Why 5G matters on the new cloud frontier

As enterprises seek to extend cloud computing capabilities to the edge of the network, technology companies are exploring the business opportunity that this new frontier represents.

Scott Raynovich, Founder and Chief Analyst with independent consultancy Futuriom, has identified a number of use cases that will depend on the deployment of high-quality connectivity at the edge.

Raynovich has in particular listed several use cases that will require 5G, rather than just 4G/LTE, to function reliably: “Many existing edge-compute applications can be supported with 4G/LTE connectivity,” he argued. “But a range of new use cases will require 5G in order to maximise connection density, boost bandwidth, minimise latency or guarantee equality of service via network slicing.”

Edge use cases where 5G is required, according to Futuriom, include:

  • Highly immersive augmented reality applications which will depend on 5G’s ultra-low latency to offer an appropriate level of user experience. Applications will emerge in consumer, industrial and telemedicine markets.
  • Connected vehicles will benefit from 5G’s high bandwidth and low latency. New vehicles will be equipped to use massive amounts of data without needing to exchange it with a distant data centre.
  • Autonomous vehicles will be equipped to take critical decisions in real time.
  • Manufacturing processes will rely on 5G to maximise factory uptime and lower the time needed to correct flaws, minimising wastage and maximising productivity.
  • Renewable energy locations than can’t be reached by fibre and cannot easily be served by 4G/LTE will be reliably connected by 5G.

More information on Futuriom’s findings is available here.

https://www.futuriom.com/articles/news/inside-5g-edge-cloud-opportunities/2020/04

https://www.futuriom.com/articles/news/inside-microsofts-massive-push-to-the-edge/2020/04

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