5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • EE Learning Center
  • 5G Videos
  • Handbooks
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Design Guides
    • WiFi & the IOT Design Guide
    • Microcontrollers Design Guide
    • State of the Art Inductors Design Guide

Cisco: Global IP Traffic From Smartphones Will Quadruple by 2021

By Diana Goovaerts | June 8, 2017

A massive rise in mobile data traffic has been playing out over the past several years, but a new forecast from Cisco indicates the global average internet traffic on smartphones is set to more than quadruple by the start of the next decade.

According to Cisco’s latest Visual Networking Index report, the global average IP traffic from smartphones is set to skyrocket from 3,500 MB per month per device in 2016 to 14,900 MB per month per device by 2021. Tablet IP traffic worldwide is also set to rise from 9,100 MB per month per device to 25,600 MB per month in the forecast period. All told, smartphone are set to account for a third of global IP traffic in 2021, up from 13 percent in 2016, while non-PC devices overall will make up three-quarters of worldwide IP traffic.

Globally, internet traffic per user per month across devices is expected to hit 61 GB by 2021, more than double the 24 GB seen in 2016. That figure is even higher for North America, which is expected to see a stunning 181 GB of internet traffic per user across their devices in 2021.

Cisco’s report indicated that much of this traffic will continue to be driven by video. By the end of the forecast period, video is expected to account for 82 percent of total IP traffic, up from 73 percent in 2016.

But cellular networks won’t be carrying this load alone.

While WiFi and mobile-connected devices will generate 73 percent of internet traffic in 2021, 53 percent of internet access will flow over WiFi. Only 20 percent of internet traffic will be carried on cellular networks, and fixed access will make up the remaining 27 percent. Still though, cellular’s portion in 2021 will be up 10 percentage points from 2016, when it was carrying 10 percent of the load and fixed was carrying 38 percent. The average mobile internet speed in North America is expected to nearly double from 13.7 Mbps in 2016 to 25 Mbps in 2021.

To support the increasing burden, Cisco predicted there will also be an exponential increase in the number of WiFi hotspots from 85 million in 2016 to 526.2 million in 2021. China and the United States will lead hotspot growth, coming in with 170 million and 86 million hotspots respectively by 2021.

More insights from Cisco’s report can be found here. 

Related Articles Read More >

5G vectors
How RedCap fits into 5G and IoT
Benetel RAN650
OpenRAN mid-band radio brings cellular to private and campus networks
Don’t push on that icon and other 3G sunset issues
LTE Cat 1 modules target worldwide IoT connectivity

Special Issue: 5G Handbook

Need 5G Technology World news in a minute?

We Deliver!
5G Technology World Enewsletters get you caught up on all the mission critical news you need. Sign up today.
Enews Signup

EE World Online Twitter

Tweets by @RandDWorld

EE TRAINING CENTER CLASSROOMS

EE Classrooms
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • Contact Us
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • Wire & Cable Tips

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search 5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • EE Learning Center
  • 5G Videos
  • Handbooks
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Design Guides
    • WiFi & the IOT Design Guide
    • Microcontrollers Design Guide
    • State of the Art Inductors Design Guide