Experts provided insight on scenarios where private networks are being implemented to improve efficiencies
5G in operating room environments
During one of the sessions of RCR Wireless News’ Private Networks Global Forum, a comprehensive discussion between Mathieu Lagrange, VP of research and development at Obvios and Alain Garcia Vazquez, surgeon and senior research officer at the Institute of Image-Guided Surgery (IHU) in Strasbourg, shed light on the integration of 5G and artificial intelligence technologies into the operating room (OR) environment.
During the conversation, Lagrange brought technical expertise to the table, particularly focusing on the main challenges of deploying 5G networks in healthcare environments. He outlined the challenges encountered, such as indoor equipment synchronization, device compatibility, and the maturity of the 5G ecosystem. Meanwhile, Garcia Vazquez provided valuable insights from a surgical perspective, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making and real-time insights enabled by 5G technology.
“For us, it was really interesting to better understand how to handle this massive amount of data currently generated currently in the OR. For us, 5G raises up as a solution that can transmit this massive amount of data. And later, in the OR, what is really interesting is to have these kinds of inputs and insights in real time,” said Garcia Vazquez.
The discussion delved into why 5G was chosen over alternatives like 4G or Wi-Fi. Lagrange highlighted the superior capacity, lower latency and better reliability of 5G, making it an ideal choice for the demanding requirements of surgical environments. He explained the efficiency of 5G spectrum usage and its flexibility in handling radio resources compared to 4G and Wi-Fi. Garcia Vazquez expanded on this, highlighting the advantages of wireless deployment in the OR, including the avoidance of cable installation, ease of retrofitting and seamless data integration from multiple sources.
Lagrange illustrated a 5G deployment scenario in the OR, emphasizing a software-defined network architecture with centralized control and edge data planes. This approach allows for greater flexibility and scalability while ensuring efficient resource allocation and management. Garcia Vazquez also addressed concerns about patient safety in case of service disruptions, emphasizing the importance of backup plans and the reliance on surgical expertise to navigate certain unexpected circumstances.
In conclusion, both speakers underscored the significance of team collaboration, patient privacy, and safety when adopting new technologies in healthcare settings. They expressed optimism about testing use cases in both France and Germany, highlighting the primary focus on enhancing patient care and safety through the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies in the OR.
Ports and airports embrace 5G private networks
In another session, Koen Mioulet, co-founder and board member at EUWENA and Willem Blom, senior advisor at Royal Schiphol Group, delved into the intricate world of main ports and private wireless networks. Mioulet kicked off the discussion by introducing the European Users of Wireless Enterprise Networks Association (EUWENA), emphasizing its role in accelerating the enterprise wireless market, particularly in regions like Europe where spectrum fragmentation poses significant challenges. The executive also underscored the importance of main ports, such as seaports and airports, as major users of private wireless networks.
Blom, representing Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, provided insights into the group’s ongoing efforts to deploy private 5G networks. He outlined the airport’s ambitious goals, including optimizing operations and achieving autonomous airport operations by 2030. Blom detailed the steps taken by Schiphol, from obtaining spectrum permits to conducting tenders for private 5G installations.
Throughout the session, the speakers addressed various challenges and considerations in the deployment of private wireless networks, including spectrum harmonization, device availability, and collaboration among stakeholders. Both speakers emphasized the need for standardization and innovation to overcome these challenges and drive the adoption of private wireless networks in critical infrastructure like main ports and airports.
5G and edge computing implementations
During another session of Private Networks Global Forum, Pete Cappiello, CEO of Future Technologies and Gary Hill, the company’s COO, also provided an in-depth overview of Future Technologies’s expertise in private cellular networks.
Cappiello emphasized Future Technologies’ extensive experience in the field, highlighting their approach of integrating private 5G networks as an additional component to existing infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Hill guided the audience through a virtual tour of the company’s living lab, which showcased the practical implementation of private 5G and edge computing technologies. The living lab demonstrated a holistic approach to network integration, incorporating private cellular 5G, Wi-Fi 6, microwave, and LoRaWAN to address diverse enterprise requirements.
Several real-world applications were showcased during the tour, highlighting the efficacy of private cellular networks. These applications included remote expert systems for remote troubleshooting, computer vision for object detection and people counting and autonomous mobile robots controlled over a private 5G network.
Hill also indicated a shift in the market towards greater adoption of private cellular networks. He noted a transition from proof of concepts to production implementation, with enterprises across various sectors embracing private networks for their reliability and coverage advantages.
“We are definitely seeing maturity in the market, in terms of uptake of private cellular 4G and 5G. Three or four years ago, most of our work was a lot of proof-of-concepts with larger corporations trying the technology out. I would say the last 18 months, we’ve really seen a bigger shift in production implementation. I think we’re seeing it going from enterprises testing the technology to now deploying it. I’d say we’re probably still early in that cycle,” said Hill.
Key drivers of adoption discussed during the session included the need for enhanced remote worker connectivity and the growing demand for mobile robotics solutions. Hill stressed the importance of seamless integration with existing enterprise networks, emphasizing the need for efficient testing and deployment processes.
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