In our increasingly connected world, 2019 is predicted to be the year that 5G becomes a reality for users. In the automotive industry, some predict that this high-speed network will enable safety applications, more reliable connectivity, faster connectivity and a counteraction to network loads brought on by the increase in IoT devices. Continuing just-auto/QUBE’s series of interviews, we spoke to Vishnu Sundaram, Vice President, Telematics Business Unit, Harman Connected Car, to see if the hype is real for the automotive industry.
Can you describe what 5G is?
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5G is designed to accelerate the pace of connected devices and penetration of cloud-based services.
Yes, of course. 5G is the 5th generation of network evolution in mobile networks. Over the past 20 years or so, we’ve experienced the launch of 3G which enabled social media and photo sharing. Then came 4G networks which were tuned for personal media devices enabling music and video streaming. 5G is designed to accelerate the pace of connected devices and penetration of cloud-based services. For the starters, 5G rich content exchange sharing from high definition video to virtual reality content. The first 5G networks were rolled out in some areas of the world during the second half of 2018 for fixed point communications, replacing cable and fibre technologies. The 5G network rollout continues in 2019 as the networks become optimised for the new 5G mobile devices which have launched in the first quarter of 2019. These networks are expected to go live over the summer. In markets such as the US and UK, most network operators should be offering a commercial service in 2019. Expect a rapid network roll out too. I’ve heard predictions that by 2024 over 1.5 billion users will be connected to 5G.
So is 5G about more data or more speed?
Actually both. Trials of 5G technology in the field have exhibited peak data speeds in excess of 70Gbs and 5G is expected to offer latency levels between 10 and 50 times lower than today’s 4G networks. Networks will have a device capacity that is 1,000 times higher than older 4G networks. That’s going to be like getting home broadband-like speed wherever you are. For downloading movies and other content, the change will be dramatic. Movie streaming could be as seamless as music streaming is today. You could download a whole season of your favourite television show in seconds. There is an argument that if 5G offers that performance, you might no longer need your home broadband service.
One other critical benefit that will be crucial for the car is the speed at which you can push data back up to the network. Improving latency opens up real opportunities for safety applications like vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to infrastructure and vehicle to pedestrian communications. V2X as it is called, gives drivers an improved level of situational awareness, warning them of potential accident risks and helping to optimise the flow of traffic. If cameras, LIDAR and sonar are the eyes of autonomous vehicles, V2X are the robotic vehicle’s ears and will be an essential component of the safe operation of these future cars.
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By GlobalDataDo consumers need or value that level of speed?
While the current average consumer s won’t need the speed that 5G brings, they will rapidly become accustomed to the lightning speeds and expect it. New cloud-based applications and services like vehicle analytics, high definition maps and augmented reality will demand speed available on the new 5G networks. Moreover, it will be important for all connected devices to get on and off the network quickly so as not to create or experience network congestion. The 5G network will facilitate this requirement. In our Connected Services division, we are developing applications ranging from over-the-air vehicle software updates to robust cybersecurity applications that will directly impact the reliability and stability of the vehicle.
It all sounds positive, what are the drawbacks?
There are challenges to overcome regarding range and interference issues. The promise of the 5G network will require the use of higher frequency radio spectrum in the millimetre waves. Millimetre wave typically has a shorter range and is affected by buildings, trees and other structures. The roll out of 5G networks will require a denser mesh to facilitate millimetre wave operation. This will require large network investments. In the meantime, mobile operators are utilising lower frequency spectrum to provide greater range and to penetrate walls, trees and other obstructions. Lower frequency spectrum is scarce and the demand for these channels will accelerate the decommissioning of older networks and repurposing of the spectrum for 5G. Higher density networks will be required in public venues such as stadiums and shopping malls where high numbers of people are connecting. That means some of the speeds promised might not always be there, but the improvements will still be worthwhile.
Tell us about the safety aspects of 5G.
5G-ready car systems will allow data sharing to improve the effectiveness of driver assistance systems.
The introduction of 5G will pave the way for the development of cutting-edge telematics systems, which improve safety, facilitate intelligent traffic management and ADAS. 5G-ready car systems will allow data sharing to improve the effectiveness of driver assistance systems. Examples include Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and even an Abnormal Vehicle Warning whereby drivers will get a warning if the car or another vehicle on the road is operating outside of its normal parameters. Thanks to 5G, there are other safety systems that were previously not possible. One example is a ‘Do not pass’ warning, which would inform the driver when not to overtake. You could also get notifications of possible upcoming risks ahead, such as an obstruction around a blind bend.
At Harman, we are excited about bringing new user experiences into the car as well. Using Augmented Reality we could create the possibility to ‘see-through’ the vehicle in front. 5G would enable systems to leverage real time video and navigation systems to assist drivers to show the road ahead and help in overtaking manoeuvres. Another example is of a new user experience is the V2P-Vehicle to Pedestrian safety features. Mobile phones will be able to communicate with V2X equipped cars to make pedestrian presence apparent to drivers whose vision may be impaired by poor visibility or other vehicles. This has the potential at saving many lives. There are even more opportunities out there we haven’t yet thought of. The industry should be excited about this.
Are the main benefits for safety systems?
That’s the most important benefit I think. But we’ve also seen the idea of Traffic Light Optimised Speed Advisory, which instructs the driver to adjust their speed when approaching a traffic light to avoid traffic build up at junctions or Emergency Trajectory Alignment. That feature lets vehicles near an accident location share geographic information with other vehicles and infrastructure to provide enhanced situational awareness and re-calculate routes to reduce congestion in the vicinity.
Harman is an ‘experience’ company and we are already presenting how passengers could enjoy customisable and highly immersive experiences, like video streaming or even playing games online. Fast, reliable and secure data connectivity will open the opportunity to improved safety and better use of our precious time.
Can OEMs benefit, or do you see this mainly a gain for consumers?
With more reliable connectivity, OEMs can deliver updates Over-The-Air (OTA), meaning fewer visits to the dealer or the opportunity to offer more services.
They can benefit too; real-time vehicle analytics can diagnose car issues, roadway conditions, monitor fuel consumption against distance to destination and collect data anonymously to understand overall vehicle performance. With more reliable connectivity, OEMs can deliver updates Over-The-Air (OTA), meaning fewer visits to the dealer or the opportunity to offer more services.
Is it feasible to see 5G being widespread in a short space of time?
Yes, important automotive markets such as China have been working on this roll-out for some time. China has set out to lead the world with the best mobile networks, faster than anyone else. Roll out in the US will be somewhat slower as investments must be made by network operators, not by the government. But wherever you are, 5G will be here faster than you think.
