AT&T has been implementing 5G service and showcasing its benefits in different areas. Most recently they demonstrated how a Naval “Smart Warehouse” could be created using a variety of 5G-powered technology solutions. During demonstrations, the team working on the project found AT&T’s private 5G network delivered data throughput speeds of 3.9 gigabits per second. The latency was less than 10 milliseconds.
Back in October 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced $600 million would be given in awards for 5G experimentation and testing at five U.S. military test sites. This would represent the largest full-scale 5G tests for dual-use applications in the world.
One of those locations was Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. This is where the smart warehouse concept is being showcased. The goal is to increase the efficiency and fidelity of naval logistic operations including identification, recording, organization, storage, retrieval, and the transportation of material and supplies.
Thanks to AT&T’s 5G network, DoD has the ability to scale its 5G-enabled smart warehouse solution. It also supports global access for DoD users via roaming capabilities used with AT&T’s network infrastructure. This allows DoD to benefit from AT&T’s commercial investments in its network and avoid costly additional network builds.
“This is a key example of organizations coming together in a collaborative environment with our Armed Forces to explore the art of the possible in 5G,” said Amanda Toman, acting Principal Director of 5G-NextG, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research & Engineering. “We’re not just building for the warfighter; we are also innovating with the American citizen in mind. DoD is working to accelerate the development and deployment of 5G-enabled capabilities across many use cases while ensuring those systems — as well as those of our allies and partners — are robust, protected, and reliable.”
What 5G solutions were demonstrated?
There was a focus on the 5G Radio Access Network and its optimization of warehouse operations via increased throughput of data, internet of things (IoT) support, and low latency. Among the prototype use cases demonstrated were:
- 5G-enabled VR/AR capabilities to support military training and operations
- 5G-powered high-definition video surveillance
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning use cases that use AT&T 5G in a cloud environment.
- 5G-enabled AR to support advanced put/pick technology operated via a hands-free mobile device
- Zero Trust Architecture cybersecurity support
For more information, check out the official announcement from AT&T. You can also read the related Department of Defense announcement by clicking here.