5G holds immense promises and particularly for IoT applications with respect to unparalleled speed, reliability and connectivity as well. However, the widespread adoption of 5G is not imminent even though there is ample hype to it. Major 5G providers like T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon in the United States have yet not rolled out 5G across the country. This means that 5G is still in its nascent stages and CIOs must carefully consider their strategies before diving into implementation. Let us explore three crucial questions that they should answer.
5G offers impressive capabilities and it is essential to determine if it is the best fit for your specific IoT use cases. 5G broadly excels in ultra-reliable, low-latency communication and massive machine-to-machine communication. The features are ideal for mission-critical applications like remote medical diagnostics or high-pressure industrial environments where milliseconds matter.
Many IoT applications believe 5G might be overkill. Traditional IoT networks like LoRa and Sigfox have been serving enterprises effectively for years. These have been providing long-range and low-power communication ideal for battery-operated devices in remote areas. The networks have been cost-effective and hold a proven track record.
Implementing 5G or any IoT network comes with its own set of cybersecurity challenges. Increased data flow in 5G networks widens the attack surface. It becomes easier for cyber attackers to find and exploit vulnerabilities. Data privacy and integrity are also significant concerns.
Traditional IoT networks are not without their security issues too. Many devices use default or guessable passwords. Multi-factor authentication is often not feasible. Security patches and firmware updates sometimes become difficult to deploy. Hence, the devices are vulnerable to attacks.
Maturity of IoT solutions varies. Off-the-shelf products often may not meet specific enterprise needs. Building a custom solution in-house or outsourcing to an integrator are the primary available paths. Engaging an integrator might be the best approach for complex or unique use cases. It is also important to understand their biases and expertise. Many providers have preferences for certain network protocols and operators.
CIOs need to thoroughly explore the above questions and make informed decisions about implementing 5G in their IoT strategies. It is important that they make use of the right technology to meet the needs. They should also address the potential risks and challenges.
