Various Industries like Power Electronics to Medical Devices…CBRS Technology and Its Impact for CEO’s
In 2017, the US Federal Communications Commission introduced a 150 MHz wide broadcast band called CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service). Previously, this band was exclusively reserved for the US Navy radar and avionics systems, but now it is part of the US government’s push towards the shared spectrum framework. CBRS opens up a wide range of possible innovations in the wireless communication space that weren’t traditionally accessible to companies. Understanding the fundamental technology is crucial before discussing its potential use cases, especially in the context of cybersecurity and manufacturing.
How Can your CEO Use CBRS to Benefit Your Organization?
The shared spectrum system that CBRS offers opens many doors to exciting new innovations. CBRS spectrums can be used to provide localized wireless broadband access in large buildings and businesses, allowing more bandwidth and range than any WiFi solution. The major advantage CBRS offers is accessibility. The cost to entry is very high for spectrums that are exclusively licensed, and companies can end up paying billions of dollars. This makes wireless spectrums impossible for small to medium organizations to use. CBRS, on the other hand, is a free-to-use spectrum, similar to WiFi. You can pay for more exclusive benefits and a better experience, but the basic spectrum is publicly available to everyone.
Another great advantage that CBRS offers is its potential time to market. In a traditional spectrum management system, it can take almost a decade from the time a company bids on a wireless spectrum in an auction to when they are actually able to use it. In the tech industry, a decade might as well be a century. CBRS’s spectrum sharing means that once in place, it is very easy and almost instant for a new company to start using the common spectrum.
Finally, the practice of licensing exclusive spectrums was honestly unsustainable. There are so many free and unused spectrums available that can be assigned to new users. The frequency spectrum is a valuable and finite resource that would never be able to keep up with the growing demand. CBRS, on the other hand, allows multiple users on the same band, providing more room and accessibility to grow.
By combining all of these factors, CBRS makes way for new innovations and technologies that just weren’t possible before. Imagine a single central tower providing high-speed internet to a whole office campus. The possibilities of CBRS are quite literally endless, especially when considering its potential impact on cybersecurity and digital transformation in various industries.
Advantages of CBRS for Different Industries
Semiconductors
The semiconductor industry can leverage CBRS to enhance communication within manufacturing plants. By using CBRS, semiconductor companies can create private networks that ensure secure and reliable communication between machines and systems. This can lead to improved efficiency and reduced downtime, ultimately boosting productivity. In 2024, the semiconductor industry is expected to see significant advancements with the integration of AI and machine learning, driving innovation in chip design and manufacturing. These advancements will also necessitate robust cybersecurity measures to protect intellectual property and prevent cyber threats in the manufacturing process.
Power Electronics
In the power electronics sector, CBRS can be used to monitor and control power systems more effectively. By implementing CBRS-based networks, companies can achieve real-time monitoring of power usage and performance, enabling them to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs. This is particularly beneficial for renewable energy systems and electric vehicle infrastructure. The demand for power electronics is expected to grow significantly in 2024, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy solutions and electric vehicles. As these systems become more interconnected, power electronics security will become a critical concern for manufacturers and operators.
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0, which focuses on the integration of cyber-physical systems, IoT, and cloud computing, can greatly benefit from CBRS. By using CBRS, manufacturers can create smart factories with enhanced connectivity and data exchange capabilities. This can lead to improved automation, predictive maintenance, and overall operational efficiency. The adoption of Industry 4.0 principles is expected to increase in 2024, with a strong emphasis on advanced automation and real-time data analytics. However, this digital transformation also brings new cybersecurity challenges, making industry 4.0 security a top priority for manufacturing companies.
Cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry is becoming increasingly important as more devices and systems become interconnected. Manufacturers must implement robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect their operations from cyber threats and ensure the integrity of their data. The NIST framework and other best cybersecurity frameworks provide guidelines for manufacturers to assess and manage their cybersecurity risks effectively.
Medical Devices
The medical device industry can utilize CBRS to enhance the connectivity of wearable health monitors and other medical devices. By using CBRS, healthcare providers can ensure secure and reliable communication between devices and healthcare systems, leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery. In 2024, the medical device industry is expected to experience rapid growth, driven by advancements in wearable health technology and telemedicine.
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to revolutionize healthcare, internet of things medical devices are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, this growth also raises concerns about healthcare IoT security and connected medical device security. Manufacturers and healthcare providers must prioritize IoT medical device security to protect patient data and ensure the reliability of these critical devices.
Defense and Aerospace
In the defense and aerospace sectors, CBRS can be used to enhance communication and data exchange between various systems and platforms. By implementing CBRS-based networks, defense and aerospace companies can achieve secure and reliable communication, which is crucial for mission-critical operations. The defense and aerospace sectors are expected to focus on enhancing capabilities through the adoption of advanced technologies such as hypersonic weapons and next-generation communication systems in 2024.
Defense industry cybersecurity is a critical concern, given the sensitive nature of the information and systems involved. Companies in this sector must implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats and ensure the integrity of their operations. This includes implementing network segmentation, continuous monitoring, and employee training programs to mitigate risks.
IoT and IIoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can benefit significantly from CBRS. By using CBRS, companies can create private networks that ensure secure and reliable communication between connected devices. This can lead to improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced data security. The IoT and IIoT sectors are expected to continue expanding in 2024, with a growing number of connected devices and applications.
As the number of connected devices grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. IoT and IIoT systems are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks due to their distributed nature and often limited security features. Manufacturers and operators must implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect these systems from potential threats and ensure the integrity of their data.
How Blockchain Technology and CBRS Be Used Together?
