Is 5G The Future?

Is 5G the catalyst-connected human ecosystem in cyberspace, aquaspace, geospace, and space have been waiting for?

Introduction

It is said that the layout of the transportation network in the human ecosystem in major cities across nations is relatively similar to the pattern of the veins of a leaf. Since mathematically it seems roads (transportation) patterns in geospace have a lot in common, would we see similar patterns emerging in the communication network in cyberspace?

In geospace, like the forces that shape any urban transportation network (economic, demographic, social, workforce, and geographic forces), similar forces also seem to shape the diffusion of information and communication networks in cyberspace. Driven by a move towards a smart world, smart roads that can take us safely and securely to the known spaces: cyberspace, geospace, aquaspace, and space (CAGS) are driving the design of the next generation of communication networks. So, how is the cyber road planned in order to give us the information and communication network that connects CAGS?

Irrespective of CAGS, one of the biggest challenges for markets and movement is traffic. As cyberspace is re-mapping markets and movements, it is impacting how cyber networks are planned and is pushing the evolution of network infrastructure further.

Acknowledging this growing need, Risk Group initiated a much-needed discussion on the Future of 5G with Dr. Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran, Co-CEO, CTO, Founder & Board Member at Movandi Corporation on Risk Roundup.

Risk Group discusses the Future of 5G with Dr. Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran, Co-CEO, CTO, Founder & Board Member at Movandi Corporation developing 5G wireless network systems.

Evolving Networks

Growing computing power is pushing the evolution of ideas, initiatives, investments, and infrastructure across cyberspace. The exponential growth of the internet and the increase in the use of computers in different shapes, sizes, and forms have forced the planning of information and communication networks to accommodate the design of new emerging technologies, platforms, and the rapid movement of growing digital data. This is because, in order to create a smart world, there is a need for smart infrastructure, smart roads, and networks. So, based on the technological capability we have today, the infrastructure that integrates fiber wireline and 5G wireless is becoming a basic requirement for any smart initiative in the connected CAGS human ecosystem.

As seen, fiber optic technology, a type of high-speed wireline network offering improved speed, security, and bandwidth over legacy copper systems, is on its way to revolutionizing telecommunications and proving to be a more efficient means of transmitting both data and voice for considerably longer distances, with less interference than traditional copper technologies. The question then emerges: why not just use fiber for high-speed networking? While it would be ideal to have all computers in different shapes, sizes, and forms directly connected to the fiber backbone, the fundamental need to manage the mobility needs of the exploding internet of things is pushing the revolution of wireless networks to evolve even further. 

As fiber revolutionized the internet, it is believed that 5G will do the same for mobile devices. Amidst the parallel revolution and evolution in fiber communication technology and 5G, the question is: where is the evolution of 5G wireless networks taking us?

Dr. Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran expands on this notion in Risk Roundup: “It basically revolutionizes the way we will be living in the future, and we will be getting a lot of intelligent information from the servers and cloud.”

5G Wireless Network

The much-awaited fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks of mobile internet connectivity are here, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections to mobile devices. While 5G networks are expected to help power a massive rise in mobility and the Internet of Things ecosystem, providing the necessary technology infrastructure needed to carry vast amounts of data that would allow for a sharper, smarter, safer, and more connected world, the debate is emerging about whether 5G is actually the future of connected CAGS network.

From what it seems, the primary goal of 5G communication networks is to enrich the human ecosystem beyond text messages, voice calls, video calls, internet surfing, and application accessing towards making the human ecosystem smart. However, is being smart the ultimate goal? It is important to understand and evaluate where 5G networks are taking us and whether 5G will be sufficient for the needs of the emerging technologies and human ecosystem beyond CAGS?

Will there be a need for pushing the wireless networks to evolve beyond 5G?

Security of Wireline and Wireless Networks

On the back of the fiber wireline, as 5G opens up the closed networks and is expected to drive the internet of everything (by adding connectivity for billions of new devices), it is expected to grow the attack surface and open new complex security threats. Moreover, due to the nature of technology-enabled by 5G, more severe consequences of security breaches will be likely. The consequences of failing to secure 5G networks will be costly and catastrophic as the security is being pushed to the edge.

Since the need for an end to end security is multiplying, it brings us to an important point: while the connectivity is going to grow, why not build security in the wireline and wireless networks. Would it not be wise to make telecom networks smarter, safer, and more secure by building security directly into the telecom networks? Since the growing security problems require layered solutions, perhaps the first level of security needs to begin with the wireline and wireless networks. That brings us to another point: how can we embed security capabilities into the integrated wireline and wireless telecom networks? What are security requirements truly needed for 5G?

As we define and design the networks that integrate cyberspace, aquaspace, geospace, and space, a new layered approach to security is called for.

What Next?

As the 5G era is drawing near, it is not merely about being a medium for communication; it is about leveling the playing field of high connectivity, being a catalyst for technology transformation, and blurring the boundary between cyberspace, aquaspace, geospace, and space. 5G alone perhaps cannot change the direction of a nation’s economy, but it certainly can level the playing field to visualize the future. As 5G is expected to have an enormous impact on the world, it is time we begin a discussion on the nature of the evolving network and whether 5G is the future we need.

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