Ubiquitous Connectivity
5G MOBIX
Cross-Border Connectivity Trials
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The Satellite Applications Catapult, through its membership of ERTICO (ITS EUROPE), was part of the core team that shaped and secured funding from H2020 ICT-18 programme for the highly ambitious 5G-MOBIX project – bringing together over 58 partners from thirteen countries covering four different sectors (automated driving, telecom & connectivity, R&D and OEMs).
With 5G roll-out a hot topic for 2020, the enhanced connectivity is going to mean more than just faster streaming and quicker downloads on your mobile. 5G-MOBIX develops and tests automated vehicle functionalities using 5G core technological innovations along multiple cross-border corridors and urban trial sites.
The challenge for effective deployment in this project, is making all this possible with only millisecond delay. The MEC (Multi access edge computing) saves data from having to travel thousands of kilometres when it is destined to come back to the same place. A MEC is like providing a small local cloud physically installed within geographical proximity. It is this proximity that enables a future where vehicles can transmit information to each other at exceptionally fast speeds. By using MEC technology, a cellular operator can efficiently deploy new services for specific customers or classes of customers. MEC technology also reduces the signal load of the core network and provides a solution for autonomous transport latency requirements.
Phases
The 5G-MOBIX project comprises of four phases as shown below:
01
Deployment Requirements
01
Deployment Requirements
Assess the 5G for Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) requirements on the major EU transport routes, select and map suitable use cases, and perform a cost-benefit analysis.
02
Trials and Integration
02
Trials and Integration
Develop the corridors by integrating 5G technologies, conduct trials to assess the 5G capabilities for automated driving, and identify business enablers.
03
Deployment Strategy
03
Deployment Strategy
5G deployment plan for EU, inputs for regulation, interoperability, and recommendations for standardisation and new business.
04
Evaluation
04
Evaluation
Evaluate 5G technical aspects for different stakeholders: operators, service providers, automobile manufacturers etc. And ensure the outreach of the project's impact.
A multi-skilled team from across the Catapult worked on 5G-MOBIX, this comprised of individuals expertise within ubiquitous connectivity, evaluation, marketing, operations, as well as user centred design. Key technologies were developed and tested at our Future Networks Development Centre in Westcott prior to deployment at the trial sites.
Alongside VEDECOM (France), we have been working closely to shape solutions around CCAM use cases, looking at how satellite connectivity can support potential issues identified with 5G connections across borders.
Work within 5G-MOBIX creates opportunities for the UK connectivity and automotive industry, exploiting the technological innovation while carving a strategic position for UK space technology in the 5G landscape.
Autonomous Electric Vehicles (A-EVs) will transport passengers more efficiently with the development of CCAM, reducing the need for drivers and ultimately fossil fuel internal combustion engines. This development is already providing highly urbanised areas, airports, bridges, and business parks with CCAM. Businesses will be able to take advantage of electric autonomous fleets, road and driving information will be able to be processed in near real-time, all of which helps to bring technical insights and market opportunities for CCAM applications. Daily travel is set to be revolutionised for the better, with CCAM enabling a future where mobility for all is substantially improved.
