5G Is Finally Here: What Should You Look Forward to in Your Next Car?
Written by
Staff Writers
Updated on July 30, 2021With the automobile industry pushing innovations to greater heights for better user experience, it’s only a matter of time before 5G-connected cars take over the roads and highways. But what exactly is 5G and what does the future look like for connected cars? Let’s find out.
What Is 5G Technology?
You’ve probably heard about 4G technology, its predecessors, and how the current mobile wireless network is the fastest one to date in most countries. And given the technology’s latest rendition, it’s safe to say that mobile networks have come a long way from the analog networks built in the 70s.
But while 4G can support more mobile internet users than its earlier versions, the future of mobile networks doesn’t stop there. After all, several countries have already taken up a communications system that’s at least 600 times faster than 4G speeds一5G.
5G can bring speeds of at least 10 gigabits per second. That’s fast enough to download high-definition movies within 25 seconds or stream several ones simultaneously.
Several telecommunications and satellite companies have already begun to develop their own versions of 5G networks. In fact, major American telecom carriers like T-Mobile, Dish Network, AT&T, and Verizon started introducing standalone versions of 5G in 2020.
5G technology is driven by eight specification requirements:
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Up to 10 Gbps data rate
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1-millisecond latency
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1000x bandwidth per unit area
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Up to 100x number of connected devices per unit area
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99.999% availability
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100% coverage
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90% reduction in network energy usage
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Up to 10-years battery life for low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices
5G’s advanced features will revolutionize more than just how consumers use their mobile phones. Experts are talking about innovations like environmental sensors and thermostats, remote surgeries, and the highly anticipated internet-connected cars, to name a few.
What Is V2X?
With 5G leading the way for improved communications in several industries, it won’t be long before internet-connected cars become mainstream. 5G is also set to be a key element in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology.
V2X is a communication system that allows information to travel from vehicle sensors to other vehicles and infrastructures using high-bandwidth and high-reliability links. Vehicles equipped with V2X technology can form the following connections:
Vehicle to Vehicle
Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication allows vehicles to wirelessly exchange information, such as speed, location, and heading. It helps vehicles detect potential crash threats by creating visual, tactile, and audible alerts.
Vehicle to Pedestrian
Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication covers the exchange of information between vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as cyclists and pedestrians. It can send warnings to pedestrians about oncoming vehicles and vice versa.
Vehicle to Infrastructure
Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology lets vehicles share information with various devices that support a highway system. These devices include RFID readers, signages, cameras, parking meters, and traffic lights.
Vehicle to Network
Vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication enables access to in-vehicle service providers and infotainment streams.
V2X Tech: Where Are We Now?
While the implementation of V2X technology is still in the works, several companies and organizations have already begun working toward the production of connected cars and highway systems.
In July 2021, the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) announced their goal to develop a program that will lay the foundations for the certification of the V2X radio layer. This will enable manufacturers to certify various V2X products, such as onboard units (OBUs) and roadside units (RSUs).
Through the certification program, manufacturers can ensure that their products are interoperable with each other, specifically in the V2V communication system. Automakers will be able to rely on intelligent connectivity within automobiles. The program will also allow insurance companies to monitor safe driving practices promised by the V2X technology.
Some automakers have begun to advance towards creating V2X vehicles. German automaker BMW launched its first V2X vehicle under the BMW iX model last August 2021. The electric vehicle is considered the world’s first high-end consumer car equipped with 5G technology. Samsung spearheaded the production of its 5G telematics components.
The BMW iX also has a built-in SIM card that comes with a hybrid V2X module. The card can support both dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and cellular communication.
Other automakers like Audi, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz are also set to follow the BMW iX release with their own V2X-equipped models. Greater China has also released at least four vehicles with V2X technology. These include the Guangzhou Auto Aion V, ARCFOX Alpha-T, Roewe Marvel R, and the Human Horizon HiPhi1.
Adopting 5G in Automotive Applications
The current V2X technology relies on 4G for infotainment access and to provide a Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices. With the integration of 5G networks, V2X-equipped vehicles are expected to have higher data throughput and speeds for smartphones and other nomadic devices. 5G V2X integration will also include provisions for multicasting, which is crucial in reducing radio channel congestion.
Although the integration of 5G and V2X technology is still in the design phase in most areas, there have already been attempts to launch vehicles equipped with this tech. In July 2021, the Las-Vegas startup Halo and telecom giant T-Mobile announced that they aim to release a driverless electric car powered by 5G within the year.
Users will be able to access Halo’s fleet of vehicles with an app. A remote operator will move the cars toward waiting customers, who can then sit behind the steering wheel and drive. Once the users have reached their intended destination, the remote operator will take the cars back.
5G development in vehicles was spearheaded by 5GAA, a global organization of companies in the automotive, technology, and telecommunications industries. 5GAA aims to provide automated vehicle solutions for future mobility and transportation services.
Created in 2016, the 5GAA currently has over 130 members together with eight of the organization’s pioneers一Audi AG, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Nokia, and Qualcomm Incorporated.
