful costs. New IoT technology, 5G, and more flexible networking will open the door to less strain on the electric grid system and more efficiency for manufacturing operations. The expansion of available data at faster delivery speeds will also accelerate the pace of quality control to help improve operations.


Conclusion

The concept of hybrid connectivity will play a significant role in the transformation toward omnipresent smart technology. Building an interconnected IoT ecosystem and using appropriate data delivery methods through either wired or wireless connectivity will streamline data processing. The result will be more data-centric organizations that save money through real-time decision making and more efficient sharing of resources.


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5G technology
Networking

Bringing 5G Technology to the Energy Sector

Everyone has heard about how 5G technology will be a major game-changer for consumers. Beyond that, it will also transform utilities into much more efficient operations, which puts less strain on the environment. The combination of a digitized electrical grid, 5G and IoT will lead to improved revenue models and customer satisfaction for utilities. At the same time, it will help customers monitor their own energy usage more effectively, and conserve energy.

The reason 5G will bring significant changes to society is because it will be based on faster, more interconnected wireless networks. Both utilities and consumers will be able to access important energy information from mobile devices in real-time. But in order to create a smooth transition to 5G, utilities must invest in upgraded technology that supports high data transmission speeds. Coinciding with 5G development, smart devices will require less energy, further enhancing cost-efficiency.


More Data and Faster Response Time

Power management will improve enormously by virtue of expanded data analysis from the spread of smart sensors within an electric grid system. The reason 5G will play a huge role in this transformation is because it will streamline various components of a utility operation, especially for reducing costs and waste. It will also create a safer environment for electricians, who will have a lot more grid data at their fingertips.

With the advent of 5G, data transmission will be more instantaneous, giving utility analysts more actionable data to resolve technical issues at a faster pace. This enormous growth in real-time data from smart sensors that monitor grid systems will lead to more reliable and efficient electricity production and distribution.


The Benefits that 5G Offers the Energy Industry

Energy producers will benefit in numerous ways from 5G technology. Suppliers will improve communication with each other, while consumers will enjoy more reliable electricity at lower costs. Another one of the most important benefits will be how 5G helps allocate energy more efficiently to reduce greenhouse gases. With the integration of stored renewable energy, the grid system will have more resources to draw from during peak times.

As 5G is deployed, it will facilitate more interconnected electrical components monitored by self-correcting machine learning technology. Increased data collection will resolve a wide variety of technical problems. This modernization will give utilities greater insights on predicting peak periods so that they can make quick adjustments that yield more efficient power distribution.

Here are some key use-cases for 5G in the energy sector:

  • Improved energy distribution within a smart grid - Utilities can manage voltage fluctuation more effectively, which will help reduce power losses.
  • Use of smart meters to monitor energy usage - Homeowners can access smart meters from their smartphones to monitor their daily energy use. This helps make consumers more conscious of their energy use and how costs are broken down based on kilowatt hours.
  • Remote monitoring of solar and wind sources - Renewable energy can be used in smart grids for backup power when demand levels rise. And by adding remote monitoring of decentralized renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, smart grids can help allocate resources more effectively.
  • More efficient power generation - Without smart sensors, power generation can be unstable and unpredictable at times. With smart sensors and 5G, power generation can achieve more stability, allowing for more reliable electricity production.
  • Environmentally friendly solution - By helping to reduce wasted fossil fuels, 5G helps raise more awareness of how necessary the control of harmful emissions, as well as promotes the need to transition renewable forms of energy, in order to protect our environment.


Conclusion

More and more industries are realizing the benefits of 5G technology, and the power industry is one of them. The earlier that energy companies adopt this transformation, the more competitive edges they will gain in the near future. It will allow utilities to promote themselves as leaders in more efficient and cleaner energy production.

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5G technology
Networking

Innovating with Enterprise: How Telecom Plans to Recoup 5G Investments

The telecom industry has held its own for over 100 years through several disruptions. Today, the next level of development revolves around the promises of the internet of things, 5G, and their potential to generate new revenue streams. Embracing these new technologies can allow telecom operators to remain profitable in a world that has left behind old revenue streams around long-distance calling and text message charges, to become an exclusive world of unlimited data.

Everyone is racing to have the most robust 5G network, but much of the ROI remains wrapped up in potential rather than solid business cases. Compared to places like China and South Korea, it is considerably more time consuming and costly to rollout 5G small cell infrastructure in the US. One research firm projects that mobile service providers will collectively spend nearly US $57 billion on the rollout of 5G through 2022.

