CopyTechnology Description

As wireless connectivity becomes increasingly critical for individuals and businesses, private cellular networks can provide substantial cost-effective operational and customer experience value to airports. These networks can improve existing capabilities and introduce new transformational and yet-to-be-identified capabilities, insights, and even business models, just as Wi-Fi networks have done.

The largest private cellular network opportunities lie in the newly created Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) frequency band via OnGo-certified technology, currently for 4G, or fourth generation, cellular technology. Available starting in mid- to late-2021, OnGo-certified 5G, or fifth generation, cellular technologies will enhance this even further. This accessibility to cellular technologies, separate from cellular carriers, is opening new business opportunities, services, and business models for organizations that did not previously offer cellular communications services. This includes cable companies and companies that already provide Wi-Fi networks and services to airports.

Radio spectrum around the world and in the United States is finite, and our dependency on it is increasing. The CBRS band, previously dedicated to the Department of Defense satellite communications, is a group of shared-usage frequencies governed by a model with three tiers of user priority levels. Among other duties, the industry collaborative OnGo Alliance is responsible for approving manufactured products as OnGo certified, if they meet the required specifications for performance and interoperability, in its role of managing the prioritized sharing of the CBRS spectrum. Furthermore, 3GPP is the global industry organization responsible for 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and 5G NR (New Radio) specifications of global cellular technologies. Both 4G and 5G cellular technologies have some overlapping frequencies in which the CBRS band lies; these frequencies are in 5G’s mid-band.

This Publication includes CBRS in the Advanced Transformation Tier due to the potential future impact this technology is anticipated to have and is already demonstrating in early deployments. Airport operators need to immediately consider contractual rights to protect ownership of their wireless environment and to preserve their options as they consider the opportunities and deployment models available through OnGo private cellular networks.

Additional information about 5G technologies can be found in the “5G Wireless” series of articles.

CopyImpacts

OnGo cellular network deployments are already underway around the United States and include at least one airport deployment and two other active projects in progress. Outlined below are generalized impacts to airports, passengers, and various partners. Following the impact list, two notable impacts are detailed further.

Impacts

Management/Operations

• As infrastructure, OnGo network technology enables new possibilities for operational process efficiencies and service offerings
• Extensive support for Internet of things end devices and applications across airport property
• Enables new and valuable historical and real-time insights, through new and substantial data, to improve all aspects of the airport and tenant business and customer experience
• Airport tenants can easily deploy their own OnGo networks, which can negatively impact the options for and performance of an airport’s OnGo network
• Improved (i.e., carrier-grade) wireless security facilitates new use cases in situations where Wi-Fi security is insufficient

Technical/Infrastructure Readiness

• Provides newly available, cost-effective, high-speed, highly secure wireless data connectivity anywhere on airport property, including vehicles/devices in transit
• Enables flexible and agile deployment of permanent and temporary network connectivity anywhere on airport property
• Supports multiple airport and tenant networks as a neutral host network, like a distributed antenna system

Process/Skill Set Changes

• Incorporate new use cases into processes
• Staff training and OnGo network managed services may be needed

Passenger Experience/Passenger Process

• Enhanced passenger experiences through improved operational efficiencies and service offerings due to newly available and agile capabilities and increased data insights

Security/Safety

• Carrier-grade wireless security connectivity facilitates new use cases
• Increased real-time situational awareness from anywhere on airport

Airport Design/Construction

• Provides highly adaptable, quick to deploy, cost-effective, high-speed, highly secure wireless data and mobile communications connectivity to construction sites
• Can provide separate and unified networks for different construction site organizations

Revenue/Business Model

• Possible paid tier offering of high-speed data to passengers
• Possible paid tier offering of premises network connectivity to tenants, including aircraft connectivity on airfield for airlines
• Charging mobile carriers roaming fees for extending services to their network customers

Legal/Risk

• Delay of deployment may result in high saturation of wireless environment from neighboring organizations, impacting deployment potential and performance
• New and existing contracts with companies that offer OnGo networks may include language granting them exclusive management of an airport’s wireless spectrum, even when no such network has been deployed

Featured Impacts

New operational processes and services possible: The combination of wireless connectivity everywhere, as offered by OnGo networks, with other services designed into 4G and 5G technologies opens numerous possibilities and opportunities to improve all areas of the airport business, customer experience, revenue streams, and even business models.

