People and machines are becoming increasingly digitally interconnected. Ever-larger amounts of data have to be transferred. The new 5G mobile communications standard offers high bandwidths of up to 20 gigabits per second, giving rise to new opportunities and technologies.
Machines connect with each other in real time and work autonomously – like transport robots that navigate factory halls independently, thanks to 5G. Autonomous driving will also become truly convenient through 5G. The standard enables the transfer of real-time data on traffic jams and road conditions, as well as communication with traffic lights, signs, and other roadside infrastructure.
Quo vadis 5G?
But where does Germany stand when it comes to the network buildout and where will the journey take us? Right now, the U.S. and South Korea have the lead in building out 5G networks, but Germany is catching up. The goal is to become the world leader in digital infrastructure matters and the leading market for 5G. In July 2019, the German government auctioned the sought-after frequencies for 6.6 billion euros. This also marked the kickoff for the network buildout – initial successes have already been announced. The 5G network of Deutsche Telekom is now operational in five German cities: Berlin, Bonn, Cologne, Darmstadt, and Munich. Hamburg and Leipzig will also get 5G by the end of 2019. And 5G is scheduled to become available in the 20 largest German cities in 2020.
Changed signs
5G will change the way we work. The new network standard enables Industry 4.0 and will open new markets. Analytics tools will analyze machine and customer data, to develop new services or streamline production. This will create entirely new business models. Augmented reality will help people work more efficiently. Smart logistics will speed up the dispatch of goods. Cloud-based measurement technologies will provide information for optimizing production and operational processes. 5G will give SMEs a competitive advantage.
Campus networks offer data security
A campus network transmits all this data with high bandwidths – in real time and with low energy consumption. These exclusive mobile networks for local company campuses become even more important in the 5G context. They offer high data security, because unlike public networks, they cannot be accessed from outside. The data can be stored and processed in an edge cloud directly on the campus. Local storage and the short transmission path improve data security.
DIGITAL X points the way to the future
What are the next steps on the way to this new infrastructure? The next 5G summit is the grand finale of DIGITAL X 2019 in Cologne. Dr. Dirk Wössner will talk about what is already possible – and what isn't – in his presentation on "5G – Myth and Reality". The presentation on "5G and Campus Network" will illustrate the potential for the automation industry, using Osram as an example. More than 120 international speakers will talk about topics like Industry 4.0., AI, IoT, and XR at the digital conference. Hearing how international visionaries like Sir Tim Berners Lee, Sir Richard Branson, and Jimmy Wales already use this new standard will without a doubt be among the highlights of the two-day program. You'll find the program for DIGITAL X 2019 at https://digital-x.eu/. For the final event of the initiative on 29 and 30 October, Hall 8 of the Cologne Exhibition Centre will be covered by 5G.
