Our 5G Science Campus project, which involves building and managing a new 5G Mobile Private Network at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, is gaining traction. At the end of February, Anna from the ECH team visited Harwell to meet Matthew and Jack of Net CS, who are conducting Continuous Wave (CW) testing on behalf of our delivery partners, Vodafone.
What is Continuous Wave testing?
Continuous wave testing is performed in the early stages of mobile network planning to test signal strength. For our tests, CW testing was used to assess the propagation of the signal from the radios that will be part of the new 5G Mobile Private Network. The test helped us understand how well the radio signal carries from different heights and locations around the campus.
Why a signal test?
The new network will need to connect seamlessly for Harwell employees using devices, or remote devices, to move around the campus both indoors and outdoors. Devices should be able to maintain an excellent connection even if they’re on the move, transitioning from one building to another. Not spots, areas where connectivity is poor, will need to be eliminated at this innovative and globally renowned campus.
Our 5G Science Campus project is not just about building a new network; it’s about pioneering the future of connectivity. The new connectivity won’t just mean a superior connection; to find out more about the huge benefits of 5G in advanced manufacturing, check out our page about the benefits of 5G.
How we conducted the tests
The tests were conducted from three different heights at various locations: the roof of a building, the top floor of a multi-storey car park, and on the ground at a roundabout. The process involved broadcasting a signal from radios mounted on the top of a tripod at each location and then driving and walking around the campus with a receiver to measure the signal received at different locations. This test, along with information gathered from the feasibility survey and desktop surveys, will inform Vodafone’s Location Proposal.
Are you an organisation at the Harwell Campus interested in finding out how the new 5G network could support your business?
Contact our team for more information.