Enhanced wireless connectivity everywhere: OnGo private cellular technology makes it feasible to provide enhanced wireless data communications throughout the airport premises, including the airfield, which is highly desirable but often cost prohibitive for many medium and large airports. Additionally, unlike Wi-Fi, this technology can support connectivity for end devices in transit, such as vehicles and drones.

CopyAttributes

To better understand OnGo network technology, airport operators should gain a better understanding of its specific attributes. This article explores the operating factors of OnGo networks and some of OnGo’s usage characteristics. Understanding these attributes will help airport operators determine applicable use cases for OnGo private cellular networks and how their organization can support this technology.

Characteristics of CBRS Shared Use

OnGo networks utilize 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) cellular communications technology, adding 5G NR (New Radio) cellular technology in early 2022. As well as cellular communications technology, OnGo network components include technology that enables the networks to operate in accordance with the three-tiered priority hierarchy of users required for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band use:

• Tier 1—Incumbent (Department of Defense) users
• Tier 2—Priority Access License (PAL) users
• Tier 3—General Authorized Access (GAA) users

In summer of 2020, PAL users purchased a newly created type of spectrum license for blocks of the CBRS spectrum, separated by county. The CBRS spectrum is divided into 15 blocks of 10 MHz (megahertz) spectrum that are dynamically assigned each day by Spectrum Access System (SAS) providers, which monitor and manage spectrum assignments to prevent network conflicts between neighboring networks. Ten blocks are prioritized for PAL users, and five are always allocated for GAA users. However, when a PAL block is not in use, a GAA user can make use of it until a PAL user needs it. SAS equipment communicates instructions to the various OnGo networks for adjustments that must be made to avoid conflict with other networks and prioritized users.

OnGo networks can provide cost-effective wireless data coverage both indoors and outdoors. For outside uses, each antenna [Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD)] may achieve between 2.5 and 4 miles of coverage area. Actual antenna coverage range for both inside and outside depending on the physical characteristics of the inside walls and materials, outside terrain, and neighboring networks. As with Wi-Fi networks, OnGo networks offer network segmentation (i.e., network slicing) so that various user groups, systems, and organizations can operate in their own network environment. Extensive network governance, data feeds, and data dashboards can also be configured.

Effect on Other Program Areas/Technologies

OnGo networks deliver cellular technology benefits through a few different forms that make them a foundational, technology enabling platform for other technology enablers, which benefits all aspects of a business. In direct to end-user wireless connections, OnGo technology gives personnel the ability to connect to network services and directly to other personnel from remote locations that may not have networked communications connectivity; it even supports streaming of high-definition video. In individual system applications for tracking and monitoring, it can identify the locations of personnel, vehicles, and other assets. Wireless communications and additional services of 4G and 5G technologies, such as support for massive numbers of Internet of things (IoT) devices, are available to developers for leveraging in an unlimited number of commercial system solutions still to be innovated. Additionally, these networks can supplement an overall premise network as another means for backhaul connectivity, like copper and fiber cables. In this way, they add to the resiliency and robustness of a system by providing the primary communications connection or the secondary/tertiary backup communications connection. Further, the data gained through these use cases can provide enormous insights for improvements in operations, customer experience and, potentially, new revenue opportunities and business models.

