How 5G and Edge Computing complement and reinforce each other

What are the benefits of 5G?

5G has everything needed to accelerate the Internet of Things (IoT). The fifth-generation network provides faster, more stable and more secure connectivity between IoT devices, data centres and the cloud. 5G therefore paves the way for new applications: from autonomous vehicles and connected robots in professional environments to remote medical procedures.

What are the benefits of edge computing?

IoT devices and their applications are sending ever-increasing amounts of data to the cloud. This massive data exchange increases costs and the risk of slowdowns, even though part of this information is often better analysed locally. Edge computing processes data as close as possible to the source — sometimes directly on IoT devices themselves — reducing data flows and costs, lowering latency and providing greater flexibility.

How do 5G and edge computing complement each other?

Edge computing brings processing power closer to the device, allowing it to make decisions faster. 5G transmits at extremely high speeds all the data requiring more advanced analysis to data centres or the cloud, where it can be further processed, stored and analysed. This system enables optimal interaction between all components.

5G and edge computing in practice

The combination of 5G and edge computing offers significant benefits across many potential use cases. In production environments, for example, machines must be able to instantly detect and avoid dangerous situations. By analysing information locally, organisations can bypass the intermediate cloud step, improving processing speed and therefore safety.

The stability and speed of 5G connectivity also make it possible to intervene remotely and collect data from all machines. The same scenario applies to automated vehicles operating in cities or industrial sites.

Do 5G and edge computing always need each other?

Although 5G and edge computing complement each other extremely well, their combination is not always required. Much depends on the specific needs of each organisation.

For example, for applications deployed in small indoor environments, edge computing works very well in combination with Wi-Fi 6 or fibre connectivity. 5G, on the other hand, is the best choice for large sites, outdoor environments, or situations where centralised network control is more important than roaming between different Wi-Fi access points.

Some organisations choose edge computing primarily to meet the need for local data processing. In such cases, 5G is not always a priority. Conversely, in environments where IoT applications are less prevalent, edge computing may not necessarily need to complement 5G.

What benefits can 5G and edge computing bring to your organisation?

The use of IoT applications is growing rapidly. Proximus NXT has launched the first 5G network in Luxembourg and is now moving towards full 5G deployment across the country. It is therefore essential to consider the opportunities offered by 5G and edge computing when designing any new ICT architecture.

The challenge for companies, organisations and public authorities is to adapt their network infrastructure to meet future requirements. Proximus NXT has therefore created a 5G innovation platform to help organisations define the right roadmap.

Customers and partners can use this platform to jointly test the latest 5G technologies, validate their 5G use cases and assess their potential with limited investment.

In short, it provides the ideal environment to discover how 5G and edge computing can take IoT applications to the next level!