A range of advanced 5G-related tests have been occurring at the UK Port of Bristol. The benefits of a 5G network allow the transfer of greater volumes of data at much lower latency, thereby helping to develop new uses for intelligent, interconnected and digitally enabled devices.
Previous tests have been conducted across some UK ports, including Felixstowe, but now a specialist provider, Airspan is working with a consortium of partners including ADVA, AttoCore, Cellnex, and Unmanned Life, as well as research groups from the University of Bristol and Cardiff University, to conduct more robust tests throughout the Port of Bristol.
One specific example involves security. Here, using drones equipped with video surveillance technology to monitor the perimeter boundary of the site, the feed is analysed in real time to identify breaches and threats, according to Airspan.
Traffic management is another area of interest according to the company. By installing 5G routers in vehicle cabs, a central traffic management can be created in which trucks communicate autonomously, signalling their approach to junctions. The management system will then apportion priority where best applied, thereby reducing congestion.
This process has the capability of improving logistical efficiency throughout the port and its terminals and can assist in cargo arriving where it is needed more quickly. Moreover, by reducing the stop time at junctions, it dramatically reduces local-level particulate emissions from trucking and port equipment.