There are plenty of challenges that come with the costly rollout and implementation of 5G networks. First, there is the need to identify millions of locations for infrastructure. Next, companies must work with city officials to acquire permits for every one of the millions of identified locations. Even after installation, a number of operational costs remain to lease, deploy and maintain sites containing the small cell technology. With all these challenges, there is growing concern around the small profit margins that will come with these new ultra-fast networks.


The Road to ROI

To recover a significant return on investment, network operators need to develop new revenue streams beyond just access charges for internet services. There is an increasingly pressing need for network operators to create new products and more monetization models to stay profitable.

Will users be willing to pay more for 5G services? Even though the ability to download an HD move in 5 seconds or enjoy a smooth AR/VR gaming experience is beneficial, it is not an immediate need for consumers. When thinking about the technology adoption curve, most consumers usually wait for word of mouth recommendations from their family, friends, and colleagues.

Beyond movies and gaming, everyday consumers will need a lot more products that utilize 5G speeds to make their usage a profitable revenue stream. Therefore, the best business case lies with enterprise 5G solutions rather than purely consumer use.


The Cloud Forward Strategy

In the business world, 5G can help proliferate the ubiquity of automation and intelligent environments. This advancement is possible through a combination of benefits around speed, reliability, low latency, and massive connectivity. 5G networks will change how businesses capture, transmit, and use data, while also managing the potential growth in demand and opening up opportunities to supply even more data. Therefore, to maximize all of the potential and profitability that 5G can provide, telecom operators must be innovative and strategic.

For telecom, the real value lies in cloud-native applications. In order to accommodate flexibility and innovation, many network operators have recognized the strategic imperative of moving to the cloud. When done in parallel with the transformation of operations support systems (OSS) and business support systems (BSS), the benefits come in the form of operational savings from automation. This ultimately affects total cost of ownership, which is important for telecom operators who are already stretched thin from initiatives around 5G and IoT, as well as other mergers and acquisitions.

When it comes to differentiation from competitors, the quality of the network, coverage and price are no longer the go-to USP. Now, by leveraging technology enabled by moving to the cloud, they can differentiate through customer experience by providing access to new and innovative services. Through incorporating the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, operators can get even closer to the customer to understand their experience and improve upon it. This is an essential tactic when calculating the fact that the cost of acquiring a new customer is 5x more expensive than keeping them.


The Rise of B2B2X Business Model

While 5G is an important element, it is not the holy grail of IoT. Telecom operators must work on creating and controlling an end-to-end application infrastructure that will reduce churn and increase customer stickiness.

To do this, operators will have to move away from direct B2B and B2C models and begin selling 5G services to other businesses, who will then package and resell service as part of a bundled offer to their own customers. This model has come to be known as business-to-business-to-X (B2B2X), where X can represent a public agency, another business, or a consumer. Within this model, networks operators must innovate and collaborate in order to share profitability with enterprise partners.

These enterprise partner collaborations are limitless and can range anywhere from automotive, to eHealth, VR, factory automation, and gaming services.


Managing the B2B2X Customer Journey

In order to transition from connectivity providers to business service enablers, telecom must utilize microservices based applications with complete end-to end-governance that includes planning and execution, along with the ability to measure and improve processes. In an effort to bring this model to a reality, several companies are already creating platforms that allow the onboarding of multiple enterprise partners with only one integration in addition to managing services through only one interface. This will allow telecom companies to significantly expand their portfolio with a lower onboarding cost and shorter time-to-market.

Within this new model of digital marketplace solutions, there are several services that need to be brought together. In addition to easily accessible product catalogs, there must also be the inclusion of processes to execute partner, customer, and revenue management.

Many digital players are partnering to expand their global footprint because at the end of the day, people want to pay one provider to bundle their digital services. Even though each new combination of service integrations presents its own unique set of challenges, it is a golden opportunity to boost customer stickiness through new services and a frictionless end-user experience.


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5G technology
Networking

Chasing 5G: Telecom’s Race to Profitability in the Age of Unlimited Data

Telecommunications, the ability to send information through electrical signals, is a legacy industry with a long history. Electrical communications began to dominate society in the 1830s with the telegraph and Morse code, which crossed the Atlantic in 1866. Voice communication arrived in the 1880s, and the first commercial telephone services were set up by the Bell Telephone Company between New Haven, Connecticut, and London, England, in 1879.

After holding a monopoly of the telephone industry for 100 years, the Bell Telephone Company was court-ordered to split into several regional operating companies. The remnants of which include AT&T, Verizon Communications, and Century Link. At the time of its breakup in the early 1980s, the Bell system had the modern equivalent of $370 billion in assets and employed over one million people.