System and Hardware Requirements

In their most basic form, OnGo networks include radio end devices, which can take many forms depending on the application (mobile phone, IoT monitoring devices, cellular to ethernet cable communications converter, etc.). They also include antennas or CBSDs, which come in different indoor and outdoor form factors and power levels, as well as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which provides the framework for cellular voice and data services, routing, signaling, and system database information. EPC solutions can be on-premises, cloud solutions, or hybrids. Additionally, these networks can be more of a proprietary solution or possess a sliding scale of open solution characteristics. In a few instances, it may be possible to have the OnGo network designed into a distributed antenna system; however, this is not a given, and it should be expressly addressed as part of the design effort.

Separate from the OnGo network solution and provider, the selection of each SAS provider should take a number of items into consideration, including the unique additional services and tool sets offered by each SAS provider.

Effect on Multiple Industries

While OnGo networks can benefit every industry—and are being explored by industries of all types—they are already being highly leveraged by industries such as manufacturing, ground transportation, agriculture, educational systems, and electrical utilities. Organizations in these industries are using OnGo technology to address their direct needs. Others, like cable providers, are also using it to make cellular network connectivity a new service offering to customers.

CopyUse Cases/Business Effect

With every new or emerging technology, there are two basic questions an airport operators asks: “How can my airport use this?” and “How does this affect my business, even if my airport doesn’t wish to use it for our own benefit?” This article provides answers to both of these questions, addressing the airport use cases and the business effect of OnGo wireless technology.

Use Cases

Potential use cases for airport OnGo networks are continually being identified. The following are some examples of use cases that leverage the unique characteristics of private cellular technology.

Whole Premises Passenger Tracking

This use case starts with the concept of airports tracking passenger flow inside terminal buildings (using Wi-Fi) and extends it to all of the premises. This has never been feasible before because installing physical cables to every outdoor Wi-Fi Access Point location was cost prohibitive. However, with outdoor Wi-Fi Access Points that use OnGo cellular technology to provide long-distance connection to the network, this use case could be deployed cost effectively. It could then provide all manner of historical and real-time information—such as problematic roadway areas, times of day, developing traffic issues, and high passenger flow routes—to greatly improve the passenger experience. It would also provide the data needed to justify the investment.

Curb-to-Gate Passenger Journey

Airports are continually seeking to improve the passenger experience from roadway to ramp. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced challenges in the form of new virus mitigation processes. These include needing to share personal medical information and reduce the number of touchpoints with staff or common airport devices. OnGo networks are a great option to consider in supplementing cable and Wi-Fi connectivity because they support high-speed connectivity for thousands more users than Wi-Fi, and they can do it with higher bandwidth and carrier-grade security. This communication is incredibly secure when coupled with blockchain technology, as used by health passport solutions. OnGo networks can also support other operational needs in these same physical spaces, while still providing the needed security via network partitioning (i.e., slicing) for tasks such as communicating passenger information.

Internet of Things Networking

A notable feature of 4G wireless networks, and even more so in 5G, is the increased bandwidth to service vast quantities of devices. The added bandwidth is becoming more necessary as devices that make up the Internet of things become increasingly prevalent. The bandwidth available through 5G networks can facilitate connections between the thousands of connected sensors, passenger processing equipment, and building infrastructure across an airport’s property.

First Responder Real-Time Incident Video Streaming

OnGo networks can cost effectively provide high-speed, high-bandwidth, and highly secure wireless data communications coverage of airfields and remote locations—areas for which coverage was not previously possible or feasible. One use case for this is the real-time streaming of first responder body, vehicle, and drone camera video for increased situational awareness and improved decision making. Cellular technology is also well suited for this application because, unlike Wi-Fi, it continues to perform well when the end-device camera is moving at high speed, as would be the case with a ground vehicle and a drone, and the radio connection needs to be handed off from one antenna to another to maintain connectivity. This use case could similarly apply to video streaming and augmented reality for maintenance and ground transportation applications.

Business Effect

Whether or not an airport chooses to employ an OnGo network for its own benefit, OnGo network use may increase to the point where the airport organization must deploy it to counteract the negative impact of too many tenant deployments.

