The integration of 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) is the natural next step for two advanced technologies developed to make users' lives easier, more convenient and more productive.

In simple terms, 5G is the next generation of cellular networks. The current standard, 4G, offers speeds between 7 and 17 Mbps for uploads and 12 and 36 Mbps for downloads, while 5G transmission speeds can reach up to 20 Gbps. The latency offered by 5G networks is around 10% of that offered by 4G signals, while being able to handle a much larger number of simultaneous connections. These are key features to ensure convergence with IoT (Internet of Things).

The Internet of Things is an increasingly complex ecosystem: a universe of connected things capable of capturing key data and performing advanced analysis on it, using cloud-based functionalities to extract valuable information. This technology represents an excellent opportunity for many players in all sectors of activity. Many companies are organizing themselves to focus on IoT and connectivity when developing future products and services. The IoT can best be understood by looking at its four components: sensors, networks, cloud/AI, and applications.

When the two technologies are combined, 5G will directly or indirectly affect all components of the IoT: it will offer sensors more bandwidth to transmit information about actions, the network will allow faster information transfer. With regard to cloud and artificial intelligence technologies, the chimera of real-time data will become a reality, and these applications will increase their functionality. In addition, the bandwidth offered by 5G will make it possible to cover many more options.

1. Higher transmission speeds:
Transmission speeds of up to 15 or 20 Gbps will allow remote applications to access data, files, programs much faster. Increasing the use of the cloud will avoid the need to provide multiple processors at the expense of the internal memory installed in each device, as computing tasks can be derived from the network. This will make it possible to extend the useful life of sensors and expand their typology to transmit a variety of data, from high-definition images to real-time video.

2. More connected devices:
The impact of 5G will be very clear in the number of devices that can be connected to form the IoT. All connected devices will be able to communicate and exchange information. For example, in smart homes hundreds of devices will live together, from smart appliances to devices that control electricity consumption, security systems and entertainment systems, connected in every possible way to make life much more convenient. In industrial facilities, thousands of devices will allow the optimization of production processes and the improvement of safety. Moreover, the dream of building smart cities will be possible and manageable on a large scale.

Latency can be defined as the time from when a command is given to a smart device until the action is executed. With 5G networks, response times will be a tenth of what they are with 4G. Thus, for example: Lower latency will allow the increased use of sensors in many industrial applications, both for machinery control and logistics management or remote transport applications. In the healthcare field, this improved latency will allow healthcare professionals to control high-precision instruments to perform surgical operations remotely.