08 June 2022
By Alan Hayward, sales and marketing manager, SEH Technology
What can the market expect from the convergence between edge, IoT and networking tech? As the industry continues to slowly recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, Forrester Research outlines the predictions that tech leaders can anticipate regarding the shifts in edge computing, IoT and networking technologies. Altogether, it’s difficult to imagine that any business wouldn’t be affected by these predictions, they need to look to revolutionise connectivity in a sustainable and streamlined manner.
Looking specifically at the networking technology sector, the focus will be rising to the challenge of 5G, increase in smart infrastructure investments and the mission to reduce carbon emissions.
The evolution of 5G
IoT devices are on a staggering growth trajectory, revolutionising homes and places of work. Its potential, however, has been staggered due to a network data bottleneck - but 5G is set to be the most promising solution. Up to 100 times faster than its predecessor 4G, the new era of cellular internet will create never-seen-before opportunities, advancing everyday life. As IoT devices and their applications grow more complex, they continue to send an increasing amount of data to the Cloud. To date, the industry utilised edge computing, pushing data processing and AI capabilities from central Cloud servers to other parts of the network. This approach is now reaching its limit, meaning its now time for 5G to take the lead.
In simple terms, 5G networks widen the pathway that carries data to the Cloud, which ensures the increased volume of data can be transferred at a faster speed. This results in low latency of 5G networks and can also solve the connectivity issue in rural areas. In fact, Forrester predicts that 85% of satellite internet users will be in rural locations. Looking ahead, full-scale 5G network adoption for IoT devices will require businesses to make significant infrastructure investments, which may not be feasible for all. It’s important to remember that as with edge computing, 5G is essential for the next generation of IoT connectivity. Despite delays in the introduction of 5G, it is set to help the industry build a harmonious network of devices, homes and businesses in the future.
Investing in smart infrastructures
Forrester also predicts a boom in smart infrastructure for 2022, with investment expected to increase by 40%, driven by investment from China, Europe and the USA. Whilst much of that spending will go towards alleviating pandemic recovery, the investment will also be directed to internet connectivity. Early technology adopters of IoT, edge computing and 5G are already beginning to demonstrate that these technologies can empower smarter infrastructures. This highlights the opportunities that businesses can gain from leveraging data insights to modify operations and drive new projects.
As we move into the next phase of COVID-19 recovery, more and more companies and governments are investing in building a smart infrastructure as a way to make their institutions more adaptive, resilient and creative. They can also use this to launch new projects that span across emerging use cases that leverage an array of technologies. Not only will this technology lead to a transformation in the way stakeholders operate, but it will also help them deliver the relevant services or products that customers are coming to expect in today’s fast-paced marketplace.
Combining edge and IoT to cut emissions
Moving forward, the demand for sustainability-related services powered by edge computing and IoT will grow in relation to energy efficiency and resource management. This is especially important in the case of environmental monitoring, resource management and supply chain processes. With edge computing, the data from sensors and devices is processed at the edge, where a company’s data is being generated. As the data never has to leave the network to provide insights, it helps to reduce latency and puts far less strain on network bandwidth, which ultimately lowers CO2 emissions.
In fact, a recent report from Vodafone and WPI Economics discovered that emerging technologies such as IoT, 5G and edge computing will help the UK reduce the country’s CO2 emissions by 17.4 million tonnes per year. Whilst these technologies will deliver the efficiency improvements that reduce businesses’ carbon footprints, they will not impact society’s ability to live, work and travel without significant disruption.
A future of technology convergence
If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that businesses can’t prepare for anything. There are some trends that are converging and can help guide them in regard to future plans. Whilst these technologies will help reduce a company’s carbon footprint and cut emissions, it also creates opportunities to invest in smart infrastructures and encourage IT leaders to consider investing in 5G to tackle the emerging challenges related to IoT.
