Verizon and Axon Showcase 5G Network Slicing in Public Safety

Verizon Wireless has recently joined forces with Axon Enterprise Inc., a leader in public safety technology, to demonstrate the capabilities of 5G network slicing in public safety applications. The collaboration utilized Axon Fleet 3, an advanced in-car video system, and Axon Respond, a real-time situational awareness service.

Axon’s in-car video system provides live maps and streaming through mobile cameras to enhance safety officials’ awareness of their surroundings. During the demonstration, Verizon conducted two tests. In one scenario, they deployed a network-slicing-enabled commercial 5G Ultra-Wideband network, while in the other, they used the 5G Ultra-Wideband network without slicing.

Network slicing allows real-time resource allocation and customization of functionalities based on diverse requirements. 5G with network slicing can tailor its performance to various services such as IoT devices, AR/VR use cases, gaming, financial services, and more, each with different bandwidth and latency needs. This optimization not only improves network performance but also enhances cost efficiency and revenue potential.

Verizon’s test results revealed a remarkable 68% improvement in application responsiveness across the network with network-slicing-enabled 5G. Additionally, the reduction in Jitter and the time to the first frame signifies improved accessibility for law enforcement officers. Verizon’s network slicing technology, integrated with advanced AI-ML (Artificial Intelligence – Machine Learning), allows automated network configuration changes and scalability to meet evolving service demands. This dynamic provisioning enhances device efficiency and equips security personnel with heightened situational awareness in challenging environments.

This collaboration underscores Verizon’s commitment to innovation and the advancement of 5G use cases. In recent years, the company has developed a cloud-native architecture, an advanced 5G standalone core, acquired spectrum assets, and implemented network virtualization across its infrastructure.

Verizon is experiencing substantial 5G adoption and momentum in fixed wireless broadband. The telecom giant aims to expedite the availability of its 5G Ultra-Wideband network nationwide, focusing on 5G mobility, nationwide broadband, mobile edge compute, and business solutions.

Verizon is actively building a comprehensive network infrastructure and ecosystem to deliver an exceptional 5G experience. The company continues to deploy Home Internet service in select cities, offering users a maximum download speed of up to 1 Gbps.

Verizon’s 5G mobility service has a significant impact on various industries, including public safety, healthcare, retail, and sports. The success of its 5G network relies on three key drivers: extensive spectrum holdings, particularly in millimeter-wave bands for faster data transfer, end-to-end deep fiber resources, and the ability to deploy a large number of small cells.