Blockchain technology has garnered significant popularity in the past few years, mostly due to its use in the field of cryptocurrency. This fame has resulted in accelerated research to figure out more use cases that can be built off of blockchain technology. One particularly interesting use case combines blockchain and the CBRS spectrum sharing technology. This is especially useful for scenarios where a shared database needs write access from multiple writers. In a traditional system, there is an absence of trust between multiple writers, and it requires a lot of effort to consolidate a few parties.
In a blockchain-powered database, the process is more streamlined. Blockchain, by the nature of its underlying fundamental, works by being a ‘trustless network.’ A blockchain-powered database doesn’t trust one party over the other by default. Rather, it consolidates information from all parties involved to establish its ‘truth.’ This results in an atmosphere of disintermediation between various parties using the shared database.
For example, CBRS and blockchain technology can be used together in an inter-organizational recordkeeping capacity. The blockchain will be the highest authority in a transactional log to collect, record and notarize any information. CBRS will empower network users to reap the benefits of blockchain-based databases and eliminate the need for third-party clearing houses for any sort of authentication and validation, using blockchain-powered smart contracts instead. This is especially useful for IoT devices that need to use shared databases, as they will then have access to a shared spectrum for faster and more reliable network access.
Blockchain technology, if integrated properly, has the potential to significantly reduce transaction costs in a CBRS by streamlining B2B multi-step workflows for things like contracting, brokering, and data exchange, since blockchain offers very low-cost transactions using smart contracts. Ultimately, integration of blockchain in a spectrum management system will build trust between key stakeholders and devices using CBRS.
2024 Trends and News in Relevant Industries
Semiconductors
In 2024, the semiconductor industry continued to innovate with advancements in AI and machine learning integration. Companies focused on developing chips that enhance performance and efficiency for various applications, including autonomous vehicles and advanced computing. The demand for semiconductors in these areas has driven significant investment in research and development, leading to breakthroughs in chip design and manufacturing processes. Cybersecurity has become a critical concern in semiconductor manufacturing, with companies implementing robust measures to protect their intellectual property and prevent cyber threats.
Power Electronics
The power electronics sector saw significant growth in 2024, driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions and electric vehicles. Innovations in power conversion and energy storage technologies were at the forefront, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Companies are focusing on developing components that can handle higher power densities and operate at higher frequencies, which are crucial for applications in renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. As these systems become more interconnected, manufacturers are prioritizing power electronics security to protect against potential cyber threats.
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 continued to evolve in 2024, with a strong emphasis on smart manufacturing and the integration of IoT and AI technologies. Companies invested in digital twins and predictive maintenance to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime. The use of advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms has enabled manufacturers to optimize production processes and improve product quality. However, this digital transformation has also increased the need for robust cybersecurity measures in the manufacturing industry.
Cybersecurity for manufacturers has become a top priority, with companies implementing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks to protect their operations. The adoption of the NIST framework and other best cybersecurity practices has helped manufacturers address the unique challenges posed by Industry 4.0 technologies. Secure 4.0 initiatives have gained traction, focusing on integrating cybersecurity measures into every aspect of smart manufacturing.
Medical Devices
The medical device industry experienced rapid growth in 2024, with advancements in wearable health technology and telemedicine. Innovations focused on improving patient outcomes and providing more personalized healthcare solutions. The development of minimally invasive surgical devices and improved diagnostic tools has also contributed to the industry’s growth. As the number of internet of things medical devices increases, healthcare IoT security has become a critical concern for both manufacturers and healthcare providers.
Connected medical device security has emerged as a top priority, with companies implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and ensure the reliability of these critical devices. Regulatory compliance and data protection have become key focus areas for medical device manufacturers, driving the adoption of comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks.
Defense and Aerospace
The defense and aerospace sectors in 2024 focused on enhancing capabilities through the adoption of advanced technologies such as hypersonic weapons, cybersecurity solutions, and next-generation communication systems. These innovations aimed to improve operational efficiency and mission effectiveness. The integration of AI and machine learning in defense systems has also played a significant role in enhancing situational awareness and decision-making processes.
Defense industry cybersecurity has remained a critical concern, with companies implementing advanced measures to protect against cyber threats. This includes the adoption of the NIST framework, continuous monitoring systems, and employee training programs to mitigate risks associated with cyber attacks and intellectual property theft.
IoT and IIoT
The IoT and IIoT sectors continued to expand in 2024, with a growing number of connected devices and applications. The emphasis was on creating more efficient and intelligent systems for various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. The use of IoT and IIoT technologies has enabled companies to collect and analyze vast amounts of data, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced costs.
As the number of connected devices grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Companies are implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect IoT and IIoT systems from potential threats. This includes network segmentation, vulnerability management, and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for threat detection and response.
How NextGen Global Can Help
At NextGen Global, we specialize in finding top A-Players in these industries to fast-track your organization’s success. Our executive search services are tailored to identify and attract the best talent in semiconductors, power electronics, Industry 4.0, medical devices, defense, aerospace, IoT, and IIoT. By leveraging our expertise and industry knowledge, we help you build a team that can drive long-term improvements and deliver a high return on investment. Did we mention our industry-leading replacement guarantee?
Our expertise extends to cybersecurity, ensuring that we can help you find professionals who understand the unique security challenges faced by each industry. Whether you need experts in manufacturing cyber security, healthcare IoT security, or defense industry cybersecurity, we have the network and knowledge to connect you with the right talent.
Please have a look at another article on our blog about Data Security Compliance Being a Revenue Driver, we’re always updating it with cutting-edge information in the various markets we service, including the latest trends in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and industry-specific innovations.
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