5G Private Networks Provide Mission-Critical Communications and Airport Efficiencies

Airports' legacy networks may be stretched data-heavy applications. 5G private networks enable the smart airport of tomorrow while providing operators with a secure, powerful solution for today.

Airports are dynamic, logistically complex environments that require mission-critical communications for safe operations.

Voice, video, and data applications are needed as communications infrastructure becomes more complex, straining legacy systems at most airports. Communications technology supports airport operations, passenger flight information requests, retail POS systems, and more. Airports are becoming connected, data-driven, and require real-time communications as digital transformation accelerates. Future airports must be smart and digital, according to travelers and operators.

Airports can modernize and future-proof mission-critical communications while laying the groundwork for long-term change. Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) technology over a 5G private network can create a unified connectivity platform for the future smart airport, providing immediate value. This technology enables automated baggage handling, touch-free retail, biometric security, and more using 5G's low latency and high throughput.

Airport connectivity today

Airport operators realize they must modernize communications systems and implement integrated solutions. Modernizing can be difficult. The transportation sector wants new network solutions, but there are obstacles.

Airport communications have relied on legacy systems like TETRA, P25, and DMR for years. The growing demand for data and video communication exceeds the bandwidth of these systems, which only provide basic voice communication.

Besides evolving needs, deploying and maintaining multiple parallel networks, including Wi-Fi, is difficult and expensive. Operators manage 120 steps to service aircraft quickly. Complex workflows and siloed systems and applications cause operational inefficiencies for workers with multiple devices.

Airports can improve data/video capabilities, reliability, and cost by switching to cellular communication, especially with 5G private networks. Modernization boosts airport staff efficiency, coordination, delay reduction, and network security and reliability.

5G enables mission-critical communications and long-term change

Creating a mission-critical technology environment at an airport is difficult, but change is needed. Flights have many moving parts, and digital forms, processes, patrol routes, and flexible scheduling can boost efficiency.

Airports need a solution that can meet diverse, data-heavy requirements as they integrate real-time communication over cellular networks to provide voice, video, and data capabilities to the airport value chain. DMR and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) have been invested in for emergency services to provide operational staff with reliable solutions like direct mode operations for operational and emergency communication regardless of network availability. This strategy worked in the past, but mission-critical communications have changed.

High network reliability, especially in emergencies, and 5G private network security have many benefits. Reduced operational costs, improved information exchange, and improved passenger experience.

5G improves network functionality and availability, especially with a private network. Private 5G solutions allow operators to strategically and securely allocate capacity, coverage, and quality and prioritize specific devices and applications for network communication.

Operators can add functions to efficiently assign tasks to people or teams based on skills, availability, and location. These functions optimise task assignments and resource allocation during airport critical activities like aircraft turnaround.

MCX helps integrate narrowband and broadband capabilities, expanding functionality. These include video streaming, geolocation and geofencing, and emergency services, which improve airport safety and efficiency.

Some industry pioneers are already profiting. Remote inspection solutions using cellular cameras are available from sustainable aerospace company Airbus.

Private 5G could enable autonomous guided vehicles for baggage or maintenance, AI-optimized gate traffic orchestration, and personalized traveler experiences. A robust and unified 5G connectivity platform will help airport operators meet current and future needs as airports become "smarter" to meet consumer demand for seamless travel.

Smart airports through coexistence and gradual migration

Cellular communication will take time to replace legacy systems. It will be gradual and require integrating new and old technologies.

To ensure a smooth transition to modernized communication systems, Streamwide and Airbus are leading the way in enabling TETRA and cellular networks in airports. These solutions, hosted on-premises and via cloud-based application servers, enable airport professionals to use consumer-grade mobile devices for enhanced communication, easing the transition.

Modern communication solutions will shape airport operations as the aviation industry digitizes. Smart airport infrastructure that meets staff, passenger, and asset needs requires phasing out legacy communication systems. Airports can improve operational efficiency, safety, and security and future-proof their network capabilities by using cellular-based mission-critical communications.

Private 5G networks can support terminal applications like real-time baggage tracking and security surveillance with high data transfer speeds, low latency, increased security, high reliability, and a large number of endpoints. As airports transform, 5G networks provide unified connectivity across applications and with Wi-Fi, promising a future where airports can operate more efficiently and seamlessly for a seamless travel experience.