13-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) A holographic 3D map of Sentosa, projected through mixed reality goggles, was used to test the reliability of 5G connectivity for potential defence and homeland security operations that require minimal transmission lag. Control of unmanned vehicles and drones was also part of the trial, conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), to explore the concept of “network slicing” unique to 5G networks.
Network slicing allows the allocation of dedicated 5G bandwidth to specified applications or services, ensuring that mission-critical applications are not hindered by congestion created by other applications in other slices. DSTA and HTX found that live video feeds captured from drones and unmanned ground vehicles can be transmitted in high resolution with almost no discernible lag time – a feat not possible over 4G networks.
If implemented, this will be an upgrade from existing surveillance methods that involve multiple wired cameras. The initial phase of the trial used videos and data to control robots and drones to assess the network’s reliability. The next phase will involve testing 5G with more data-intensive videos at major events such as National Day Parade and new year countdown to test the network’s ability to handle any spikes in traffic.
HTX aims to extend the 5G trial to various Home Team assets such as ground robots, vehicles and vessels in the future. The trial could boost confidence in using 5G for mission-critical operations, said HTX Deputy Director of Enterprise Comms & Digital Infra Mr Toh Keng Han.
The trial is a significant development in Singapore’s defence and homeland security capabilities. The successful implementation of 5G’s network slicing technology will enable the country to handle data-intensive video surveillance in real-time without any transmission lag, providing an edge in responding to potential threats.
