The development of the digital world has certainly brought many innovations in technology, including in the devices we use every day. In the past, smartphones only needed antennas and modems. However, with 5G, a single device now requires a radio frequency (RF) system, an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, power optimization, a thermal system, and network intelligence.
Your phone is not only faster with 5G. It also undergoes a structural overhaul. This technology is not just about speed, but also changes how devices are built. This fundamental shift moves away from static hardware-focused designs toward more flexible software- and cloud-based systems.
Curious about how 5G changes device architecture? This article will explore how this technology significantly impacts the manufacturing process of the devices you use.
From 4G to 5G: Why Architecture Must Evolve
Changes in device architecture are inevitable with the technological transition from 4G to 5G. This certainly causes a fundamental shift in network design.
These changes mainly occur in mobile broadband to a versatile cloud-based infrastructure. 5G is designed to support a variety of high-performance use cases such as IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart factories.
Therefore, this architectural evolution is crucial because the 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC) cannot meet the demands of ultra-low latency and massive device connectivity. In addition, extreme data throughput is required to define the 5G vision.
Fundamentally, 4G device architecture is relatively simple with an RF chain. Meanwhile, 5G requires a more complex architecture. It introduces a wider spectrum (sub-6 + mmWave), higher bandwidth, massive device density, and ultra-low latency.
This inevitably impacts the increased number of components required and more complex PCB layouts. Furthermore, 5G makes antenna design no longer “one size fits all.”
Key Changes to Device Architecture
In general, 5G brings many inevitable changes to device architecture. Here are the main changes:
- Edge computing integration: Device architecture is shifting away from complete dependence on centralized cloud servers.
- Requires faster processors and larger RAM: To handle large throughput and multi-gigabit speeds.
- Cloud-based infrastructure and virtualization: Requires a design that allows devices to act as part of a virtual network.
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML) for optimization: For real-time resource management, signal processing, and optimal energy consumption.
- Advanced antenna systems: Requires integrated antenna modules within devices to handle high frequencies from 24 GHz to 100 GHz.
Impact on Specific Device Types
5G, which changes the architecture, certainly has an impact on certain devices. Here are some examples:
- Smartphones: Moving towards a “5G native” design with faster processors, WiFi 6/6E/7 radio, and superior camera/display capabilities.
- IoT and Industrial Devices (IIoT): Device architecture is shifting towards supporting specialized, power-efficient, and high-density connectivity (massive IoT).
- Automotive/Connected Vehicles: Architecture for autonomous vehicles continues to evolve to support Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication.
Modular Architecture: Preparing Devices for Beyond the Technology
To realize 5G, a device architecture capable of supporting it is required. Therefore, there will be a change in design philosophy. Devices are now more modular with separable RF modules, upgradable components, and software-defined functions.
The future of wireless connectivity trends is likely to combine further advances. The use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) to optimize radio waves. It will even use built-in AI, user-centric device-to-device (D2D) communication, and advanced, flexible nano-based materials.
The goal, of course, is for devices to be adaptive. So they will be ready for 5G Advanced, 6G, and even new spectrum bands.
What the 6G Era Might Require From Devices
After the 5G era, there will likely be further changes for 6G. The potential for change certainly exists, such as the use of terahertz communication, sensor and communication convergence, native AI connectivity, and devices with ultra-low latency.
Thus, there are implications for changes in device architecture, which may become more distributed and sensor-oriented. It could even become more edge-AI oriented.
Why This Matters to Everyday Users
Understanding that 5G technology is changing device architecture will help you understand why phones are now expensive, batteries drain quickly, and devices stay hot. There are even devices that are being designed to be thicker, even though the technology is getting smaller.
Understanding architecture means understanding the true cost of modern connectivity. Because, fundamentally, devices are no longer just devices. They are part of a change.
5G technology brings many changes, not only to networks, but also to the philosophy of device design. In the future, we may not just use devices, but interact with smart connectivity systems. Device architecture will lead the future of connectivity.
Muhammad
Hello, my name is Rifqi. I have studied how language can influence human interaction and impact sociocultural aspects. Currently, I work as a corporate content writer at Dimulti Type Approval. Through my writing, I hope to make difficult technical matters or everyday issues easier for you to understand.
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