Large Scale Construction And Smart City Projects Require Reliable, Fast Connectivity
Throughout the years, the scale of construction and city development projects has grown by leaps and bounds. In the past, projects may have been limited by resources, geography, and maybe even imagination – however as technology has advanced a single project can be miles wide and navigate through mountain ranges or under bodies of water.
These large scale projects – and the Smart City initiatives they’re often tied to – require uninterrupted, lightening fast connectivity. This ensures that crews across the entire project site are able to communicate efficiently while the work is ongoing and that, upon project completion, the various sensors and Smart City data aggregators can reliably transfer data for analysis and optimization.
Construction Sites and Entertainment Hubs Across The Thames Connected By The Power of 5G
A global construction organization specializing in building sustainable infrastructure has achieved a significant milestone by deploying the UK’s inaugural operational 5G Standalone (SA) private wireless network in collaboration with Nokia and a UK-based digital technology and networking specialist. This cutting-edge network operates at the vital juncture of two of London’s largest retail and entertainment areas – Greenwich Peninsula, home of The O2 Arena, and Silvertown District.
The deployment establishes the infrastructure developer as its own 5G mobile operator for a major construction site, utilizing Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) 5G SA solution and the shared spectrum provided by Ofcom (n77 3.8-4.2GHz).
Transforming Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G Into Smart Connectivity
The network, already operational in the site’s southern end, will expand across the River Thames to ensure comprehensive connectivity for the project sites. By adhering to an Open RAN approach and employing equipment from various vendors orchestrated through a single solution, the platform seamlessly transforms Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G connectivity into smart connectivity. The Nokia DAC seamlessly integrates plug-and-play 5G connectivity with on-site data management and edge-cloud processing capabilities, enabling the support of real-time applications that operate within the designated n77 spectrum.
The network enhances wireless connectivity within a tunnel – expected to open in 2025 – that will stretch under the Thames and connect the two sites while easing traffic congestion on the surface roads. It will also augment site communications, access management, perimeter control, and environmental monitoring while fostering real-time visualization of construction progress and ultimately contributing to improved worker safety and conditions.
“The tunnel project is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the benefits that this level of connectivity will bring to the construction industry,” stated the Managing Director of the infrastructure construction company. Similarly, the CTO of the networking organization underlined the reliability and flexibility of private 5G networks, remarking that they are ideally suited for various applications beyond construction, including manufacturing, logistics, transport hubs, and more.
Nokia’s CEO for UK&I noted that the construction company’s deployment of an industrial-grade private 5G network paves the way for a digital transformation journey towards Industry 4.0 that will enhance communication, collaboration, productivity, and safety across large construction sites.
By facilitating the integration of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and robotics into future construction projects, this project has opened avenues for novel business models, opportunities, and coordination among infrastructure companies keen on deploying their own 5G networks.
About Infinity Technology Solutions
Infinity Technology Solutions specializes in broadband and critical communications infrastructure development. We help our channel partners create private wireless networks 4G/5G, microwave backhaul systems, IP/MPLS, and optical networking technology.
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