Yes, it is finally the time for 5th generation mobile network aka 5G. 5G is the new global wireless standard succeeding 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. Faster networks, reliable resources and networks, more reliable and manage the scale of devices predicted for the Mobile Internet of Things (MIoT). 5G is known to change the complete landscape of how we define digital transformation for our society, business processes and foremost manufacturing in an automated world. 5G enables secure, fast service more reliably than 4G due to better use of bandwidth and more connection points. With less stress on the network, data costs can fall lower than 4G networks. 5G can carry more devices than 4G as it expands the available radio waves. Congestion issues that lead to slow service will be reduced once 5G steps in. It is also known that unlike easy-deployment of 4G, 5G has critical installation process and deployment feasibility. For 5G deployment, more transmitters are needed to cover the same area compared to 4G networks. Providers are still working on placement for some of these “cells.” Some regions have physical challenges like protected historical sites or rough geography.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 5G
First as we start to write the article on 5G security, first let’s focus on the key advantages of 5G in today’s world, so let’s start:
Short Latency or often said Lower Latency makes 5G a favorite. What it means to have short latency, so here we explain: compared to 4G, 5G enjoys lower latency which helps it cater multiple emerging technologies and applications. Emerging technologies like IoT, IIoT, AR/VR, AI/ML all can make significant progression in the world of 5G. Of course for consumer electronics it defines a new-age of no buffering high-definition video streaming experience. Connectivity enhancement becomes quite vital with 5G as it becomes more powerful and available.
Increases Bandwidth or often noted as wider bandwidth Yes 5G’s most vital quality is that it increases bandwidth. This means data transmission or data transfer becomes faster than ever.Wider connection, better connection and faster speed define the new term 5G in the digital-front world.
More Capacity Compared to 4G 5G delivers more than 100 times of better capacity when compared to its ‘ancient’ network 4G. Accessing the internet, using WI-FI wireless or using your mobile phones, 5G can all do it at once and with no stress in the networks? This makes 5G essential in the modern time where capacity of network is important.
Encouraging Newer Technologies and Innovations In the age of 5G, innovations is known to thrive. As devices and technology more relies on secure-reliable and faster connections, 5G comes into play as a savior. From industry 4.0 to the world of content, video-streaming and newer business processes, every moment to defining with the role of 5G.Less Tower Congestion: Look around you and you will find a tower in every around 100 meters, Towers have densely populated in urban-cities especially in developing countries. Where 3G and 4G brought the moment of towers and its growing congestions, 5G will ease it up. Unlike crowded wireless networks of 4G, 5G is seamless and less crowded offering customers to experience a new-age of network.
The key disadvantages of 5g includes, Your smartphone is getting hotter: In the market today you would find attractive 5G-smartphones. In 5G the upload rates and download rates are commendable. But batteries are getting hot while using 5G smartphone. These faster data-rates and network processes are enabling these smartphones to quickly assess and less react making it hotter while using. Enhanced battery and advanced electronics to further make 5G a ‘Cool Network’ for consumers.
5G security, yes the vital portion to make it a viable network: Few experts define that 5G will invite a new-age of hackrs to easily access through networks. But how come a new network which has made entry can enable such a security breach. According to reports, in many developed countries keeping an eye on the society and its people has become quite easy and has been used for various socio-political transformations. Communication is what many countries are urging to intercept or hack as this makes them a vital contender to become a ‘SUPER POWER’ in the world today. With higher bandwidth comes the risk of stealing of database. As today the 5G technology is enabled by few countries and operators it is said that the control over the networks for the integrators and enablers becomes quite easy. As they keep the control over the networks. As more devices are connected, 5G invites more attacks and easy access to secure-information over-the-air. The likelihood of an attack increases considerably as 5G connects more devices. As a result, businesses and organizations will need to spend more money on a security operations centre to protect their infrastructure.
Coverage Feasibility is Less: As companies roll out 5G, it will not immediately be available everywhere. Big cities will see it first, if they haven’t already, and rural areas may have to wait several years for full coverage. New technologies also will likely experience hiccups, which could further limit the coverage.
Limited Range of Connectivity: Unfortunately, trees and tall buildings obstruct the high-frequency radio waves that carry 5G connection, thus decreasing the network’s broadcast distance. Ultimately, this means more cellular towers will be necessary to achieve the extensive coverage we expect with 5G networks. It’s possible to place small transmitters on buildings to increase coverage, though this could take a while to implement.
5G Security – A Vital Concern To Address
Historically operator networks have mainly used proprietary protocols for network management. 5GC moves to an IP based protocol stack, allowing interoperability with a wider number of services and technologies in the future. The following protocols, schemas and processes will be adopted in 5GC:
- HTTP/2 over N32, replacing Diameter over the S6a reference point
- TLS as an additional layer of protection providing encrypted communication between all network functions (NF) inside a public land mobile network (PLMN)
- TCP as the transport layer protocol as replacement of the SCTP transport protocol.
- RESTful framework with OpenAPI 3.0.0 as the Interface Definition Language (IDL)
As these protocols are used in the wider IT industry, their use will likely:
Lead to a short vulnerability to exploitation timeline, and higher impact of vulnerabilities located within these protocols.
Expand the potential pool of attackers. 4G and especially 3G core networks benefit from attackers having little experience with the propriety standards used within them.
How 5G will Define Economic Growth
• $13.1 Trillion dollars of global economic output
• 22.8 Million new jobs created
• $265B global 5G CAPEX and R&D annually over the next 15 years
Through a landmark 5G Economy study, we found that 5G’s full economic effect will likely be realized across the globe by 2035—supporting a wide range of industries and potentially enabling up to $13.1 trillion worth of goods and services.
This impact is much greater than previous network generations. The development requirements of the new 5G network are also expanding beyond the traditional mobile networking players to industries such as the automotive industry.
The study also revealed that the 5G value chain (including OEMs, operators, content creators, app developers, and consumers) could alone support up to 22.8 million jobs, or more than one job for every person in Beijing, China. And there are many emerging and new applications that will still be defined in the future. Only time will tell what the full “5G effect” on the economy is going to be writes QUALCOMM in its blog.
