Commercialization of the first 5G network generation is starting. At the same time, Beyond 5G (B5G) R&D and utilization of AI and novel cyber security concepts are ramping up and offering excellent business opportunities to both telecom and vertical industries. General goal of 5G Test Network Finland (5GTNF) is to fill the gap between laboratory-based testing environments and commercial network deployments, offer trialing support, and tailored infrastructures for telecom and vertical industries and strengthen position of Finland in B5G R&D and utilization of 5G, artificial intelligence (AI) and novel cyber security concepts.
“5GTNF is open and evolving ecosystem supporting Beyond 5G technology research and validation, vertical industry product development and pioneer company experiments”, says Toni Mattila, Connected Intelligent Industries Finland Program Director from Business Finland. The focus of work is on 5G and beyond communication concepts, development towards smart networks and 6G, utilization of AI in radio resource and network management and vertical use case implementations utilizing B5G telecom, AI and cyber security concepts. Achievement of targets requires close co-operation between telecom and vertical area technology and business experts.
Integration of test environments in multiple locations and centralized management of resources enable flexible support to 5G and beyond technologies and services research, development and validation
“Vertical systems providers need a test environment to develop 5G/B5G-based applications and services, and telecom industry needs a test environment based on real vertical system and service requirements”, says Marjo Uusi-Pantti, 5G Momentum project manager from Traficom. The common core of the ecosystem is platform project focusing B5G, cyber security and AI research, development of common test network modules and development and integration of test network. In addition, the ecosystem has several vertical projects focusing on vertical specific technology R&D, development of vertical specific technology components and solutions and implementation of vertical trials. Vertical projects are focusing on solutions needed by smart industries, cities and living, mobility and health and wellbeing.
5GTNF is a joint effort from industry, academia and Finnish government including network manufacturers, operators, technology and R&D service providers, testing systems and tools manufacturers, vertical industry application developers, public organizations and research organizations. The best R&D partners in Finland and abroad are working closely together to achieve to world class results. “One of the key result is open test platform for Finnish business activities utilizing 5G technologies”, says Kyösti Rautiola, 5GTNF ecosystem manager, Principal Scientist from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd.
Further information
5G Test Network Finland (5GTNF) ecosystem (www.5gtnf.fi)
Kyösti Rautiola, VTT, tel. +358 400 582 246, kyosti.rautiola@vtt.fi