Before the breakup of the telephone companies, in 1965, Donald Davies, a British computer scientist, was struggling with a way to share data between on-campus computers at his job, the UK National Physical Laboratory. While he could send long encoded data files, the problem was the circuit switching protocol that kept phone lines busy during the entire transmission. What Davies required was a more complex system than the telecommunication networks could provide. His answer was to skip the use of telephone lines and build a network by laying high bandwidth data cables throughout the laboratory campus. The result was the institution of a new way of moving data around, which he eventually coined packet switching.

Packet switching serves as the foundation for the modern internet by allowing senders to transmit data over a shared network. Today it continues to be the dominant means for data communications in computer networks worldwide.


Two Decades of Disruption

The proliferation of the internet in the early 2000s spelled the beginning of a major transformation for the telecom industry. Packet switching technologies gave way to voice over internet protocol (VoIP), which led to the declining use of voice and messaging systems through traditional network operators.

Over-the-top (OTT) voice and messaging apps posed a serious threat to traditional carriers’ business models. It became increasingly difficult to get customers to pay 15 cents per SMS/MMS text or for long-distance calls when services like WhatsApp and Viber are free with a data plan. This forced telco operators to move from per-minute/megabyte voice-based services to tiered data plans that included voice and SMS for free.

To overcome revenue declines and boost market value, from 2015-2018, network operators began to diversify and acquire internet/cable/broadband companies such as Time-Warner and DirecTV by AT&T.

Unfortunately, these acquisitions were quickly followed by the cord-cutting revolution. The availability of OTT video services like Netflix further reduced profits, with cable companies losing upwards of 14,000 subscribers each day. By 2018, twenty-five percent of Americans (33 million) had canceled their cable TV subscriptions, and that number is expected to grow, reaching fifty-five percent by 2022.


It’s all About the Data

The emergence of the OTT players has forced telecom to evolve its current service offerings. OTT technology companies go over the top of carrier networks and use data connections to provide services. Because data can be in any mode, WiFi, 3G, 4G, and eventually 5G, they are not in direct competition with telecom providers.

As for cable and satellite providers, many consumers have been steadily shedding their cable subscription packages and opting for internet access only. Besides paid subscriptions like Hulu and Amazon, there is still an increasing variety of free and legally distributed video content available that completely bypasses traditional distribution channels.

Around the world in 2020, many businesses are in distress, which has brought on a fresh round of under-the-radar mergers and acquisitions from companies looking to boost revenue and achieve scale for a greater degree of competitive advantage.

  • T-Mobile and Sprint (Americas)
  • TPG Telecom and Vodafone Australia
  • Comcast and Blueface (Dublin)
  • Verizon and Bluejeans Network

How can telco providers increase profitability when the only business model they have left to generate revenue is through access charges for internet services?


Will the IoT and 5G Save Telecom?

IoT and 5G promise to be the path forward for the traditional telecom companies.

With the coming of 5G, the end-user is no longer just the everyday consumer. The case has become much stronger for enterprise and industrial IoT applications around oil and gas, transportation, construction, telemedicine, and smart factory automation.

While network operators own the spectrum, it is also necessary to begin developing direct B2B relationships with enterprises to create a diverse mix of value-added services.

More than any other business, network operators have the potential to utilize big data analytics. Unlike pure-play broadcasters and video services, telcos can track mobile and broadband usage. The use of insights around purchasing behavior, spending patterns, and other subscriber information, opens up new opportunities to grow revenue. The added value for telcos is providing a more personalized, immersive, and collaborative, end-user experience, especially when it comes to data-rich sports and entertainment content.

Altogether, telecom providers will be highly dependent on enterprise and innovation to move forward and see continued profitability and success well into the future.

For more on how this will work, read Innovating with Enterprise: How Telecom Plans to Recoup 5G Investments


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5G Technology
Networking

Exploring the Adventurous Crossroads of IoT and 5G Technology

Moving to the cloud and investing in IoT devices are important steps in preparing for 5G technology. Every business should be concerned about the new networking technology that will speed up the internet and data collection. Here's a look at how this game-changing development will maximize opportunities for gathering a wealth of valuable data to improve your business.


How 5G Will Advance IoT

The upcoming fifth-generation cellular communications world is commonly called 5G technology. It marks a new era in how business will use the internet to connect with internal and external data. This new interconnected world will be visibly cost-saving for both consumers and producers. Not only will access to big data benefit homeowners to know more about how they spend money on utilities, it will also help advance manufacturers toward higher operational efficiency.

