The first 5G campus network in Greece was created by COSMOTE at Athens International Airport, for a pilot use case of incident management and physical security of indoor or outdoor spaces. It is the first private network in the country with 5G mobile infrastructure, which was based on the live COSMOTE 5G network at the airport.
Utilizing the 5G campus network, and through special equipment mounted on a moving "follow me" vehicle, a high-definition image was transferred to the airport operations center (ASOC) from areas of particular operational interest or limited access (aircraft maneuvering areas, aircraft parking lots, take-off & landing runway systems). Thanks to the 5G infrastructure, the image transfer was done in real time, with zero delay and with secure transmission.
This demanding pilot use case is just one example of how a 5G campus network can be used. It can also ensure the smooth operation of advanced, mission-critical applications related to the organization and operation of airport infrastructure, facilitate air transport, and contribute significantly to the better experience and service of passengers, visitors, and businesses operating in the airport community.
As stated by Mr. Alexandros Ziomas, Director of the AIA Information Systems and Telecommunications Business Unit: “The implementation of our strategy focuses on the “digital airport” and our actions in this direction are ongoing. Undoubtedly, the exploitation of the capabilities of 5G in combination with the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications, constitute the basic prerequisites for the development of applications that will enable such a transition. Athens International Airport has long been a pioneer in the adoption and implementation of innovative technologies and digital solutions. Despite the difficulties brought about by the pandemic, strengthening the airport's functionality in every activity, as well as the continuous improvement of the travel experience of our passengers, remained and remains the main goal and primary concern of AIA.
The Executive Director of Mobile and Fixed Network Development & Operation of OTE Group, Mr. George Tsonis, stated: “We are particularly happy to have achieved another first by successfully implementing the first 5G campus network in Greece at the country's largest airport, and we demonstrated the network's capabilities with a demanding pilot use case. The 5G campus network is a complex project, which shows the way for the utilization of 5G in various sectors such as industry, health, transport, "smart" cities, education, etc. The 5G that COSMOTE first brought to Greece, creates new prospects for development and digitalization of the state and businesses, and will be the technological gateway to bring the future to the present. With technology, we create a better world for everyone.”
The advantages of5G campus networks
Private mobile networks excel in security and stability, as they allow the utilization of a specific spectrum, delivering top quality and reliability without interference. They support the full mobility of people, vehicles, machines and systems, while providing absolute flexibility for any future use in other applications.
The 5G campus network, with zero latency and very high capacity and data transmission speed, is an innovative technological connectivity solution that will significantly contribute to the digital transformation in the country, accelerating the development of the next generation of air transport and airport services, as well as key sectors of the economy such as industry, logistics, tourism, etc.
