Connecting IoT with 5G network through innovative approaches

In the fast-evolving landscape of connectivity, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with 5G networks is significant. Ideally, satellites can connect every device, but there will be cost and capacity limitations. Satellite communication capabilities to devices prove costly and often impractical for the majority of devices unable to undergo upgrades. However, innovative solutions are emerging to transform existing IoTs into powerful 5G-enabled devices.

As WiFi, LoRa, and Fiber accessibility become widespread, a novel approach involves providing 5G capabilities to legacy IoT devices. By introducing essential elements like eSIM identity and 5G-mobile-SW, existing devices can seamlessly transform into 5G-compatible devices. This eliminates the need for expensive satellite communication and opens up new possibilities for enhanced connectivity.

The concept revolves around the separation of mobile elements like sensors, devices, eSIM, and 5G-UE-Stack, allowing them to operate on different machines while virtually combining, forces to function as a unified device. This physical and virtual combined device, when equipped with eSIM and 5G-UE-Stack, communicates with gNB through Fiber/Ethernet, offering a viable alternative to traditional NR Radio dependence. The result is a cost-effective solution that brings 5G connectivity to a wide array of IoT devices, complying with 3GPP identity, authentication, authorization, and security requirements.

This innovative solution ensures that almost every device can be remotely augmented with eSIM and 5G-mobile-SW, operating seamlessly as 5G devices. Such devices can register into 5G networks akin to mobile devices, providing a safe, secure, and traceable environment. Operators can now extend 5G connectivity to a multitude of devices, significantly reducing costs and connecting devices over vast distances without the need for comprehensive NR coverage.

Bridging the gaps for greater IoT adoption

It is pertinent to note that despite the optimistic forecast for IoT growth, realizing the full potential of IoT businesses has proven challenging. Projections of a trillion-dollar IoT industry have yet to materialize on the ground, and operators are grappling with the complexities of expanding 5G IoT services. The promise of 5G transforming the IoT landscape is met with hurdles, including the coexistence of non-standalone 5G with previous generations and the impending arrival of newer generations like 6G and beyond.

One of the major challenges lies in the disconnect between the IoT industry and the cellular industry. IoT suppliers face difficulties in connecting devices to 4G networks due to the absence of SIM cards in devices, hindering the transition to 5G. The prohibitive cost of upgrading to 5G and the lack of interest or knowledge among cellular companies further compound the problem.

Bridging this gap requires collaborative efforts to educate and encourage IoT companies to embrace hardware upgrades for seamless connectivity. A promising development in breaking this deadlock is the innovative approach called 5G Interworking Function (5G IWF). This function offers a flexible and integrated set of routing and service creation capabilities, eliminating the need for scripting or complex development. The open-source nature of this solution contributes to extending 5G's use cases across various industries.

As the IoT industry faces challenges in adapting to cellular networks, innovative solutions become crucial in realizing the full potential of IoT businesses.

Note: Anil Kempanna is the CEO of Cientra.

Anil Kempanna

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Anil Kempanna is the CEO of Cientra.