Korea launched the fifth generation (5G) network, the first in the world, at 11pm on 3 April 2019. The following three aspects of the future-proof technology seems to be poised to revolutionize commercial real estate in Korea.
Ability to download massive data in seconds
Reportedly, 5G enhances the speed of transferring data to an unprecedented level possibly as close as 2.5 GB per second, which implies that via the 5G network, you can simply download a full HD movie in a few seconds. Therefore, the high-speed networks could help proptechs, especially in areas such as virtual reality and 3D videotelephony, that will play a vital role in the smart office concept.
For instance, SKT, a Korean telecommunication company, opened a 5G-based smart office in Seoul’s CBD, allowing its employees to explore the features of the future office. According to video footage highlighting the cool smart office concept, one of the features is the VR meeting room that allows attendees to look into a 3D blueprint or pilot products through AR glasses without being present physically.
High connection density
Another intriguing development of the 5G network is an extended capacity for connecting devices, a major win that could potentially boost the application of the Internet of Things. With 4G, the previous generation network technology, the maximum capability to link equipment is 100,000 terminals in 1 sq km only, but with 5G one million terminals can be easily connected at the same time. And it is likely to open doors for easier adoption of sensors around office buildings to collect more extensive data that could be used for better efficient building management.
In the smart office of SKT, it has sensors on ceilings, parking areas, AI vending machines, corridors and even in bathrooms so machines can do deep-learning with the collected data.
Quick reaction time
Shortening latency time, the length for transferring small amounts of data from a terminal to a base station is another technical advancement. With 5G internet infrastructure, the speed of response will be ten times faster than the previous network. The response time with 5G would be shortened by one millisecond, which is a symbolic number, because currently the latency time takes 10 to 20 milliseconds with cable.
With this technical leapfrog, the concept of the smart factory could come to life much faster and is likely to boost the industrial market. According to KT, another wireless network provider pushing towards a “smart factory” solution, by using 5G, every machine, robot and assembly line will be highly connected. With better communications systems, companies can not only efficiently manage daunting factory matters, they can alos provide real time solutions to product quality management by detecting defective products quicker.
With these benefits, 5G networks can provide a range of possibilities to get closer to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is time to think of how commercial real estate can change and what kind of values it can bring to us.
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