5G Slicing for Emergency Communications: WINDTRE BUSINESS Launches Testing in Naples
Slicing is one of the key features of 5G: it allows the network to be divided into multiple segments, each with well-defined service levels, ensuring the optimal functioning of multiple services while prioritizing the most critical ones, depending on whether more bandwidth or lower latency is required.
WINDTRE BUSINESS is testing its application in emergency services in Naples. Together with ASL Napoli 1 Centro and the University of Naples Federico II, the company tested slicing during the Geolier concert at the Maradona Stadium.
The 5G Slicing of WINDTRE BUSINESS for Emergency Services During Major Events
The aim of the testing was to verify the ability of the 5G network to guarantee high levels of reliability even in complex situations and congested environments, such as during a large event: approximately 50,000 people attended the Geolier concert.
The solution implemented by WINDTRE BUSINESS is based on a 5G Standalone network on which network slicing was applied to prioritize emergency services. Specifically, the test - successfully passed - involved simulating voice communications and data transmissions between a rescue vehicle and the operational center of ASL Napoli 1.
The role of the University of Naples Federico II was to ensure a rigorous scientific evaluation of the solution, tested in a real and particularly complex environment. An important contribution to verify its performance and to promote the development of new applications in digital health and emergency management.
"This testing confirms the strategic role of 5G Standalone as an enabler of innovative services with high social value," says Michele Lucantonio, PA & Utilities Direct Sales Director. "The results obtained demonstrate how network slicing can ensure continuity and reliability for critical communications even under maximum network congestion conditions, opening new perspectives for the evolution of emergency services and for the digitalization of the healthcare system."
"The digital transformation of healthcare also requires technologies capable of supporting emergency services in the most complex contexts," explains Fulvio Paone, Director of U.O.C. Informatization and Digital Transition of ASL Napoli 1 Centro. "The results of this experiment confirm the value of 5G and network slicing in ensuring high performance even under strong network congestion. The experiment represents a first step towards strengthening and making communications between the field and the operational center more secure and reliable, especially in complex emergency situations, contributing to improving the coordination of rescue efforts and the effectiveness of interventions for the benefit of citizens."
"Imagine a stadium with thousands of people connected at the same time: getting an emergency communication through under such conditions is like opening a preferential lane on a congested highway. This is exactly what network slicing allows, reserving dedicated resources for critical services even under maximum load. The ability to rigorously measure the performance of 5G Standalone during such a challenging real event has allowed us to validate in the field the reliability of this technology in support of rescue operations. A concrete example of how the collaboration between universities, operators, and healthcare institutions can translate innovation into real benefits for the safety of citizens," stated Nicola Pasquino, Professor of Electrical and Electronic Measurements at the University of Naples Federico II.