H-BRS tests 5G communication system at SummerBreeze festival

When regular communication networks fail, authorities and organisations with security tasks (BOS) should be able to quickly use secure and reliable communication channels. The software-based, wireless system developed in the 5GOpportunity project was and is primarily designed for use in the event of natural disasters.

Seven nodes for seamless connection

A festival like SummerBreeze in Dinkelsbühl, Bavaria, also offers suitable conditions for a practical test: "We have a lot of people in one place and an uneven topography on the large festival site. This can lead to connection failures both in the mobile network and in the so-called BOS radio, which is used by the emergency services," says Willi Rehmann, research associates at H-BRS. In addition to improved network availability, communication via 5G and WLAN networks offers further advantages, such as the transmission of larger amounts of data instead of pure voice communication: "For example, the emergency services can exchange situation reports from different locations as videos or use medical devices that benefit from a network connection," says Rehmann.

In order to ensure a comprehensive connection, the researchers set up seven nodes on the festival site, each of which had its own Wi-Fi network. They then connected the nodes to each other via radio relay links. They also installed two radio cells on the site, which were operated with the fast and long-range 5G mobile communications standard.

SIM card for network authentication

The role of the H-BRS scientists was to open the communication channels only to certain people, i.e. to control authentication. A special SIM card issued by H-BRS enabled rescue service employees to log into the 5G and WLAN network on their devices. Festival visitors looking for a stable data connection, on the other hand, were unable to connect.

After the successful test run at the SummerBreeze festival, the researchers are now working on finalising their product. In future, the system should be automated to such an extent that organisations can set up their own networks on site without help.