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5G Trends and the Future of Connectivity

5G has emerged as the epicenter of innovation in technology. Its promise is undeniable: faster speeds, greater reliability and the ability to integrate an ever-growing network of connected devices with unprecedented levels of performance. Powered by 5G, cities are becoming smarter, manufacturing facilities are driving untold efficiency and medical devices are even more capable of saving lives. This fast-moving world requires advanced sensor and antenna technology, smaller devices and shortened production cycles to meet ever increasing consumer demand. An expert in sensing and interconnect solutions, Molex is on the forefront of the 5G ecosystem, providing customers with uncompromised support from world-class engineering expertise to state-of-the-art design and manufacturing.  

Overview


The emergence of technologies like Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things are rapidly changing how people work, travel and live. Smart devices have proliferated through society, providing people and technology with real-time data transmission. Digital supply chains are incorporating sensors, machine learning and detailed analytics to improve processes, reduce costs, minimize risks and ensure on-time delivery. Vehicles are now data centers on wheels as connected cars strive to provide a more comfortable, safer, quieter, and increasingly autonomous driving experience. Drone technology is enabling smart agriculture, increasing reach and improving efficiency in ways not possible with conventional methods. And today’s smart homes connect lights, appliances, cameras and more with electronic assistants that provide immediate accessibility to the homeowner.   

All of this relies on the widespread adoption of 5G infrastructure to provide the high performance, low-latency networks necessary to support growing mobile data traffic. For design engineers, incorporating 5G compatibility is often easier said than done. Achieving optimal performance poses an array of unique challenges and can be an engineer’s paradox. Pack more components into a smaller footprint without generating electromagnetic interference (EMI.) Increase power requirements without producing more heat. Add functionality while shortening design cycles. Even 5G’s millimeter wavelength (mmWave)  frequencies have a tradeoff: higher data speeds but at reduced effective range. 

Molex’s innovative interconnect solutions and global engineering expertise enable customers to avoid compromise. As a trusted, industry-leading supplier that understands the unique dynamics of 5G technology from the base station to the end device, we help manufacturers meet tomorrow’s demands without sacrificing quality, reliability, performance, or efficiency.  


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Putting the Reality in AR/VR with 5G

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are just reaching the point of providing consumers and professionals with multi-dimensional interactions that seamlessly connect users to their surrounding environments. With 5G, AR/VR headsets and devices can reinvent gaming, elevate Industry 4.0 and enable remote medical diagnostics. But how can 5G and AR/VR fully realize their opportunity?

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The Tech Enablers Turning 5G Into Reality

Signal propagation, thermal management and antenna module placement have emerged as significant engineering challenges that have slowed mobile carriers’ 5G network deployments. From flexible backhaul infrastructure to advanced manufacturing processes miniaturizing electrical and mechanical structures, here are 10 tech enablers that are enabling 5G technology. 

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BLOG

Tackling 5G Mobile Antennas

Mobile antenna design is a formidable but little discussed challenge in 5G applications. While high frequency mmWaves support increased data throughput, they’re highly directional and signal propagation becomes vulnerable. How can design engineers capitalize on 5G’s speed without sacrificing connectivity?

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Elevate Your 5G Expectations

Molex’s advanced portfolio of vertically integrated solutions has brought 5G-powered innovation to life for the world’s leading businesses. Our proven experience in mmWave, RF, antenna, power, camera, sensor, and display technologies has been applied to diverse segments from telecom to automotive, cloud-enabled data centers and medical devices.

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Case Study

Molex and Masonite unlock innovations in connectivity and power technology to bring the first ever smart door to market. 

Crossing the threshold into transformative smart home technology requires boundless ingenuity, especially when adding intelligence and connectivity. Perhaps that’s why Masonite M-Pwr™ Smart Doors are so impressive. As the first of their kind smart doors, these residential exterior doors offer homeowners the best of all worlds: fully integrated power, LED welcome lighting, emergency battery backup, a video doorbell, a smart lock and a door state sensor, so you can always stay connected wherever you are. 

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"We needed a flexible and willing collaborator to help us grow in this new area and we needed to find a company that would work with us throughout the development process — from initial concepts to full-scale production. It also was crucial to find an organization that shared our innovative spirit.” 
Alex Bodurka
Engineering Lead 
Masonite 

The State of 5G

Where is 5G heading and how fast will it get there?

A Must Have for 5G Connectivity: Robust Deployment

Listen to a lively, interactive, 25-minute dialogue regarding multiple highly informative 5G topics. 

Additional Resources


Whitepaper

5G Mobile Technology – More Devices, Speed and Mobility

How can manufacturers successfully position themselves for what comes next? Here’s a look at what to expect and how to prepare for a changing technology landscape.

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BLOG

Connecting Rural Communities

Rural communities have long struggled with internet access. Distributing broadband connectivity from a central location to widely distributed remote users is cost prohibitive in most circumstances. But using an integrated access and backhaul strategy, 5G can be widely distributed to remote locations at a reasonable cost.   

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VIDEO

Fulfilling the IoT Promise and the Impact of 5G

Watch this panel discussion on if the role of 5G in IoT is overhyped.

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ARTICLE

5G Testing Technologies: Precision and Optimization Realized

Companies involved in making 5G components require state-of-the-art testing to measure capabilities of beamforming, radiation emissions, high-gain antennas, low-loss and high-frequency connectors, and more.

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ARTICLE

Building Our 5G Future: Open19 and Edge Computing

Companies involved in making 5G components require state-of-the-art testing to measure capabilities of beamforming, radiation emissions, high-gain antennas, low-loss and high-frequency connectors, and more.

Network and data connection on a dark blue background.

BLOG

The 5G Growth Trajectory – Opportunity and Flexibility Abound

The 5G rollout will transform and facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies in categories from healthcare to industrial and automotive.

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Whitepaper

5G in the Future Connected Car

How will a new mobile standard make the vision of connected driving become a reality?

Car built of plexus network objects

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Smart Agriculture in Depth

Farmers are under pressure to grow more food while minimizing their impact on the environment.  Technology has emerged as one of their most valuable tools to enable them to meet both these needs

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5G mmWave RF Flex-to-Board Connectors

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