Challenges Associated with Implementing 5G in Manufacturing

TLDR

5G is poised to transform manufacturing by enabling Industry 4.0 and smart factories, yet it poses significant challenges in bandwidth, latency, big‑data handling, and on‑factory processing. The paper investigates how 5G can affect manufacturing, outlining the required standards, technical specifications, and security concerns for deployment. The authors analyze the necessary technical standards, performance requirements, and security measures for implementing 5G in industrial settings.

Abstract

5G networks will change several industries, including manufacturing. 5G has the potential to become the future communication platform of choice for many industries and in particular the manufacturing sector, driving the future of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. The vision of a “factory of the future” is now tangible for many industry sectors. The ability to cope with increased bandwidth, latency requirements, big-data generated from more connected equipment and the data processing required on the factory floor is a massive challenge for industry. This paper discusses how 5G can impact a manufacturing environment, the standards and technical requirements needed to meet the demands of utilizing 5G, and the security issues that need to be addressed if planning a 5G deployment.