5G in Industry 4.0

- Overview

5G is a key part of Industry 4.0, which is the fourth industrial revolution. 5G's high speeds and low latency are essential for data-intensive machine applications like manufacturing.

5G's features include:

• Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): Fast data transfer with low latency, up to 20 Gbps and 1 millisecond latency
• Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC): Low latency and high reliability
• Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC): Low power and low bandwidth
• High-speed data transmission: With short response times, 5G enables secure, reliable data transmission

5G networks also support modern technologies like: Artificial intelligence (AI), Automation, Augmented reality, the Internet of Things (IoT). 

5G accelerates IoT and gives an extra boost to Industry 4.0. Control units and sensors that are installed in facilities and machines as well as along logistics chains benefit from this fast and reliable real-time data transfer.

- 5G and Wi-Fi in Industry 4.0

Wi-Fi is often the default choice for flexible enterprise IT. However, 4G and 5G mobile technologies are more suitable for operational technology networks, providing a more suitable technology platform for high-capacity, high-reliability, always-on manufacturing, production and sales. Environmental Solutions. Especially,

• 3GPP’s 5G and previous generations of mobile standards ensure a higher level of conformance, interoperability and device certification than Wi-Fi.
• Mobile networks provide the highest level of data security and privacy through more advanced encryption technology, confidentiality of SIM and embedded SIM card key exchange processes, "air interface" design, and strong configuration and authentication processes.
• Release 16’s ultra-reliable, low-latency communications feature delivers 900 microseconds to 1 millisecond over-the-air latency, significantly better than Wi-Fi 6E’s latency.
• 5G networks support time-sensitive networks, providing support for time-critical functions and interworking between mobile and wired Ethernet networks.
• 5G network provides service quality support in the form of guaranteed QoS.
• 5G provides independent and PLMN integrated non-public network services to provide seamless movement and switching for interconnected industrial manufacturing facilities, warehouses and logistics.
• Support for a wide range of 5G licensed spectrum for greater service and bandwidth certainty, with additional support for 5G NRU’s consistent use of unlicensed spectrum. 

Wi-Fi is sometimes considered a deployment option for industrial use cases due to its ease of use, cost, and wide range of device and network products. However, decisions to use Wi-Fi are often made without a thorough assessment of the specific needs of Industry 4.0 use cases, or based on limited trials that do not scale to scalable operational technology networks. 

The latest Wi-Fi technologies, including Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, are expected to deliver significant bandwidth gains over previous generations of Wi-Fi networks.

However, due to complex physical environments and user and application requirements, overall throughput is rarely or not achieved in Industry 4.0 deployments.

- How 5G Enables Industry 4.0

How 5G enables Industry 4.0?

• Real-time data transfer: 5G's low latency and high data transfer speeds enable real-time data exchange between machines and sensors, which can reduce delays and downtime.
• Augmented reality (AR): 5G's low latency and high-speed communication enable AR glasses to process data in real time, which is essential for AR to be effective in production, logistics, and R&D.
  
• Autonomous systems: 5G's near-instantaneous data transfer enables autonomous systems, such as robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles, to share their status, coordinate actions, and request human intervention when necessary.
• Network slicing: 5G allows industries to create multiple virtual networks within a single physical network, each with customized performance, security, and latency requirements..
• Smart resource allocation: 5G allows devices to assess data to identify bottlenecks, analyze energy use, and allocate resources more efficiently.

5G accelerates the Internet of Things (IoT) and gives an extra boost to Industry 4.0. Control units and sensors that are installed in facilities and machines as well as along logistics chains benefit from this fast and reliable real-time data transfer.

- Private 5G Networks in Industry 4.0

A private 5G network is a cellular network that uses 5G technology to provide wireless connectivity in a specific area. Private 5G networks are nonpublic mobile networks that can use licensed, unlicensed, or shared spectrum.

Private 5G networks are similar to public 5G networks, but they allow the owner to provide restricted access. They are less likely to have latency issues because they are solely operated for customized applications. 

Private 5G networks are used by private businesses, third-party providers, and municipalities. They can be used in areas such as factories, campuses, or office buildings. 

Private 5G networks can help Industry 4.0 in several ways: 

• High-speed connectivity: Private 5G networks can provide high-speed connectivity and low latencies, which can help businesses monitor and control their machines, production lines, and equipment in real-time.

• Dedicated bandwidth: Private 5G networks can provide dedicated bandwidth for low-latency use cases, such as industrial IoT and robotics.

• Wireless flexibility: 5G cellular technology can provide the wireless flexibility that Industry 4.0 networks require.

• Data analytics: A 5G-powered private network can allow data analytics to happen at the edge of the estate.

• Secure connectivity: Private 5G networks can offer customized, wireless, secure, and reliable capabilities for devices and services.

• Tailored networks: Private 5G networks can be tailored for specific business and industry requirements.