Bandung, Indonesia – October 16th, 2023 – The xG Research Center of Use Cases and Applications (“xG Research Center”) today announced significant progress in its research on smart environmental parameter surveillance leveraging 5G technology. Interim findings reveal the crucial role of specific 5G network parameters in enabling effective and reliable environmental monitoring, paving the way for a more sustainable future. 

5G: Empowering Smart Environmental Monitoring

The research highlights the following 5G parameters as critical for successful implementation of smart environmental surveillance solutions:

1. Extended Coverage and Capacity:

• Why it matters: Environmental sensors are often deployed in remote areas (forests, mountains, coastlines) where reliable network coverage can be challenging.
• 5G’s advantage: 5G networks are designed to provide wider coverage than previous generations, reaching further into rural areas and improving signal penetration in challenging terrains.
• Numbers to note: 
  • Coverage: Aim for 99.9% coverage in the target area to ensure consistent data collection from all sensors.
  • Capacity: The network should be able to handle a high density of connected sensors (potentially hundreds or thousands per square kilometer) without congestion.

2. Low Power Consumption:

• Why it matters: Many environmental sensors rely on battery power or energy harvesting, making power efficiency crucial for long-term operation.
• 5G’s advantage: 5G introduces features like Power Saving Mode (PSM) and Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) that significantly reduce the power consumption of connected devices.
• Numbers to note: 
  • Battery life: Sensors should be able to operate for months or even years on a single battery charge.
  • Data transmission: Optimize data transmission protocols to minimize energy usage during communication.

3. Network Slicing:

• Why it matters: Environmental monitoring may require a dedicated network slice with guaranteed quality of service (QoS) to ensure data integrity and real-time responsiveness.
• 5G’s advantage: Network slicing allows operators to create virtual, customized networks within the 5G infrastructure, optimized for the specific needs of environmental monitoring.
• Numbers to note: 
  • Latency: A dedicated slice can guarantee low latency (e.g., under 10ms) for time-critical applications, such as flood warning systems.
  • Prioritization: The slice can prioritize data traffic from critical sensors during emergencies or periods of high network load.

4. Security:

• Why it matters: Environmental data can be sensitive, and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the data is crucial.
• 5G’s advantage: 5G incorporates advanced security protocols and encryption to protect data transmitted by sensors from unauthorized access or tampering.
• Numbers to note: 
  • Encryption: Use strong encryption algorithms (e.g., 256-bit encryption) to protect data in transit and at rest.
  • Authentication: Implement robust authentication mechanisms to verify the identity of sensors and prevent unauthorized access to the network.

Example Scenarios:

• Air Quality Monitoring: A network of 5G-connected sensors continuously monitors air pollution levels in a city, providing real-time data to authorities and citizens.
• Forest Fire Detection: Sensors deployed in forests use 5G to transmit early warning signs of fire, enabling rapid response and preventing large-scale disasters.
• Water Quality Monitoring: Sensors in rivers and lakes monitor water quality parameters, providing data for pollution control and resource management.

By optimizing these 5G network parameters, the xG Research Center aims to create a robust and reliable infrastructure for smart environmental monitoring, enabling better understanding and protection of our planet.

About the xG Research Center

The xG Research Center is a leading research facility dedicated to exploring the vast potential of current and future mobile network technologies. Established through a dynamic partnership between the School of Engineering and Informatics at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and PT Huawei Tech Investment, the Center focuses on developing innovative use cases and applications for 5G and beyond (xG), fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive the advancement of mobile technology and its positive impact on society.