Reducing Latency in 5G IIoT Networks Using in-Network Processing

Abstract:
In Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployments, latency is often of utmost importance. If a sensor detects some changes in a machine, an actuator needs to react. Until now, about 91% of IIoT deployments are wired [1] due to the faster and more reliable transmission of messages. 5G [2] promises a change to that, as 5G Campus Networks offer a high bandwidth and a guaranteed latency. However, this low latency can only be guaranteed for the direct communication between a 5G sender and the corresponding base station, and the messages might still have to run through multiple hops in the intranet before reaching its destination. 5G networks also offer a wide range of potential applications in microsystems technology, particularly due to their high data rates, low latency and high reliability. These properties enable real-time communication between sensors, actuators and control systems, which is essential for automation and networking in production.