Port completes first phase of 5G ready private network

By deploying the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud platform, it will provide private wireless connectivity to more than 100 endpoints across the entire port operations. This will enable Zeebrugge to deliver a range of new and enhanced services that not only improve the port’s operational performance, but which also differentiate Zeebrugge as a leader in port transformation and digitalisation.

Following successful deployment of the Nokia private wireless network, Zeebrugge will be able to track, analyse and manage connected devices across multiple port-based applications in real time. The end-to-end, high-performance 5G-ready network will accelerate port innovation and automation with deployment of IoT, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality and drones.

The network is now being used for connectivity with tugboats, air pollution detectors, security cameras and quay sensors.

Survey 

A survey from Nokia and ABI Research found 74% of manufacturers surveyed are looking to upgrade communications and control networks by the end of 2022 with more than 90% investigating the use of either 4G and/or 5G in their operations. 

Just over half of respondents (52%) believe that the latest generation of 4G/LTE and 5G will be necessary to meet their transformational goals.

The research also identified key business use cases that would drive investment in 4G or 5G. Respondents reflected the need to digitalise and improve existing infrastructure (63%), automation with robotics (51%) and achieve new levels of employee productivity (42%).

The research examined near-term drivers influencing buying decisions for new industrial systems across IT (information technology) and OT (operations technology). IT drivers primarily focus on reducing downtime (53%), improving operations efficiency (42%), and enhancing security (36%). In comparison, OT drivers reflect a desire to replace aging infrastructure (43%), improve efficiency (40%) and increase capacity (38%).