The Department of Defense (DOD) demonstrated a potential $90 million 5G network prototype for a smart warehouse that is set to be deployed at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany in Georgia once completed.
The 5G network prototype used the 380 megahertz of spectrum in the mid-band and mmWave to deliver downloads of 1.5 Gbps with sub-15-millisecond latency during the Smart Warehouse Technology Early Capabilities Demonstration as part of the department’s 5G-to-Next G Initiative, DOD said Tuesday.
The prototype is designed to adhere to the department’s requirements for zero-trust architecture and is based on the next generation of Open Radio Network standards. The demonstration is part of the Tranche 1 of 5G projects.
In Oct. 2020, the Pentagon awarded $600 million to 15 companies to support 5G experimentation at five U.S. military bases or Tranche 1 sites, including Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.
“This is a unique opportunity to apply the latest 5G technologies to a traditional but mission-critical support area for our warfighters. Warehousing and logistical support is the lifeline for the Marine’s Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations,” John Larson, the prototype’s program manager at Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic.
Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany will field the prototype as a private 5G network once completed and will use up to 750 MHz of bandwidth to support operations.
If you’re interested in 5G and its integration's impact on public and private sectors, then check out the Potomac Officers Club’s Fall 2021 5G Summit coming up on Sept. 16. To register for this virtual forum and view other upcoming events, visit the POC Events page.
