Evolution of 5G
With the rapid proliferation of 5G networks, multinational corporations with global offices now have more resources and options available to them than ever before. The tremendous growth in artificial intelligence and robotics means that industrial operations are no longer limited by headcount, slow speeds, high latency, and lack of available infrastructure. Tasks that only human beings could previously perform can now be automated and accomplished in a much more efficient manner than before.
As manufacturing operations progress towards industrial automation, 5G delivers a broad range of benefits over legacy technologies of the past. With this technological upgrade, machine type communications (mMTC) enables 5G environments to support up to over one million devices at a time, and features time-sensitive networking (TSN) with synchronization. 5G also eliminates the need for costly Ethernet sensors and expensive wiring installations. For example, 5G provides sub-millisecond data latencies while accelerating throughput, thanks in part to features such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). URLLC directly benefits industrial controls, process controls, robots, and high-speed machine-to-machine communications. What that further translates into is scalability, more efficient operations, and rapid automation made possible by artificial intelligence. With reduced staffing required on the production line, industrial automation brought on by 5G and network slicing have achieved an effective balance between prevention and stable control needed during emergencies. During this period of Industry 4.0 environments, networking and digitalization continue to serve as the lifeblood of enterprise development.
Convergence of MEC and 5G
5G networking is actively disrupting the industry. 5G is the preferred choice of wireless technology for businesses striving to optimize processes and operations. Historically, operational technology (OT) environments common in manufacturing have not needed real-time data processing beyond the end device, but that continues to change as the convergence of MEC and 5G intersect. The industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) now places device and connectivity demands on industrial operations more than ever. Moving forward, wireless networking will facilitate data gathering from any point or device in the work environment, from cameras to robotic arms to autonomous warehouse vehicles, and put that data immediately to work.
Multinational corporations with international operations, such as ADLINK Technology, continue to build infrastructure and 5G networks to transform operations that enhance network reliability, security, and density. By enabling high-performance computing at the edge, MEC ensures that mission-critical tasks are accomplished with low latency, little delay, and cybersecurity features.
“By combining ADLINK’s 5G and automation solutions, such as autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and automated optical inspection (AOI), we believe that more small and medium-size manufacturing industries will benefit,” commented Eric Kao, General Manager of ADLINK’s Networking, Communication, and Automotive (NCA) business unit. “In addition, our series of 5G products, such as the 5G MEC server, 5G uCPE, 5G RAN, and 5G gateway, will continue to play a key role in the digital transformation of enterprises.”
Read on to discover the exciting ways in which 5G has impacted both manufacturing operations and industry segments seeking to create connected networks, leverage real-time data, and enable AI.
Revolutionizing Smart Manufacturing
ADLINK has transformed the future of smart manufacturing with the use of a private 5G network. As this technology has emerged to address critical wireless communication requirements in public safety, industrial operations, and critical infrastructure, the company has combined the use of its 5G MEC solutions and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) to transform its industrial operations. First, watch the video here to witness this transformative process.
Next, download our solution brief here for a real life case study on how the MECS edge server functioned as a critical subsystem for the dual benefits of both a baseband unit and 5G Core. The company was able to achieve this by meeting stringent requirements on performance, deployment flexibility, reliability and scalability. The MECS-6210 is a new 1U 19” Edge Server with Intel® Xeon® D Processor for Communications and 5G MEC Infrastructure Deployment.
5G Intelligence for Operational Efficiency
Furthermore, the use of 5G intelligence can be applied to various manufacturing and operations facilities. For example, imagine a production line utilizing robots to reduce and optimize workers, transmit data through 5G, and deploy industrial computers to bring facility operations to life. With 5G networking and intelligence, the “Dark Factory” has been transformed into an around-the-clock operation with minimal staffing needed. In fact, to upgrade this traditional production previously based on labor input to technology input, its efficiency is now maximized. This 5G intelligence results in improved productivity, less human error, and higher quality control. From a business standpoint, the result is a win-win scenario.
