Last updated on Jul 8, 2024

Here's how you can get ready for the influence of emerging technologies like 5G and IoT.

As network engineering evolves, you're likely curious about how to adapt to the rapid developments in 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies promise faster, more reliable connections and a new era of smart devices, reshaping how you interact with the digital world. Preparing for their impact is crucial to ensure that networks are robust, secure, and able to handle the increased data traffic. This article will guide you through the steps to get your network infrastructure ready for the future.

1 Upgrade Hardware

Upgrading your network hardware is a fundamental step to accommodate the high speeds and low latency that 5G offers. This means investing in new routers, switches, and other networking equipment that can handle increased data throughput. For IoT, ensure that your hardware supports various communication protocols used by IoT devices, such as Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Upgrading will not only improve performance but also enhance security features to protect against the vulnerabilities that come with IoT devices.

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Anthony Sylvester, MS

Delivered $1M+ in Network Ops Services | MS in Network Tech | Pursuing MBA in IT Management
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This is an odd topic. 5G is important, but more so for cellular carriers. Of course they will need to upgrade infrastructure to handle the increased bandwidth and expected customers. For enterprise users, I would expect to account for WIFI 6 and IOT. Your network equipment should handle the expected bandwidth. If you spin up a bunch of IOT sensors, you now have to account for that. Are these sensors local only? Are they sending all data or some data to the cloud so you can access the data from anywhere? You may need to upgrade APs, switches, or routers to handle the new traffic. Additionally, how are these devices being secured? There have been a lot of articles about IOT security issues. Make sure your devices are protected.

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2 Enhance Security

With more devices connecting to your network, security must be a top priority. Implementing advanced encryption standards and robust authentication protocols will help safeguard your network from potential breaches. Regularly updating firmware and software is also vital to protect against the latest threats. Additionally, consider network segmentation to isolate IoT devices, limiting the potential damage from compromised devices and containing any security incidents more effectively.

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Alex López

Business Telecom Consultant // Program Manager (PMP) // Entrepreneur // Amateur Astronomer // Trader
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Sobre la arquitectura de seguridad de 5G son Dominios. 1: Dominios: Solo tenemos tres tipos de dominios de infraestructura: A)Dominios UICC que contienen el módulo convencional resistente a la manipulación que ofrece almacenamiento protegido y procesamiento de credencial de suscriptor a largo plazo y otra información crítica de seguridad. B) Dominios de hardware de computadora móviles que contienen el soporte de hardware para equipos móviles. El dominio MEHW puede incluir entornos de ejecución confiables (TEE) que admitan. C)Dominios de proveedores de infraestructura (IP) que contienen las plataformas de hardware para computación, almacenamiento y recursos de red requeridos tanto por la funcionalidad de red.

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3 Optimize Bandwidth

To handle the surge in data traffic from 5G and IoT, you must optimize your network's bandwidth management. This includes implementing Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritize critical data and ensure that high-priority traffic, such as real-time communications, is not impeded by less urgent data. Bandwidth throttling and shaping techniques can also help manage the load on your network, preventing congestion and maintaining optimal performance for all users.

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4 Train Staff

Your network team needs to stay informed about the latest technology trends and best practices. Invest in training and certification programs focused on 5G and IoT technologies. This will not only enhance their skills but also ensure they are equipped to troubleshoot and maintain the new network infrastructure effectively. Encourage a culture of continuous learning to keep your team agile and ready to tackle the challenges posed by these emerging technologies.

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5 Monitor Performance

Continuous monitoring of your network's performance is essential to detect any issues early and keep it running smoothly. Use network monitoring tools to track bandwidth usage, latency, and packet loss. This data will help you make informed decisions about when to scale resources or troubleshoot problems. Monitoring also provides insights into the behavior of IoT devices on your network, allowing you to optimize their performance and security.

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6 Plan for Scale

Lastly, designing your network with scalability in mind is critical. As 5G and IoT continue to grow, so will the number of devices and the volume of data on your network. Implementing scalable network architectures like Software-Defined Networking (SDN) can provide the flexibility to adjust resources as needed. Planning for future growth will help you avoid costly overhauls down the line and ensure that your network can adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape.

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Alex López

Business Telecom Consultant // Program Manager (PMP) // Entrepreneur // Amateur Astronomer // Trader
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Massive machine-type communications (Internet of Things (IoT)) There are numerous different loT applictions that can use the service of the 5G infrastructure. The network must be super flexible and super adaptable from the 5G service providers’ perspective. The network needs to be able to provide exactly the correct requirements for the IoT applications that are using it. Network function virtualization, network slicing, and edge computing into prominence as the three key aspects of 5G.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can get ready for the influence of emerging technologies like 5G and IoT.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Upgrade Hardware

2 Enhance Security

3 Optimize Bandwidth

4 Train Staff

5 Monitor Performance

6 Plan for Scale

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Engineering

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Here's how you can get ready for the influence of emerging technologies like 5G and IoT.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Upgrade Hardware

2 Enhance Security

3 Optimize Bandwidth

4 Train Staff

5 Monitor Performance

6 Plan for Scale

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Engineering

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