Many traditional processes will need rethinking between now and the widespread deployment of 5G and IoT infrastructure. You will be able to manage your business more effectively and collect increasing amounts of data through modern IoT sensors. Since the data will be in real-time, this access will allow you to accelerate decision-making. Health care professionals, for example, will be able to diagnose illnesses more quickly by monitoring wireless devices worn by patients.


Revolutionizing IoT

The arrival of a faster internet will be one of the keys that 5G will deliver to maximize the utility of data collecting IoT sensors. You'll be able to collect much more data due to wider bandwidth and more reliable transmission. Here's a deeper look at how these changes will improve enterprises:

  • Reduced latency - Even though 4G networks already provide millisecond transmission, 5G will reduce latency further to the point of instantaneous network response. This faster connection will enhance mission-critical activity. For medical patients, it can mean the difference between life and death.
  • More capacity - Although IoT devices don't usually require much bandwidth, the wider capacity that 5G provides will allow for a greater number of IoT sensors to be deployed. You'll be able to route tremendously more data through your system.
  • Greater reliability - IoT devices are only as good as the networks that deliver their data, especially when it comes to real-time scenarios. One of the ways 5G will make data transmission more reliable is through the new technical standard known as Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLCC).


What 5G and IoT Will Do for Business

The massive 5G rollout over the next five years will lead to manufacturers maximizing profit margins by cutting unnecessary tasks in production. You'll be able to cut costs more effectively and eliminate waste through data analysis, which will be assisted by machines. Here are some of the major innovations to expect:

  • Better automation - The new 5G-IoT ecosystem will be more circular with integrated logistics that allow for more efficient data processing with less human intervention. Look for 5G to enable better automation for smart homes and smart cities.
  • Industrial 5G - Automakers and other manufacturers will get more instantaneous accurate data for faster streamlining of their production processes. Quicker calibration will be a huge benefit for manufacturers with the advent of smart factories, drones, and augmented reality headsets.
  • Internet of Everything (IoE) - People, data, and processes will all be connected through 5G, which will spawn IoE. It will create a more intelligent environment as the right data will go to the right people.


Are You Ready for the Next-Gen Connectivity?

Every business sector will be affected by 5G technology and the proliferation of IoT technology, which will someday overshadow current LTE technology. If you've already deployed IoT devices across your operations, then you are well-positioned to integrate with the next wave of business technology. It's wise to prepare for this revolution for a smooth transformation toward a faster, more robust network.


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5G connectivity
Networking

How 5G Connectivity Will Pave a New Future for Businesses

The entire business world will be impacted by 5G connectivity in one way or another. Either a business prepares for 5G and grows with the new technology or it may fall behind competitors if it doesn't. The new technology is considered a game-changer for the internet because it will greatly increase speed and capacity.

Planning for 5G connectivity will separate businesses of the future from businesses of the past. By monitoring the development and trials of the new standard, you will get a clearer understanding of where everything is headed. Data-centric processes will be at the core of this nextgen transition. IoT devices and data collection will be key drivers that define which companies are modern.


Ways 5G Will impact Businesses

As 5G takes off over the next decade, it will be a core force for several industries to improve efficiency at multiple levels. Autonomous vehicles, virtual reality, wearable communication, and automation processes will all become more powerful by the faster connectivity with greater data capacity. Here's a more in-depth look at what the effects of 5G will be.

  • Better Industrial IoT and Data Collection - A recent Gartner survey found that 57 percent of business respondents are preparing for 5G and expect to utilize IoT communication. Industrial IoT is expected to grow by double digits over the next five years. About 20 percent of businesses will experience a 20 percent increase in sales due to more robust Industrial IoT and data collection. Smart factories and wireless industrial control will become the new normal for manufacturers in the coming years.
  • Smart Technology - As energy demand grows globally, smart technology will be the key to monitoring, analyzing, and adjusting processes to reduce waste. Smart grids are developing across many cities, as data analysis will heavily impact how utilities are run. Smart grids integrate well with cost-saving solutions such as Virtual Power Plants (VPP), solar and wind energy, microgrids, and blockchain.
  • Enhanced Connectivity in Vehicles - Self-driving cars have been around for a while, but they will display a noticeable difference in the age of 5G. Built with intelligent driving systems, semi-autonomous vehicles will appear in many places by 2021. Smart technology will play a major role in strengthening fleet management.
  • More Efficient Smart Cities - Soon you will see cities full of smart technology that integrates with LED street lights, CCTV systems, and smart parking meters. Traffic management systems will improve from the use of connected traffic lights and real-time data analysis. It will help make roads safer and less congested. Smart homes have been springing up more often as consumers use their smartphones to gauge energy costs at any time.
  • Connected Healthcare - More and more health patients will use wearables and the internet to replace doctor visits. Health professionals can already remotely monitor patients who wear devices that measure and monitor biological activity such as pulse, blood pressure, and heart rate. It will allow medical experts to receive data and act more quickly to help save lives.

