Berlin: The new 5G capital?

5G is the new network standard that will connect billions of devices and sensors from 2020 on. In Germany´s capital Berlin, this technology is under continuous research and development. The state of research conducted within the initiative “5G Berlin” of Fraunhofer FOKUS and HHI is currently presented at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.

In the future, 5G infrastructures shall deliver new bandwidths and low latencies for worldwide data transfers. 5G is a promising technology. Its areas of application are ranging from improved streaming to Augmented Reality. Thus 5G could change tomorrow´s working environment intensively. However, as with most new technologies, there is the problem of integration with existing systems.

A matter of integration

In cooperation with industry and research Fraunhofer FOKUS is currently working on 5G standards. These standards should allow for a seamless integration of existing mobile and stable broadband networks with a 5G core network. At the MWC Fraunhofer FOKUS is presenting its test environment 5G Berlin. This environment allows companies as well as research institutions to test their products regarding their “5G Readiness” at an early stage. Consequently it can be recognized in time, whether products can smoothly collude with other components in a 5G environment.

Pioneer Berlin

With its investments in technological research and its distinctive startup scene, Berlin is in best position to drive a technology like 5G. The capital plans to be among the first German states to test a 5G network in real conditions and to subsequently implement it.

A 5G infrastructure is the basis for a strongly connected, intelligent city – themed “Smart Network for Smart City”. Thus the complex technology yields a benefit for its users. 

As a partner of the initiative 5G Berlin, the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises accompanies a 5G testing field in the public. Together with companies, startups and organizations they start projects and combine the expertise of all different parties. It seems like one can expect big things from Berlin when it comes to 5G and thereby a step into a highly digital german future.

This article is partially based on a press release of the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises and the Fraunhofer-Institute for Open Communication Systems, February 2017.

Image source: Evernine