China's High-Speed Railways Get 5G Boost from Telecom Giants
Nanchang, Wednesday, 13 November 2024.
China Telecom Jiangxi and Huawei have partnered to build a cutting-edge 5G network for high-speed railways, enhancing connectivity for passengers. The project overcomes unique challenges, including Doppler shifts at 300 km/h speeds, and significantly improves network performance with innovative solutions like 8T8R AAU technology.
Transforming Railway Connectivity
China’s high-speed railway network, spanning over 40,000 kilometers and projected to reach 50,000 kilometers by 2025, is undergoing a significant upgrade with the integration of a 5G network. This initiative, driven by China Telecom Jiangxi and Huawei, aims to revolutionize passenger connectivity through the deployment of F+T dual-layer premium networks. The collaboration focuses on overcoming the inherent challenges of deploying 5G on railways, such as long inter-site distances and frequent cell switching, which are exacerbated by the trains’ high speeds of 300 kilometers per hour[1].
Innovative Solutions for High-Speed Challenges
The implementation of the 2.1 GHz 8T8R AAU solution on the Yingtan section of the Shanghai-Kunming Railway marked a pivotal advancement. This technology improved network coverage by 5 dB compared to the previously used 4T4R systems. As a result, average downlink and uplink rates improved by 21.6% and 50%, respectively, with edge rates increasing by 82.6% and over 100%[1]. The dual-layer network’s capacity for handling traffic was demonstrated by an 89% increase in total traffic volume post-deployment, with the 5G traffic distribution ratio climbing to 52%, a 13% increase over sections with 4T deployments[1].
Impacts on User Experience
The introduction of the High-Speed Railway Superior Experience feature has been transformative, reducing the call drop rate by 75% and enhancing downlink rate user experience by 50%, which in turn led to a 20% increase in traffic[1]. Furthermore, the High-Speed Railway Dedicated Network Enhancement feature improved the access success rate to 99.2%, significantly boosting user experience and network capacity by 50%[1]. These technological advancements promise a seamless and reliable connectivity experience for passengers, aligning with broader goals of digital infrastructure enhancement in transportation.
Future Prospects and Industry Implications
This partnership between China Telecom Jiangxi and Huawei is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic move to maintain China’s leadership in high-speed rail connectivity. As they continue to innovate, the implications for the industry are profound, with potential applications in other high-speed transport systems globally. The success of this project could set a precedent for similar collaborations, encouraging further advancements in 5G infrastructure across different sectors. As highlighted by industry representatives, the focus remains on expanding continuous coverage and optimizing connectivity, ensuring that high-speed travel is coupled with high-speed internet access[2].