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2020: 4.9G - necessary stage for 5G implementation in Industry 4.0
In 2020, much is said about the need to move to Industry 4.0 and 4.9G technologies should be an intermediate step before using 5G.
Since the standardization of 5G is still ongoing, and the introduction of technology for industrial purposes is only in the early pilot stages, experts say that manufacturers should not stand still, waiting for the integration of 5G technologies and compatible products into a full-scale ecosystem. Rather, they advise manufacturers to move forward with the development of new wireless strategies, usage options and deployment of systems built on the latest version of 4.9G/LTE technology, which they claim can ensure the operation of many of the new industrial applications, while preparing a direct path to full implementation of 5G.
In order for 5G to be suitable for manufacturers and other segments of the industry, you will have to wait more than five years. Today's 4.9G/LTE solution, when deployed as a private network, solves 85% of the tasks required for industrial applications. Stefan Doeble, Head of Corporate Solutions Marketing at Nokia
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Why wireless connections are important in 2020
A traditional industrial network built on wired technologies, legacy equipment, and proprietary network protocols is poorly suited for IIoT applications that require reliable, adaptable, and flexible networks. While manufacturers have been experimenting with wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Zigbee for years, deployment is hampered by reliability and security issues, as well as restrictions on the number of devices supported and communication range.
Over the last 10-20 years, we have had many opportunities to replace wires, but the problem was that the existing technology had shortcomings related to reliability of transmission, real-time behavior or data transfer speed. Dr. Gunther May. Head of Technology and Innovation, Automation and Electrification, Bosch Rexroth AG
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Unlike older standards, 5G, with its declared high data rate (1-20 Gbit), low latency (1 ms) and scalability to accommodate a large number of sensors and devices, takes into account past shortcomings for industrial applications. 5G also promises to provide low latency, high reliability and secure communications at a lower cost than competing technologies, while providing flexibility to adapt to plant reconfiguration and layout changes that are inextricably linked to the advent of IIoT and Industry 4.0.
5G latency, bandwidth, and network reliability - these three superpowers create an industrial digital backbone that lets you decide to go wireless Stefan Doeble
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This statement is just beginning to resonate with manufacturers' plans. According to a new survey conducted by ABI Research in the first half of 2020, in 2019, the majority (86%) of global factory connections were fixed, this figure is expected to fall sharply to 40% by 2025 and to 14% by 2030. In fact, almost three quarters (74%) of survey respondents plan to upgrade their communications and management networks in the next two years to promote digital transformation and Industry 4.0 applications. Most respondents (90%), according to the survey, investigate the possibility of using 4G/5G for their operations, and 84% those who plan to launch their own private wireless networks as part of production operations. Manufacturers are looking for investments in 4G/5G for a variety of reasons, including the need to digitize and improve existing infrastructure (63%), automate with robotics (51%), and achieve new levels of employee productivity (42%). As the study shows, Information Technology aims to modernize communication networks in order to reduce downtime and increase the efficiency and security of operations, while operating technologies "in the same boat" due to the desire to replace outdated infrastructure, increase efficiency and increase throughput.
These trends have created an ideal storm for cutting cables and provide complete flexibility of production in the future at the factory. Erik Josefsson, Head of Advanced Industries at Ericsson
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Josefsson justifies the need to implement 4.9G today, as he argues that this provides a clear path to future wireless technologies.
Manufacturers cannot afford to invest in large infrastructure and then get stuck with low productivity. They need network technologies that are reliable, stable, and secure Erik Josefsson
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5G in operation
Ericsson believes that the 4.9G-5G network path will allow you to use four types of IIoT implementation. The first is a large-scale use of the Internet of Things, with the use of cellular technology for large-scale connection of devices for preventive maintenance and other applications. Ericsson, in collaboration with China Mobile, is testing this use case at its own plant in Nanjing, where cellular IoT networks and cloud-based machine learning algorithms automatically track about 1,000 high-precision connected tools to better track its use, which helps in preventive maintenance. The Estonian plant Ericsson is developing a second use option - broadband IoT - using AR to easily troubleshoot electronic boards, replace bulky paper work instructions and a visual environment for communication between employees, which ensures the timely exchange of information. Both of these uses are possible with 4.9G technologies, says Josefsson.
