A blockchain is a distributed, append-only database. That means users can edit it, but items cannot be deleted. It is distributed in the sense that the database is replicated on multiple entities, so that the data remains accessible even if some fraction of those entities crash or even if some of the entities are corrupted by an attacker. Data stored in the database can always be recovered at some later time. Many blockchains are also publicly accessible, in the sense that anyone can read the data stored theiren; however, this is not always the case. Blockchains are used for cryptocurrency transactions, and also have applications in the energy, healthcare and education sectors.

Does 5G technology reduce energy usage?

<span data-sheets-root="1" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"5G’s impact on carbon efficiency includes its ability to improve data transmission efficiency and enable smarter energy use across various sectors, from optimizing logistics for reduced fuel consumption to facilitating real-time monitoring of emissions. "}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4993,"3":{"1":0},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"Arial"}">5G’s impact on carbon efficiency includes its ability to improve data transmission efficiency and enable smarter energy use across various sectors, from optimizing logistics for reduced fuel consumption to facilitating real-time monitoring of emissions.

How does 5G benefit entertainment?

<span data-sheets-root="1" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Large crowds can stress 4G cellular networks because many people start taking selfies and filming the action. 5G is better at handling large amounts of data, making for better fan experiences."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4993,"3":{"1":0},"10":2,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"Arial"}">Large crowds can stress 4G cellular networks because many people start taking selfies and filming the action. 5G is better at handling large amounts of data, making for better fan experiences.

How does the blockchain work?

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology used for digital transaction management. It consists of blocks that are linked together using cryptography. Each block consists of timestamp, transaction details and cryptographic hash of the previous block. Blockchain has a wide range of applications from marketing and trading, healthcare, to the power and energy sector. It is the core technology behind bitcoin. Blockchain can be public, private or hybrid. Each participant in the blockchain technology is called a node. When someone requests a transaction, it is sent to all the nodes connected to the blockchain network. Participants verify the transaction and the transaction is validated only if consensus (agreement) has been attained between the nodes. Once the transaction is verified, a new block is created, and the transaction details are added to it. The new block is then added to the existing blockchain which now becomes immutable and the transaction is said to be complete.

Preethy V. Warrier IEEE Senior Member, IEEE Power & Energy Society

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