Dense Air, the neutral host operator worked
with Airspan to upgrade Millbrook’s network.
Millbrook Proving Ground provides vehicle test,
validation services and systems to customers in
the automotive, transport, tyre, petrochemical and
defense industries.
Challenges
Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV
developers will have access to the network. CAV will
test the full capabilities of the latest 3GPP such as
Ultra Reliable Low latency Communications (URLLC),
Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC),
and network slicing into a real-world test arena for
the first time in the UK. Each has a baseline. With
URLLC, latency as low as 3ms can be experienced
and mMTC brings the potential of connecting
massively more devices per km2. Network slicing
gives a dedicated portion of the network to each
network service, facilitating separate localisation,
edge-computing and cloud access.
Solution & Benefits
Millbrook’s major network upgrade to 3GPP 5G SA Open RAN technology from Airspan Networks. It
achieved the key goals of the DCMS AutoAir 5G project to ensure that the network was sustainable and
provided a lasting legacy for Millbrook and the UK’s CAV eco-system. The deployment of a 3GPP 5G
standalone infrastructure using the n77 band creates a unique test and development opportunity that
can support both automotive and telecommunication eco-systems, within a bookable and accessible
research facility.
