Networks Europe Jan-Feb 2017 | Page 27

WIRELESS NETWORKING

1Tbps in testing , this is unlikely in the real world . It ’ s also worth noting that LTE – A ( advanced 4G , sometimes referred to as 4.5G ) can already offer 300Mbps and will be available sooner than full fat 5G . We may also see devices , especially for those used by ‘ power users ’ able to support multiple streams to get higher bandwidth which in theory could include multiple carrier networks .

The first devices will likely be single stream 450Mbps , with coverage enhanced by device daisy chaining to deliver a perceived 100 % coverage . Capacity management , usage allocation , and Quality of Service capabilities will be significantly enhanced . Support for 10,000 or 100,000 connected devices in a single cell will be easily achieved compared with 100 today .

Data packaging , in terms of the way we buy and what we pay for , will change and could be determined by bandwidth vs data , and the overage concept may be abandoned . Data pricing per GB will be reduced considerably but expected usage will increase in equal measure as most of the new connections will be IoT devices , which means low device to cloud data transfer but still requiring frequent and mostly constant connectivity . We ’ re also likely to see the introduction of Narrow Band IoT – an industrial grade low power wide area technology , which will dominate low data requirements . Prices for processors and sensors are expected to plummet and low capacity usage for basic IoT devices will most likely become free .

So it ’ s certain to say that 5G will bring a phenomenal step change , not just in terms of speed and connectivity but the way in which we buy data . With many more connected devices , there will be a huge jump in mainstream user connectivity and this audience will expect and demand fast , reliable connectivity wherever they are . Similarly , there will be a rapid increase in applications that require mobile connected devices , both human and non-human used .

Fibre is expected to be comparatively more expensive

than cellular connectivity due to the data per user per month cost issue having dissipated . Conversely , wireless connectivity will become increasingly important as coverage grows , but the model will change to use the cellular services as primary or first choice connectivity solution , rather than toggle between the two as we do now . While there are still many details to iron out , the IoT and 5G will pave the way to a world of opportunity for wireless , while those still in the market for fibre might want to rethink any long-term purchase plans in favour of a more effective option . n

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