Subsequent 5G releases will allow you to implement the next round of use cases, which include critical communications that allow cobots to work side by side with people and, possibly, complete automation of production. In a series of current experimental projects, Ericsson and Audi are testing such use cases, including the safe operation of self-propelled platforms in the 5G and 5G URLLC network (ultra-reliable communications with short delay time), this ensures a low delay and guarantees the possibility of emergency stops in the system - the necessary stage of maintaining safe interaction between a person and a robot, previously possible only through a wired network. Ericsson also supports the 5G Enabled Manufacturing (5GEM) project, a collaboration with bearing manufacturer SKF and Chalmers University of Technology to use 5G networks for real-time data collection and analysis, which facilitates product customization and optimizes product output.
{{quote 'author = Dr. Gunther May' Increased use of self-propelled platforms in factories is another important example of the use of industrial 5G networks that can help set up a product. While most industries depend on conveyor belts and line production lines, consumers "growing appetite for more individualized products increases the need for more flexible production capacities, as evidenced by the use of platforms that will rely on cloud intelligence to deliver materials. and components where they are needed. In new production areas, you no longer have linear conveyor belts. Instead, there is a need for production sites where unfinished products are transported to different stations to complete the next stage of the process. This product with this particular option is delivered to a specific station and another product with another option is delivered to another station. This increases the demand for self-propelled platforms and, in turn, really increases the use of wireless communications. Interactivity between machines and feedback systems that can operate within a dedicated segment of a 5G network is a key opportunity to allocate communication channels for specific applications - other basic use cases allowed by 5G. There are machines, such as printing machines, where certain parts of the process must be perfectly synchronized. If you want to avoid calibration, you need good real-time interaction}}
Development prospects
The potential for 5G in industrial applications is great, but serious problems must be overcome first. According to an Ericsson survey on the impact of 5G on industry, data security and privacy is the main barrier to acceptance, as reported by 79% of respondents, followed by concerns about lack of standards (76%) and end-to-end implementation issues. (69%). The problem is compounded by the fact that the upgrade will not be easy or inexpensive. Manufacturers will have to upgrade all types of obsolete equipment with new 5G sensors and cellular modems, in addition to partnering with 5G operators or obtaining radio frequency spectrum licenses to create their own private 5G networks. According to The Wall Street Journal, the second option will be preferred by large manufacturers in Europa, including BMW, Bosch, Volkswagen, BASF and Lufthansa; but this option is not available for American companies. There is also the issue of moving from pilot projects to real uses - progress complicated by a slow standardization process, as well as the usual chicken and egg scenario, where companies are hesitant to invest before they have a clear idea of potential uses.
Looking back at 4G, no one thought about streaming music or Netflix on mobile phones until the technology was deployed and people started using it. Many people today say that 5G is speculation. I don't think we'll know what the true uses will be until the technology becomes available for a few years and people start messing with it Paul McCluskey, Vertical Telecommunications/Data Center Market Manager at Phoenix Contact
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Alternatively, since companies such as Nokia and Ericsson believe that 4.9G is a stepping stone to full 5G implementation, they advise manufacturers to focus on long-term strategic benefits and not focus on short-term ROI.
Manufacturers that are at the forefront see 4G and 5G as a strategic advantage for them, not just in the use case that justifies the implementation of the network. You need to consider usage options in aggregate and do not have to connect all machines and resources at once Stefan Doeble
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See also
- 5G
- Development of 5G networks in the world
- Development of 5G networks in Russia
- 5G Solutions for Industry 4.0
- Equipment for LTE networks
- Communications equipment (Russian market)
- Communications Equipment (Global Market)
- Mobile broadband access Internet (global market)