Aside from the technological benefits of 5G, it's important to understand the public issues that go with it, such as spectrum availability, costs, privacy, and security. Your business will have plenty of options for security, including Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). Another security challenge will be to protect against growing cyber threats, as more data and devices require stronger security measures.


Conclusion

The reason there's so much talk around 5G connectivity is that it will create a more seamless internet experience. The changes, however, will not happen all at once, as it will take time for deployment and widespread adoption. Some people are calling 5G the fourth industrial revolution. It will be a world of more massive connections with digital devices. Ultimately, it will transform the quality of business and open the door to new industries.


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5G Technology
Networking

Prepare for 5G Technology with SD-WAN!

5G is the next generation of mobile network technology. With peak data-transfer rates of up to 10 gigabits per second, 5G will be about 100 times faster than 4G. High-capacity & high-speed bandwidth, together with 5G’s improved architecture and supporting technologies, allow applications that generate high volumes of data to function reliably and enable rapid and simultaneous connectivity in high-density environments with hundreds of thousands of endpoints.


5G Evolution

A major reason 5G technology is being hyped as a "game-changer" in internet history is that it will offer ultra-high-speed hyperconnectivity. 5G has the potential to drive new developments in smart machinery and smart manufacturing. 5G could enable IoT networks to run almost instantaneous traffic analyses, improve security and public safety, and possibly enable remote surgery. 5G’s ultra-low latency capability can improve the AR/VR experience and opens possibilities to introduce AR/VR in business and education.

Two-thirds of large organizations expect to have a 5G plan in place by 2020, according to a Gartner survey. Complete deployment, however, will still take several years. The study predicted that communications service providers (CSPs) will not be prepared to meet the high demands of the next internet technology wave. SD-WAN, though, will easily meet these demands


Setting Up SD-WAN for 5G

SD-WAN is a critical, enabling technology for 5G, particularly for multi-branch companies that require large networks. One of the reasons SD-WAN is favored as an infrastructure solution is it supports a high-quality network experience.

While many businesses are trying to figure out how to fit in with 5G, here are the services that SD-WAN vendors need to offer to ensure a seamless experience:

  • Ability to manage failovers and prioritize traffic automatically
  • Centralized solution for maintaining edges and 5G cells
  • Automatic rerouting of traffic during upgrades
  • Machine-learning capabilities to adapt to network conditions
  • Integration of your company's security policies with automation

Service providers should also be able to offer virtual WAN overlays, which lead to a more efficient allocation of resources. It will allow you to direct and isolate mission-critical traffic to the 5G network. From a security perspective, you will get the benefit of traffic steered automatically to appropriate security services. Ultimately, these factors will contribute to a noticeably higher quality user experience.


SD-WAN and 5G: Perfect Combination

The combination of SD-WAN and 5G will allow companies to be more reliable, secure, agile and able to withstand disruptions. Here are keys to why this combination is a strong solution for the future:

  • Transport independence - With SD-WAN, you will be able to separate internet connectivity with the physical network. This scenario allows your network traffic to be free of any specific service. It will allow you to negotiate different prices with different ISPs.
  • Network slicing - This feature allows for virtual networks across a shared physical infrastructure. It will give you better cost efficiency with functions that support specific customers and market segments.
  • Efficient bandwidth utilization - The combination allows you to utilize bandwidth more efficiently and make use of all your network transports. You'll be able to route traffic based on how you prioritize customers. Using 5G and SD-WAN together will give you the same efficiency as a hard-wired connection.
  • Remote Sites - You will achieve greater throughput of 5G mobile broadband compared with the past for remote sites. It can be a short-term solution before switching to a hard-wired connection. One of the biggest benefits is your company will be able to open new branches at a faster pace.


Conclusion

Every business has a chance to gain greater capabilities by deploying a combination of 5G technology and SD-WAN. You must do your own research to find out if your business can benefit from this combination. Be aware there is increasing marketing hype about the 5G revolution, so make sure you are tuning out the noise and staying in touch with your goals.


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