How Ericsson is Powering Schiphol Airport’s 5G Leap
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, a crucial European aviation hub handling over 70 million passengers annually, has embarked on an ambitious digital transformation journey. The airport, which serves as the main international gateway to the Netherlands, is investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance its operations, passenger experience, and competitive position in the global aviation market.
To enable this transformation, Ericsson has partnered with Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport to implement a private 5G network, aimed at supporting the airport’s digital transformation strategy, known as ‘Airport 4.0’.
Schiphol, the world's third busiest airport by international passenger numbers, has secured dedicated spectrum from the Dutch regulator for this private network in a move that grants the airport full control over its communications infrastructure, reducing its reliance on public networks.
Dedicated spectrum
The private 5G network will provide secure, high-speed wireless connectivity, enabling Schiphol to optimise network performance and maintain stringent security standards. This dedicated infrastructure allows for the deployment of customised solutions tailored to the airport's specific needs.
Manish Tiwari, Head of Private Cellular Networks, Enterprise Wireless Solutions at Ericsson, states: “We are proud to partner with Schiphol on this pioneering project that will address the overall aging infrastructure of airports throughout the world.”
Innovative use cases
The partnership will explore various applications of 5G technology within the airport environment. These include Internet of Things (IoT) based monitoring, which involves connecting multiple devices to gather and analyse data, and real-time safety systems to enhance airport security.
Predictive maintenance solutions are another area of focus. These systems use data analytics to anticipate equipment failures before they occur, potentially reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Ericsson’s 5G solution
Ericsson Private 5G, the company's next-generation private network solution, provides 4G and 5G connectivity through a single server dual-mode core. This technology is designed for business-critical applications, offering rapid deployment and the ability to keep sensitive data on-site.
- Part of Schiphol's 'Airport 4.0' digital transformation strategy
- Benefits: Enhanced network performance, improved reliability, heightened security standards, reduced dependency on public networks
The system’s flexibility allows it to support various use cases across different industries and levels of complexity. For Schiphol, this means the ability to adapt the network to meet evolving operational requirements and passenger needs.
As airports globally face challenges with ageing infrastructure, Schiphol’s implementation of a private 5G network could serve as a model for modernisation in the aviation industry. The project demonstrates how dedicated telecommunications infrastructure can support the complex operations of a major international airport.
Manish Tiwari adds: “By leveraging Ericsson Private 5G, Schiphol is setting the stage for innovative solutions that will help them explore the full potential of 5G and the benefits it brings to airport operations.”
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