How 5G's low latency will drive new applications and use cases

Why is low latency important for 5G?

• Latency is another way of saying delay in network communications, which is the time it takes to send a message and receive a response.
• One of the big advantages of 5G networks is that they have lower latency than their predecessor, 4G, and data transfers between machines and devices are more responsive.
• 5G eliminates the lag time you might experience on a network. However, this experience will not be the same for all users.

5G Speed ​​and Latency

Users' daily smartphone application experience depends on speed rather than latency. 5G's speed and bandwidth far exceed 4G. 5G is expected to provide average data rates of more than 100Mbps, up to 20Gbps during peak hours, and 100 times the network efficiency and traffic capacity.

The problem with 5G speed and capacity is that high demand and growth in data traffic on mobile networks has led to network latency. This is not a limitation of 5G, but rather a limitation of the infrastructure behind it, as it relies on cell towers. For example, buildings, trees, and other physical objects can sometimes block signal communications with cell towers. However, 5G can better manage network resources and improve connectivity with multiple cell towers.

Today, latency is not an issue for everyday app users, but that may change once AR and VR become mainstream. The biggest issues with latency occur on devices in apps that require real-time communication.

5G challenges and key use cases for low latency

Low latency is crucial for self-driving cars: When data is sent, real-time reactions must be triggered. To avoid accidents, every millisecond counts. Of course, this depends on having sufficient 5G coverage.

The potential high cost of failure is the same as for critical emergency services, as lives are at stake. In these cases, low latency is more important than faster data rates.

5G faces challenges: This is not uncommon if we look at previous generations of cellular technology. Issues include public anxiety and the availability of cell towers. It may take years to achieve full coverage.

Of course, we can’t forget that the supply chain issues brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic have also slowed down the growth of 5G. At the same time, it has greatly accelerated the development of new technologies. For example, new services such as self-driving cars rely on low-latency wireless connections with millisecond response times.

What changes will 5G's low latency bring?

1. New immersive experience

VR and AR enable new ways of working in every vertical, from healthcare to manufacturing. As a result, they create an entirely new experience.

2. New services that change the way we communicate

Telemedicine has transformed real-time communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

3. Massive Internet of Things

The massive Internet of Things (IoT) involves everyday devices in our lives. It has a large number of sensors and devices that communicate with each other. These devices are usually cheap, consume less energy, and have a wide coverage area. For example, our homes or buildings can have simple on/off options for a range of smart devices.

4. Critical Internet of Things

Critical IoT involves large-scale scenarios. It has fewer endpoints and can process large amounts of data in more complex situations. An example is traffic safety within a smart city, where failure can lead to widespread complications.

Low latency will have a significant impact on all four areas:

• Internet services that rely on wireless network connections
• Labor-intensive tasks
• Real-time applications enable near-instant responses
• Large-scale critical environments

As a result, low latency opens the door to a variety of benefits from these new services, including:

• Immersive AR and VR Experiences
• Multiplayer mobile games
• Factory Automation
• Telehealthcare
• Traffic is safer
• Drones that replace humans in service roles (e.g. delivery drones)
• Robots that assist humans
• Smart cities use IoT devices connected to lights, sensors, and meters to collect and analyze data.
• Critical infrastructure (e.g. smart grids, early warning systems, etc.)

5G low-latency real-time applications

As 5G availability grows, a lot of things are set to change, from gaming and telemedicine solutions to real-time wireless applications for controlling drones and other robots.

Self-driving cars are an example of the importance of 5G's low latency. When it comes to connected driving, data must be transmitted and reactions triggered in real time, as decisions must be made within a fraction of a second. Only then can the car stop or take evasive action before hitting an obstacle.

5G's low latency makes healthcare and telemedicine possible

Telepresence systems have been used by healthcare frontliners during the COVID-19 crisis. Low latency has become more important than ever. First responders must communicate over first responder networks and send vital signs to the emergency room without delay.

When latency exceeds approximately six milliseconds, human conversation becomes unnatural and interrupted. Low latency approaching 1 millisecond enables seamless first responder communications.

While telemedicine has gained traction due to social distancing and quarantine measures, it is still being used by patients and healthcare providers. For it to be fully effective, doctors must be able to remotely diagnose, treat, and monitor patients in real time. This capability gives patients the best chance for a full recovery. It also provides healthcare professionals with the opportunity to save countless lives.

Summarize

• 5G has much lower latency than 4G, but 4G's latency has been overlooked in the hype about 5G speeds
• 5G's low latency is critical for applications that require real-time communications, such as self-driving cars and healthcare.
• Low latency will transform critical connected services, including immersive experiences (such as AR and VR) and critical IoT (such as smart city transportation applications).