5G-MLab
Wireless networks need to be reliable for many applications. In this project we developed methods to measure the reliability of wireless networks.
5G, the 5th generation radio access network, is being rolled out in the year 2020. It allows innovative applications and can transform industries such as automotive, production, energy, and health. With 5G for the first time wireless communication does not only provide high data rates, but also low latency, scalability, and high reliability.
High reliability allows 5G to be used in safety-critical systems. The reliability of communication will be more important in many new use cases of wireless networks. In applications such as automated driving, industry 4.0 and smart grids even short losses of the ability to communicate can lead to extreme costs in form of missed production or blackouts. In extreme cases even lives may be at stake.
In the past Wireless communication has only been used for safety-critical communication in rare cases. More over, measuring whether a wireless network provides the necessary reliability is complex. Therefore, no methods have been developed that can measure the reliability of wireless communication systems.
In the 5G-Measurement Lab (5G-MLab) we developed methods to measure the reliability of 5G for critical applications. We also developed reference scenarios (automotive and industrial) and used them to validate methods to measure the reliability of wireless networks.