Multiple Tenant Deployments

When Wi-Fi was first deployed in airports, there was a valid concern that unreported tenant Wi-Fi deployments would quickly oversaturate the finite wireless spectrum, rendering all Wi-Fi networks useless or problematic. While the Spectrum Access System is designed to keep this from happening, General Authorized Access networks that may spring up at the airport could result in a much lower performance level than if the airport were to own and deploy its own OnGo network and act as a neutral host network by sharing the network with tenants. This is similar to the way airports currently partition their standard ethernet network, and it could facilitate a much more efficient and effective allocation of the spectrum across the various spaces and areas of the airport property.

CopyTiered Approach

Airport operators interested in new or emerging technologies, such as OnGo wireless technology, will differ in their levels of risk tolerance. Some organizations are comfortable at the forefront of technology and have the resources to support innovation. Other organizations are interested in simply exploring how they can use OnGo technology within their limited resources.

This article takes a tiered approach to OnGo technology, providing use cases that are separated by the following innovation tiers: Reactive, Strategic, and Innovative.

Regardless of the innovation tier, all airports should develop a wireless strategy that includes Wi-Fi, licensed, and unlicensed frequencies to ensure that the organization’s needs and plans have been comprehensively reviewed and the implications of key wireless decisions are understood. Given that these are often contractual obligations, they are not always easily or quickly remedied if problems are identified later.

Reactive

Network Infrastructure Deployed and Managed by Carrier

In this scenario, an airport operator could allow a cellular carrier to install and manage the network. As the network owner, this company might allow other organizations to share the network for a fee. In this way, the company will recoup the cost of providing, managing, and maintaining the network and generate revenue. There may also be an opportunity for the airport to share in the revenue as part of the agreement.

Strategic

OnGo Network and Spectrum Ownership and Management

An airport operator could invest the resources to develop its own OnGo network and utilize its high-speed, high bandwidth, carrier-grade security for various system deployments and insights, as well as serve as a neutral host to tenants for a fee or at no charge. The airport operator may additionally obtain revenue from roaming agreements with mobile carriers.

Innovative

Premises-Wide Internet of Things

This builds on the Strategic model of employing the OnGo network and spectrum ownership and management by adding an extensive Internet of things (IoT) roadmap for connected devices throughout the airport property. Airport operators should consider the networking requirements to support these devices, such as the improved data speed and data throughput provided by 5G.

Multiple wireless protocols are needed to support the range of technology use cases available in an airport environment. Protocols focused on IoT devices can have various characteristics, such as reduced power consumption or long-range communication. These strategies can facilitate all manner of innovative IoT solutions both indoors and outdoors, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, maintenance and building management and control, vehicle tracking, situational awareness, and perimeter detection, as well as numerous applications for improving the customer experience.

Though the incredibly fast 5G speeds advertised by mobile carriers lie in 5G’s high band, which is licensed to mobile carriers, 5G’s mid-band performance capabilities still offer greatly increased data speeds and throughput, as well as lower latency than 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE). However, 4G LTE is still a high-speed, robust, proven, and cost-effective technology that is expected to continue effectively serving the industry through at least 2031, if not beyond.

CopyIndustry Status

Exploring OnGo wireless technology deployments in both aviation and non-aviation industries can give airport operators a better understanding of the technology as a whole. This article outlines the current state of OnGo technology from both aviation and non-aviation perspectives.

Aviation Industry

Initial Network Deployments

Dallas Love Field Airport deployed the first CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) network in the summer of 2018 through partnership with Boingo and as part of a special case having been granted Special Temporary Authority by the Federal Communications Commission for the early trial.^[1] At least two other airports have active design and implementation projects underway, utilizing the most recent OnGo technology and products.

Non-aviation Industry

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry has been quick to apply 5G private cellular technologies. For example, Ericsson’s Smart Factory in Dallas, Texas, replaced the Wi-Fi used to control autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) inside its manufacturing facility with 5G, and it has since realized a 5% performance improvement as issues regarding AGVs stranded due to lost connections have been resolved. Additionally, AGVs can now transit between buildings on larger sites. Ericsson has also realized a 20% decrease in troubleshooting time due to utilizing 5G for streaming high-definition video as well as annotating video and providing augmented guidance based on reality in real time. The ease of moving and setting up a new antenna location in minutes provides substantial flexibility and time savings that are not possible with Wi-Fi Access Points.

