Private 5G network

Challenge

The Baltic Container Terminal (BCT) is one of the leading container handling terminals in the Baltic region, located in the Freeport of Riga. It covers more than 50 hectares of open spaces. BCT aims to provide efficient and reliable logistics solutions to its customers.  

To date, BCT has twenty two 27 m high masts with fibre optic and electricity connections and Wi-Fi access points. A study of the existing network infrastructure identified a number of issues affecting the company’s operations.

1. Unstable Wi-Fi coverage over a wide area.
2. The data connection is lost as the transport moves.
3. Wi-Fi equipment is approaching end-of-life.
4. Challenging maintenance of the Wi-Fi network across a wide area.
5. The current maximum Wi-Fi data speed in the area is 7 Mbps, which limits the use of the network.
6. Analogue radios are used – frequency and equipment rental, limited capabilities (voice only). 

Solution

Having identified the challenges of the Baltic Container Terminal, LMT proposed a possible solution – a private 5G network. This solution would address all identified network infrastructure problems. The 5G solution uses a private 5G Core exchange, 2 outdoor antennas, routers, tablets and smartphones with corresponding SIM cards, with which the equipment works only within this private 5G network.

The 5G private network was interconnected with the existing BCT closed network, and all data were transmitted and received only over these closed networks. Instead of walkie-talkies, a push-to-talk (PTT) solution was used, allowing not only voice communication, but also transmission of images and video.

Achieved

1. Excellent coverage with two (or one) antennas (50W each).
2. PTT functionality – working as desired.
3. High-quality data transmission from cranes.
4. The equipment worked without any interruptions in data sessions, with an average speed of 100 Mbps throughout the territory.
5. The network was integrated with the local LAN – the app on the loader tablets worked seamlessly.
6. Much easier to manage the network (3 access points vs. 22).
7. Finally, a higher level of data security has been ensured, as only equipment with dedicated SIM cards can operate within the network.

The deployment of 5G NPNs outdoors over such a wide area has achieved both excellent coverage across the whole area and improved data speeds, as well as significant cost savings by reducing the number of access points. In addition, it is now possible to use more modern communication solutions – for example, push-to-talk instead of the existing analogue walkie-talkie, which allows pictures or video to be sent in addition. Employee satisfaction with working conditions and safety levels increased. 

The continuity of data transmission allows significant savings in the time needed for container handling, which reduces vessel downtime and thus improves the terminal’s competitiveness and attractiveness to customers. 

Private 5G networks are the next level for commercial development and the deployment of new, advanced solutions. And crucially, it is now also economically viable.