DSRC vs. C-V2X
Before cellular vehicle-to-everything technology (C-V2X), dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) has been the primary communications system that enables vehicles to communicate with other road users. While it provides the same benefits that C-V2X offers, the latter is designed to have more advanced features to provide better performance. Here’s how they differ from one another:
There aren’t many differences between DSRC and C-V2X in terms of frequency. Both use the 5.9Ghz band to communicate from one radio to another.
In terms of message sets, both use SAE J2735 and J2945.
Both DSRC and C-V2X technologies have digital signatures, which is a mathematical algorithm that validates the authenticity and integrity of a specific message. A digital signature acts as a virtual fingerprint. It increases the transparency of online interactions while protecting valuable information in messages or documents.
DSRC technology uses wireless access in vehicular environments (WAVE) wireless standard, while C-V2X uses long-term evolution (LTE), which is a chip technology typically used in cellular phones. The difference in wireless standards prevents DSRC radios from communicating with a C-V2X radio and vice versa.
A DSRC radio typically has a 300-meter range. C-V2X, on the other hand, is projected to have a range that’s 20-30% more than DSRC while having better performance with obstructions.
The Benefits of 5G and Connected Cars
The integration of 5G networks and V2X technology offers several benefits that have a huge impact on the automotive industry.
Improved Safety
Improved road safety is perhaps the most prominent benefit 5G-connected cars will have. Approximately 1.3 million people die every year due to road traffic accidents. According to a United Nations (UN) report, half of the deaths come from VRUs. Parking lot accidents are also a common occurrence, with 13% of vehicular accidents happening in car parks.
With the development of V2X communications, the exchange of information between vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructures will flow faster. This will help alert drivers of nearby hazards and prevent road accidents.
In the event of road accidents, the technology will shorten the response time for medical assistance through connected ambulances. The connection present in such vehicles will allow drivers to locate the nearest available emergency room while remote medical assistance is given to the patient while on the road.
Better User Experience
Aside from enhancing safety, connected cars also improve consumer experience. They enable drivers to enjoy their favorite entertainment apps, such as audio books and music streaming services, from the comfort of their vehicles.
Autonomous valet will also be available in connected cars, which will allow vehicles to park without any assistance. With these benefits, it’s estimated that consumer demand for these vehicles will be higher in 2022, with over 125 million passenger cars with embedded connectivity on the road.
Environmental Benefits
V2I communications as a by-product of V2X technology can also help in managing traffic congestion in certain areas. Drivers will be alerted of oncoming traffic or an upcoming red light, allowing them to adjust their route accordingly. This can also maximize fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Provides a New Market Opportunity for Automakers
The connected car segment also provides a new market opportunity for automakers. With the increasing demand for safer and more convenient vehicles, the automotive V2X market size is projected to reach 11,718.7 million USD by 2027, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.4% from 2020-2027. This figure is 9,153.1 million USD more than the initial forecast in 2019.
The Future of 5G
5G will surely create a more connected world. After all, it’s set to provide many opportunities for various industries (telecommunications, automotive, medical, etc.) to improve the quality of life.
Potential Risks
But the digital landscape is not without its dangers, so it won’t be easy. So manufacturers will need to take precautionary measures to ensure the increased connectivity won’t lead to increased risks and vulnerability to potential threats.
A common concern is that long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation can lead to cancer. However, experts note that electromagnetic radiation only tends to increase body temperature due to the low power levels produced by mobile and wireless telecommunications.
The development of 5G networks also poses a threat to cybersecurity. With the network having a web of digital routers instead of the usual hardware-based routing, it won’t have chokepoints for inspection and control. A larger bandwidth also increases the risk of cyberattacks.
Cell sites that use 5G’s dynamic spectrum sharing capability each have their own degree of cyber risk, which is why cyber protection must be more dynamic. Lastly, the existence of IoT devices一little computers that are at risk of getting hacked, may also compromise 5G’s security.
Greater Gains
While it’s true that 5G will have greater risks than its predecessors, the benefits that come with the technology shouldn’t be disregarded.
The integration of technology, telecommunications, and automobile industries has paved the way for drivers to have better and safer driving experiences. For instance, 5G in autonomous cars will allow them to make their own decisions and respond to emergency situations without any intervention from drivers.
Other than providing a stepping stone for better and safer driving experiences, 5G is also set to impact more industries in the future. For instance, 5G will enable the use of remote monitoring devices for better healthcare and provide real-time data collection and automate agricultural systems. It will also improve consumers’ mobile shopping experiences and accelerate the digitization of financial institutions, among others.
It is also worth noting that the advanced features of 5G technology will require manufacturers to provide a more secure cybersecurity program to guarantee a seamless network. Proactive cyber investment, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) protection, and the integration of security into the development and operations cycle are just some of the precautionary measures 5G developers can consider to guarantee a safe network.
The role of government institutions is also vital in creating a secure cyber regulatory paradigm. With 5G paving the way for increased connectivity, more precautions must be made to reduce the risk of threats. Stricter inspection and certification of connected devices, stimulation of 5G supply chain gaps, and the need for consumer transparency are needed to ensure connected devices and operations are secured and safe from potential attacks.
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