City Rollouts

The City of Las Vegas has been trialing several manufacturer solutions and use cases. Early trials have shown they can better monitor remote locations, such as parks and monuments, with cameras and two-way intercom functionality; collect data that indicate the best times to dispatch police for patrol and maintenance personnel for maintenance and cleanup; and monitor traffic flow to identify and address problematic intersections.

CopyTechnology Interaction

In some cases, the advancement of one technology may be vital to the effective use of another. This article highlights some of the high-level ways that OnGo wireless technology may leverage the functionality of another technology or be used to enhance the functionality of another. As solution development continues, integrations with other technologies may become more evident.

Internet of Things

Both 4G and 5G offer different Internet of things (IoT) benefits and carrier-grade secure connectivity. 4G devices are less expensive, 4G signals travel farther than 5G, and 4G offers great data speeds. Not every IoT sensor requires high-speed, high-data throughput and 4G can be a great option for those use cases. 5G offers next generation capabilities to support applications where very fast speeds, very high bandwidth, and very low delay (latency) is required. Additionally, 5G technology can connect with and manage thousands of devices on a single antenna facilitating extensive deployment of IoT devices in an environment.

CopyTechnology Barriers

As with other technologies noted in this Publication, there are market forces or obstacles in development that present barriers to the deployment and widespread adoption of 5G wireless technology. Keeping abreast of these barriers helps airport operators know when to expect to see wider use of this technology and when they should look to reassess it for their own use. This article outlines the current state of private cellular OnGo network barriers.

Accommodation for Infrastructure Requirements

OnGo networks require relatively little in the way of supporting infrastructure and provide extensive coverage with much fewer antennae. This means they can typically be deployed in a small fraction of the time that Wi-Fi networks require, especially in outside locations. To provide the required processing speed of a significantly higher data throughput, some facilities may need to upgrade the supporting enterprise network switch (or switches) to which the OnGo network is directly connected. However, this infrastructure might not be immediately required, depending on the initial use cases. Regarding passenger use, industry product manufacturers and the OnGo Alliance are working on ways to enable user devices to join multiple cellular networks more easily. This would be key for airports that would like to allow their passengers to use their private 5G network while on the airport premises.

Incumbent and Priority Access License Priority

As mentioned previously, OnGo network communications are governed in accordance with a three-tier priority model. Incumbent (Department of Defense) impacts are expected to be minimal for most airports, as these communications are most likely to be sent from coastal areas to satellites, extend not very far inland, and be intermittent. The final Priority Access License management details, finalized licensee paperwork, and rollouts began in mid-2021. The industry will be monitoring these rollouts to understand the impacts to usability of the spectrum and networks. Another consequence of the tiered priority governance is that OnGo networks are not recommended for critical applications, where communication adjustments and even a brief, temporary suspension of a signal are unacceptable.

Device Compatibility

Many major manufacturers offer OnGo-certified network solutions and components. Some are more proprietary, while others are designed to be open and interoperable with other manufacturer solutions. Some manufacturers provide a comprehensive component solution, while others only provide certain types of end devices. Further, some manufacturers only provide Evolved Packet Cores (EPCs), or they might only offer on-premises, cloud, or hybrid EPC solutions. OnGo networks can provide a conversion to ethernet, for connectivity to the enterprise ethernet network, and serve as an extension of the network.

In summary, there are essentially two types of private cellular network solutions. One solution type is driven by the chipset in the radio end device. These solutions typically have notable limitations to scalability, and system upgrades from 4G to 5G likely require replacement of all end devices. The other solution type is server based and can offer extensive scalability; with this solution, the system can be upgraded from 4G to 5G by upgrading the server software.