Preparations are in full swing for the 19th Asian Games, to be held in Hangzhou, China, in September. Aside from the most anticipated sports competition, the future of technology is expected to also take center stage with the introduction of cutting-edge 5G Advanced technologies. These ground-breaking innovations, created and developed by China Telecom Zhejiang Branch and ZTE Corporation, promise to revolutionize how we watch sporting events.
5G-A: The Next Generation Network
With its astounding dual-10Gbps bandwidth, the 5G-A network is intended to provide an unrivaled viewing experience during the Asian Games. Using ZTE's cutting-edge 1.6G Hz bandwidth radio units, this network can effortlessly support simultaneous 8K video live broadcasts, enabling real-time streaming for a large number of viewers and broadcasters. The maximum download rate climbs to 25Gbps, showcasing the superior network experience that 5G-A offers.
5G-A Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, Achieving High-Rate Seamless Coverage
The incorporation of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology is one of the most significant components of 5G-A. RIS, a unique multi-antenna technology derived from electromagnetic hypermaterials, shows enormous promise due to its low-cost, low-power characteristics. Its implementation improves base station signal propagation and beam control, improving 5G signal quality and boosting base station coverage. According to the head of China Telecom's Smart Asian Games project, RIS boards have the potential to increase coverage areas by more than 30% by intelligently reflecting or transmitting base station signals.
Together with ZTE, China Telecom Zhejiang Branch has completed commercial RIS verification in Asian Games Village, achieving 10Gbps network coverage for blind spots in typical scenarios of underground garages and stores. The measured data shows that, after RIS is deployed, the UE downlink rate is increased by 6 times and the uplink rate by 20 times, while the cost of RIS is only one tenth of that of small cells. In addition, when the user moves within the garage and store, the dynamic RIS reflection beam can always accurately track the user in real time with stable signal strength and user rate.
Integrated Sensing and Communication, Facilitating Low-Altitude Intelligent Security Inspection
In the midst of all the excitement, security should still be the top priority. 5G-A also enables intelligent inspection capabilities, which improve venue security and administration. Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology, for instance, which can be integrated into 5G-A, provides base stations with radar-like vision capabilities, allowing for effective surveillance of drones, humans, cars and objects. China Telecom Zhejiang Branch and ZTE successfully validated the low-altitude drone control application using ISAC AAU devices. The system demonstrated exceptional precision in detecting drone flight routes and notably assisted in maintaining low-altitude safety during the Asian Games.
‘Bullet Time’ Video Highlights for Detailed Game Watching
5G-A technologies offer audiences a leveled-up viewing experience with the introduction of "bullet time" video highlights shot by a slew of high-definition cameras. Fans may now enjoy a 360-degree freeze-frame replay of important moments in sporting events. This technology assists referees in making fair and accurate decisions while giving viewers a more in-depth understanding of the games’ nuances.
Furthermore, the integration of 5G-A with virtual reality (VR) and naked-eye 3D technology is expected to transform game viewing. 5G-A's ultra-low latency improves VR experiences by allowing users to watch games remotely in VR glasses while enjoying a 360-degree view of the action. China Telecom Zhejiang Branch provides telecommunication network services with a latency of less than 100 ms for the Asian Games, which enables flawless VR and 3D experiences.
At the China Telecom Command Center of the Asian Games, the world's first naked-eye 3D tablet from ZTE is also displayed, which can be used to watch 3D videos without wearing glasses.
A Look Into the Future of Connectivity
The introduction of these 5G-A technologies at the Asian Games is a big step forward in digital communication. Today, forward-thinking firms such as China Telecom and ZTE are at the forefront of supporting 5G-A technology advancements such as RIS and ISAC in order to provide mobile consumers with a world-class wireless network experience.
5G-A is more than just an improvement in speed and connectivity; it represents a paradigm shift in how people live, work and play. We are looking forward to the Asian Games in Hangzhou not only for the sporting extravaganza but also for a glimpse into the future of connectivity.
