U.S. government agencies are planning ways to add advanced 5G networking to their wireless infrastructure. This innovative technology will speed up engagement with citizens in the U.S. and around the world by supporting more communications applications, from streaming important video information to connecting more users and smart IoT devices in a secure manner. The Hughes Government team understands that agencies want to enhance their networking as quickly and as easily as possible to help constituents benefit from these next-generation applications. We are ready to share the lessons we have learned by helping the Department of Defense (DoD) to design and deploy this advanced and secure wireless infrastructure to make operations more efficient and effective, even for the most remote locations.
Issues to Consider in 5G Implementation
Agency teams want to upgrade their wireless infrastructure with 5G technology to gain security and speed. This process is not easy, and it takes planning and consideration of several key questions, including those mentioned below, to make the 5G transition simpler and more effective:
What geographic area is the agency trying to cover, and what devices will be used?
5G is unique in that it is made up of core and edge services delivered by three different radio bands: a low-band designed for broad coverage areas, a mid-band that delivers higher capacity, and a high-band that provides gigabit capacity. Each layer is best suited for certain applications. For example, at the low-band coverage layer, you may see small sites using wireless to connect their primary networks, or communities using it for mobile and fixed public safety applications. The mid-band layer is ideal for immersive mobile applications and HD streaming. At the high-capacity layer, you may see wireless robotics and AI video recognition.
Will the network reside in one place, or will the 5G upgrade need to be expanded to various locations?
By understanding 5G capabilities, you can identify which innovations and deployments might benefit your organization. For example, you may want to enhance or possibly eliminate fixed networking at branches or pop-up facilities, or consider 5G indoor coverage when designing new buildings.
Will the network need to support rural areas? If yes, what is the 5G coverage like in that area and will you need to consider a private 5G network for each rural location?
The government agency may be focused on monitoring agriculture processes for greater efficiency. This application will utilize technology on farm equipment, along with GPS systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time data collection to guide a range of activities. In addition, it connects to sensors that measure plant water and soil status or analyze and ensure crop health.
5G—Lessons for Agencies From Critical Military 5G Applications
Next-generation 5G wireless connectivity is moving ahead very quickly for government users who are on the go all day. The Hughes 5G team is playing an important role as the DoD moves ahead with 5G implementations. Our teams here at Hughes are deploying Standalone 5G networks for the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and in Hawaii. The 5G network ensures high-level security based on Zero Trust security architecture technology, allowing teams to pursue their mission quickly and resiliently. Additionally, private 5G networks provide much greater scalability and flexibility for users at both large and small installations, as well as enable more efficient aircraft operations on these bases.
- The Hughes 5G enterprise version is fulfilling the broadband communications requirements of large installations, like the base at Whidbey Island. Here, thousands of personnel need to have more reliable, high-bandwidth and high-performance connectivity so security cameras can support intelligent review of people who access the flight line.
- Based on this enterprise network, we developed a smaller, tactical 5G network for the users in Hawaii. This tactical network is self-contained and transportable, making it ideal for smaller groups who also need reliable, broadband connectivity at locations in the field. By deploying these diverse 5G solutions, the DoD can support a wide range of use cases and be mission-ready quickly and at the time that the users require communications without wondering if they have enough bandwidth to complete their data-intensive tasks.
- This Private 5G network can maintain secure connectivity to applications while users move off the Naval base. Through coordination with another private network designed by Hughes located at another base in Hawaii, the Radio Access Network (RAN) of the private network was shared with the Whidbey Island 5G network. This capability supports a concept of operations (CONOP) where a device running on the Whidbey Island 5G network can travel to another location and still access applications that reside at Whidbey Island.
We know that government teams need to enhance their networks with more powerful, strong, and secure technologies, including 5G, for today’s missions and those on the horizon. Connect with us to discuss your government network requirements and the efficiencies that you need to achieve.