5G: the foundation for connected mobility

5G is the driving force behind safe and connected mobility, transforming the future of vehicles and their surrounding systems.

Based on 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards, 5G aims to significantly improve network coverage and uses standardised interfaces and flexible network architectures to seamlessly network different systems and platforms. In addition, the combination of high bandwidth and extremely low latency enables even large amounts of data to be transmitted and merged in real time. 5G offers modern security concepts that protect sensitive data from unauthorised access, creating a robust basis for secure and futureproof mobility solutions. The versatility of 5G is evident in numerous areas of application, from vehicle communication to traffic optimisation.

Types of in-vehicle connectivity

The road of the future will be characterised by highly connected vehicles that communicate with each other and their surroundings in real time thanks to 5G. The term vehicle-to-everything (V2X) describes exactly this broad spectrum of connection options:

• Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V): Vehicles exchange information about position, speed or braking manoeuvres in order to avoid accidents and improve traffic flow.
• Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I): Communication with traffic lights, signs or other road facilities enables dynamic traffic control and contributes to fewer traffic jams and emissions.
• Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P): Pedestrians can be integrated into vehicle communication via smartphone or other devices, which offers additional safety, especially in densely populated cities.
• Vehicle-to-network (V2N): Mobile networks give vehicles access to real-time data from cloud or edge platforms so that they can quickly process information on traffic volumes, accident situations or weather conditions.
   

However, other key technologies are required for these diverse communication channels to function smoothly. Software-defined networking (SDN) allows flexible control of data flows in 5G networks: safety-critical applications can be prioritised, while other peripheral data can be outsourced to separate network segments. This ensures that the other non-critical data-intensive applications do not affect the bandwidth of the safety-relevant data flows. A key tool is network slicing, in which the physical 5G network is divided into virtual subnetworks, each of which is reserved for specific use cases. This separation enables optimised performance and increased security by efficiently supporting safety-critical functions independently of other services.

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is another key technology: instead of transferring all data to remote cloud data centres, analysis and computing processes take place near the vehicles. This means that edge servers are placed in geographical proximity to the vehicles — for example at cell towers, local data centres, or special nodes within the 5G network. This proximity significantly reduces latency and is particularly essential for automated or autonomous driving functions. Intelligent sensor data fusion also comes into play here: on the one hand, local information from various onboard sensors (such as cameras, radar, LiDAR) is brought together to provide the vehicle with the most comprehensive real-time picture of its surroundings possible. On the other hand, 5G networking allows additional information from other vehicles and infrastructure elements (such as intelligent traffic lights) to be seamlessly integrated. In this way, vehicles not only receive a complete picture of their immediate surroundings, but also valuable contextual data about the entire traffic situation. The result is more precise situational awareness, which in turn enables safer and more efficient traffic control.

5G connectivity relies on cellular coverage, which may not be available in some regional and remote areas of Australia. The combination of LEO satellites and 5G provides enhanced connectivity by creating a more resilient network and supplying more bandwidth. Combining the strengths of LEO satellite coverage and the advanced capabilities of 5G, connected vehicles can maintain operations, no matter the location. Pairing the two technologies offers high-performance, reliable, secure WAN access.

5G in emergency services

One of the key applications of 5G in emergency services is remote medical care. Emergency doctors can provide advice and recommendations for action from a central telemedical centre in real time, allowing for faster and more informed decision-making.

Real-time data transmission is essential for emergency services, and 5G enables fast and reliable access to relevant information. Ambulances, police vehicles and fire engines can communicate with control centres or hospitals in seconds, providing critical information for medical care and assisting in rescue operations. Beamforming ensures stable radio connections even in densely populated areas, providing a reliable communication platform for rescue workers. Intelligent traffic control systems also play a crucial role in managing priority traffic routes for emergency vehicles, reducing response times and saving valuable minutes.

5G is not just a technological advancement, but the foundation for connected mobility. From connected vehicles to intelligent traffic systems, the technology improves processes and increases efficiency. The combination of real-time processing, flexibility and reliability makes 5G an indispensable technology for the emergency services industry and the mobility solutions of the future.

Image credit: iStock.com/metamorworks