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The 5G Technology IR4 and Knowledge Management

Vyshali Rao K. P.1*, Shanthi M. B.2 and Sudhakar K. N.3

1Department of ISE, CMR Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India

2Department of CSE, CMR Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India

3SoCSE, RV University, Bangalore, India

Abstract

Often termed as Industry IR-4.0, the fourth revolution industry encompasses the merging of high-end technologies, with a distinct emphasis on the Internet of Things (IoT), within the manufacturing domain, leading to the transformation of the industrial landscape into a heightened state of intelligence. The IoT concept encompasses the interlinking of hardware devices, vehicles, and various objects embedded with sensors and connectivity software, facilitating processes like data collection, organization, and exchange. The swift growth of IoT in the present years has led to an upsurge in Internet-connected devices spurring the need for faster and more dependable networks to accommodate this expansion. The emergence of 5G networks offers a potential solution delivering enhanced speeds, reduced delay, and increased capacity compared to previous generations. These 5G networks are well positioned to support a wide variety of IoT devices, including sensors, wearable, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and industrial factories. Thanks to its increased bandwidth and decreased latency, 5G facilitates real-time communication between devices enabling more efficient data transfers. This capability finds particular relevance in applications, such as industrial automation, where seamless real-time communication between machines enhances production processes. Notably, 5G networks for IoT offer support for extensive machinetype communications (mMTC), and they feature slicing of network, allowing network operators to develop virtual networks optimized for specific industrial IoT applications. However, while the integration of IoT into manufacturing processes brings about advantages, it also introduces new challenges, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the necessity for up-skilling labor forces.

Keywords: Radio access networks (RANs), service-aligned architecture (SAA), long term evolution (LTE), industrial revolution (IR)

1.1 Introduction

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the upcoming level in computerizing the mass production industry. It is fueled by ingenious developments like growth of size of data and their connectivity, analytics, machine– human interaction, and elevation in robotics. The industrial revolution 4.0, commonly known as Industry 4.0, is exemplified by the integration of advanced technologies to create smart, connected, and highly automated systems [1]. One of the key enablers of Industry 4.0 is the deployment of 5G technology, which represents the 5G mobile networks. 5G is poised to revolutionize various industries by providing unprecedented levels of speed, reliability, and connectivity. In this introduction, we will explore the necessary aspects of 5G technology and its role in powering Industry 4.0.

The 5G technology is the latest improvisation in cellular communication networks succeeding the previous generation, 4G/LTE [2]. It is designed to deliver significantly faster data speeds, lower delays (the time taken by data to travel among devices), and enhanced network capacity. 5G operates on greater frequency bands and millimeter waves, enabling it to handle more significant data volumes with minimal delays. While 5G holds immense promise for Industry 4.0, its widespread implementation faces some challenges. These include the need for significant infrastructure upgrades, ensuring network security and privacy, and addressing potential grievance regarding health effects of larger frequency radio waves [3]. The 5G technology is a critical enabler of Industry 4.0 revolutionizing various sectors by providing faster and more reliable connectivity. Its implementation has the future to transform industries, boost innovation, and expose new business models that leverage the power of smart, connected systems. As 5G networks continue to expand, we can foresee a proliferation of cutting-edge technologies that will reshape our way of living, work, and having an interaction with digital age.

1.2 5G Technology Architecture

Cellular networking has evolved across successive generations with the imminent fifth generation being the latest advancement. The primary objective of preceding iterations was to provide rapid and dependable mobile services to users. However, 5G significantly broadens this objective introducing an extensive array of wireless services available to users across diverse platforms and multi-layered networks. This new generation, 5G establishes a cohesive, dynamic, and adaptable framework comprised of forward-looking technologies capable of accommodating a wide range of applications. Employing a more advanced architecture, 5G’s Radio Access Networks (RANs) are not objectified by the proximity of base stations or intricate infrastructure. Instead, 5G paves the way for a flexible, disaggregated, and virtual RAN augmented by interfaces that create additional data access points.

The 5G basic network infrastructure is crucial for supporting the increased throughput demand of 5G [4]. It follows a cloud-oriented, service-aligned architecture (SAA) defined by 3GPP. This architecture encompasses various 5G functionalities, including security, authentication, session management, and data traffic accumulation from the user end. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) encompasses telecommunication technologies such as RAN, core transport networks, and service capabilities [5]. It has defined comprehensive system requirements for the 5G network infrastructure, which is characterized as service-oriented compared to previous generations. These services are made available via a familiar framework to networking accessibility that are available for usage. Reusability, modularity, and self-circumscription of these 5G network functionalities are added design considerations for the 5G network infrastructure described by the 3GPP specifications.

The architecture of 5G networks is designed to support faster and more reliable wireless communication. It consists of three major components, the radio access network (RAN), the root network, and user equipment (UE). The RAN includes base stations and antennas that connect devices at the end to a network. The basic network manages the flow of data and provides services like authentication and security. The UE refers to the devices used by users to access the network, such as smartphones or IoT devices [6]. Overall, the architecture of 5G networks aims to provide enhanced connectivity and enables new applications and services. The Figure 1.1 depicts the core architecture of 5G networks per 3GPP specifications.

User equipment (UE), such as smartphones or mobile devices that utilize 5G technology, establishes connections through the 5G New Radio Access Network to the 5G core and subsequently to Data Networks (DN), including the Internet.

• Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) [7]: The AMF serves as the indigenous point of entry for UE connections. It performs tasks such as non-access stratum (NAS) signal termination, NAS encoding and protection of integrity, management of registration, connection, mobility, access authorization and authentication, and security factor management. Depending on the requested service by the UE, the AMF selects the relevant Session Management Function (SMF) to oversee the user session. Additionally, the AMF incorporates the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) and serves as the termination point for RAN control plane (CP) interfaces (N2).

  Figure 1.1 5G architecture.

• 5G Network Exposure Function (NEF) [8]: The NEF ensures secure and robust access to the network services and capabilities exposed by your 5G network. It provides developers and enterprises with the means to create tailored network services on-demand fostering innovation within an extended ecosystem.
• Network Repository Function (NRF) [9]: As a vital component of the 5G core, the NRF functions as an index that aids other network functions (NFs) in discovering information about other entities within the core, along with necessary service capabilities.
• Authentication Server Function (AUSF) [10]: The AUSF qualifies the AMF to authorize the UE and allow access to the 5G basic services.
• User Plane Function (UPF) [11]: The UPF supervises transporting IP datagram traffic (user plane) among the UE and other external networks.
• Additional Functions: The Session Management Function (SMF) [12], Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), and Unified Data Management (UDM) function constitute a framework for policy control. They implement policy decisions, access subscription information, and regulate network behavior.

1.3 Technology Features of 5G

The 5G technology depicts a significant breakthrough in terms of fastness, capacity, latency, and connectivity in comparison to previous generations (such as 4G or LTE). Here are crucial features [13] and characteristics of 5G technicality.

• Increased Speed: The 5G presents notably elevated data transmission speeds compared to its predecessors boasting peak velocities that can attain up to 10 Gbps. This enhancement facilitates swifter downloads, uninterrupted streaming of high-definition media, and instantaneous...