ADLINK MEC Servers
By developing industry-leading edge computing platforms to drive the transformation of communication between network architectures, ADLINK multi-access edge computing servers (MECS) enable customers to explore new services and business models across various market segments. Depending on the model, processor type, and core count, different MECS servers are pre-validated for NGC-Ready and AWS IoT Greengrass. These OTII-compliant Edge Server MECS series provide a versatile, cost-effective, and scalable white-box solution to facilitate deployment of 5G RAN and private networks. Furthermore, they enable a wide range of 5G use cases, including 5G DU/CU in open RAN and private networks in municipalities, smart logistics, mining, and transportation. Learn more to view different case studies here.
One of the key advantages of 5G is network slicing. This capability gives network providers or administrators the ability to “slice” the network into multiple virtual networks. Therefore, priority can be given to particular users or devices — a critical feature for public safety organizations that must have reliable, on-demand service. 5G’s rollout coincides with the increased adoption of multi-access edge computing (MEC), the final piece of the puzzle bringing advanced capabilities to public safety.
5G Small Cell Solution
With ADLINK’s unique 5G small cell solution, creating your own private network is easier than ever. Scale up and out with this unique, portable out-of-box demo kit. Systems integrators can easily set up proof of concept scenarios to satisfy custom requirements. With seamless installation, management, and maintenance, this 5G small cell solution, which provides for high-speed and low latency communication, can integrate intelligent industrial equipment, improve cellular performance, increase channel throughput in edge applications, allow flexibility for hardware placement, and optimize production use cases. This solution is deployable in both hybrid and private 5G network scenarios– offering a highly versatile solution that is adaptable across a wide-variety of verticals and use cases.
This 19″ portable luggage cabinet consists of a 5G small cell, application server, and base unit. When connected, it works as a 5G base station. By bringing ultra-low latency and high-speed communication experiences to users, this device works with 5G terminal devices, including multiple cameras. The highly compact integrated 5G small cell set combines ADLINK’s newest series of edge servers, as well as Sageran’s BBU protocol stack delivering complete 5G network functions. In addition, this demo kit includes a core network, application server and BBU, which are all integrated into one 19” suitcase and link to RRU. It also provides devices like 5G CPE and a 5G IP camera to demonstrate the various applications possible with high performance networking.
PCIe Interface Accelerator Adaptor
In addition, ADLINK’s portfolio of 5G products includes a PCIe interface accelerator adapter. In contrast to traditional FPGA accelerator solutions, this one-of-a-kind PCIe-ACC100 uses the Intel® vRAN Dedicated Accelerator ACC100, enabling 5G encoding and decoding throughput, and 4G encoding and decoding throughput. Power consumption and cost are greatly reduced, helping to reduce customer CAPEX and OPEX. The PCIe-ACC100 also supports Intel® FlexRAN™ and is fully compatible with the FlexRAN interface of Intel FPGAs, providing convenience for development and software migration. It is also compatible with ADLINK’s broad range of MECS platforms and servers with x86 architecture.
Additional Smart Applications
Additional smart applications for 5G networking include the smart grid, smart mining, and smart logistics.
With the smart grid, energy supply is an infrastructure key to national security. Through the ultra-high transmission speed of the private 5G network, remote intelligent management of power generation, power supply and power consumption in the power grid can achieve a balance between power supply stability, public safety, and environmental protection.
For mines in rural areas, their harsh environments are prone to industrial safety accidents. In addition to being located underground in remote areas where it is difficult to deploy communication facilities, broadband access may also be limited. However, the extensive coverage and anti-interference features of private 5G networks will make robotic mining possible and reduce the occurrence of human safety accidents.
Similar to smart manufacturing, logistics is another related industry that relies on human resources. With the maturity of autonomous robots and autonomous driving technologies, as well as the high-speed and low-latency wireless transmission capabilities of private 5G networks, logistics companies will be able to provide faster and more efficient delivery services to customers.
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Ready to see a demo? Contact us today at info@adlinktech.com to speak with a product expert. In addition, visit us online here to view our full range of solutions.