As we’ve seen, the pandemic has accelerated the big shift towards collaboration tools like video conferencing , file-sharing, and enterprise productivity software. With the usage of collaboration apps going strong, future 5G deployments can evolve the digital workspaces with higher data speeds and reduced latencies, thereby improving the performance of enterprise applications. Collaboration and cloud communications tools are pegged as key beneficiaries of 5GOpens a new window connectivity. A 2019 Cisco Mobile Visual Networking Index (VNI) Forecast indicated that by 2022, 5G will support three percent of global mobile devices, and account for 12 percent of global mobile data traffic. And by 2022, the average 5G connection will generate about 3X more traffic than the average 4G connection.
Besides network architecture transitions that are set for an overhaul, workstream collaboration tools, especially videos and livecasts (that are bandwidth-intensive) will also see a boost from 5G roll-out. In this article, we’ll cover how 5G can empower distributed remote workforces, allowing them to collaborate and build seamless workflows.
5G Promises Speed, Security & More
- Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC): 5G promises increased spectral efficiency enhanced with small cell deployment. This allows for an enormous number of connections to support the data-intensive applications collaboratively.
- Ultra-reliable Low Latency Communication (uRLLC): 5G has drastically reduced the time for data to be uploaded from a device, reaching out quickly to the target. The comparison is impressive as 5G takes 1 ms to upload the file, which takes about 50 ms on a 4G connection. 5G has indeed given a new life to communication enabling time-sensitive connections to operate wirelessly.
- Security: 5G offers robust security properties, making it readily available and highly reliable. It creates a connection that is ultra-reliable to support heavy applications where failure is no option.
- Power efficiency: 5G is the best option to fulfill the efficient power requirements for the vast multiple-output (MIMO) multiple-input, or V small cell implementations. 5G offers lower costs doing massive projects based on the Internet of Things possible.
- Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): 5G enables considerably faster connections with higher throughput and a much greater capacity up to 10 Gbps. 5G enables the extension in cellular coverage to more diverse structures with the improved ability to manage a lot more number of devices dealing with high amounts of data.
Learn More: 5 Reasons That Make 5G the Future of TechOpens a new window
Benefits of 5G for Remote Collaboration
Though remote work had been a business agenda for long, it only became a permanent trend with COVID-19. 5G can solve several technical limitations associated with decentralized workforces. Take this for example, startups and UCaaS solutions providers are already buzzing about augmented reality (AR) meeting spaces where participants can interact with their environment. In 2017, Zoom (now perhaps the fastest growing app in the U.S.) made a big bet on augmented reality and added AR to its video conferencing app via AR startup Meta. According to Leo Gergs, Research Analyst at ABI ResearchOpens a new window , 5G is a perfect fit for implementing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications.
Here are 5 immediate impact of 5G on workspace collaboration tools:
1. Real-Time Sync
With 5G, cloud processing will be real-time, opening up potentially unlimited data storage options to users along with massive processing power. Such tremendous productivity and bandwidth benefits will enable real-time buffer-free video interaction. Real-time sync will provide more portability and faster bandwidth to employees. Organizations will enjoy the benefits of remote collaboration, allowing huge savings on operational costs.
2. Increased Reliability with Effective Data Processing
The speed on a 5G device is almost 20x faster than a 4G device. The increased speed with advanced data processing capabilities will simplify data management at lightning speed. 5G technology will not only take the broadband services to the next level but also facilitate and support the latest collaboration tools and capabilities – enhancing reliability.
3. Reduces Data Transmission Issues
5G technology frees remote workers from DSL connection issues by allowing them to connect with mobile devices easily. Network congestion is one of the biggest hurdles of using 4G for remote audio and video conferencing. 5G will eliminate these issues making audio and video conferencing as seamless as possible.
4. Cost-effective Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Mobile VoIP services are popular among businesses looking to streamline operations to improve the efficiency of their remote communication strategies. Mobile VoIP services offer a variety of features for more comfortable and cost-effective remote and on-premise communication. 5G will spur the adoption of mobile VoIP services.
5. Improved Bandwidth for Seamless File Sharing
With limited coverage and bandwidth, employees either fail to share files, or they choose not to try until they get connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot. 5G will enable secure file and data sharing to empower the reliability of firms on the remote collaboration tools.
6. Enhanced Collaboration and Productivity
5G capabilities will impact communication speeds, increasing productivity across remote distributed workforces. Companies with a distributed workforce typically have scheduled interactions that are time-bound, keeping the network restrictions in mind. 5G will allow real-time collaboration, hence, increasing the overall productivity and efficiency.
Learn More: 5 Industries That Will Benefit the Most From 5GOpens a new window
How 5G Will Evolve Digital Workspaces
In an always-on world, 5G technology will allow enterprises to build geographically diverse workforces. Besides impacting data rates, 5G will significantly improve QoS (quality of service), bump up the usability of workplace applications, and help in building a mobile-ready workforce, Caroline Gabriel, principal analyst, research for Analysys Mason, shared with Connected World. Opens a new window
Here’s the long-term impact of 5G adoption on workspace collaboration software:
1. Development of new advancements in mobile collaboration tools:
Mobile access is crucial for enterprises to foster a digital workplace culture. With 5G, significant reforms are expected in this field as people can enjoy 10x speed. New collaboration applications will come up, keeping the speed and the latest bandwidth in mind. There will be new features and opportunities that will evolve with more advanced versions of the existing collaboration tools.
2. Connected Enterprises will increase automation adoption
With automation taking over repetitive tasks on factory floors, in retail, manufacturing, supply chain, and healthcare, employees will work on more value-added tasks. In the long-run, 5G will be a key enabler for adoption of robotics and automation technologies.
3. Decentralized workforces will become a reality
Decentralized workforces will become a reality with 5G adoption – with employees connected through the remote collaboration tools. Knowledge-sharing and cross-skilling will become more convenient with secure data sharing and video conferencing options.
4. 5G will power AR/VR, paving the way for virtual meeting spaces
5G latency ranges between 1-4 milliseconds considering optimum conditions. The combination of high upload/download speeds and lower latency will help in creating connected workplaces. 5G will enable employees to use AR and VR to build virtual meeting spaces and allow participants to interact with co-workers in real-time.
Learn More: Unleashing the Power of 5G for the EnterpriseOpens a new window
Wrapping Up
As remote work gains ground, 5G roll-outs will push the adoption of collaboration tools and enhance productivity in mobile workforces. Summing up, 5G will pave the way for high definition video conferencing, improved VoIP solutions, AR/VR integrations in collaboration software and greater collaboration in remote workforces.
Do you think 5G will change the way how we work and collaborate? Let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We’d love to hear from you.