Pop-Up 5G Standalone Non-Public Networks (SNPNS) For Live Broadcast Production

Published On: April 14, 2023Categories: ,

A portable, pop-up private standalone 5G network has been developed and deployed around the world in a series of successful proof-of-concepts for outside broadcast production in remote locations. The flexible software-defined radio (SDR) allows us to rapidly customise the network to the environment and requirements, with low-latency configurations and heavy uplink biasing in the bi-directional RF channel to support multiple wireless camera feeds. We used shared spectrum available in the n78 and upper n77 bands (3.3 – 4.2 GHz) in UK, Ireland, Kenya and New Zealand to deliver live-to-air footage. We explored the use of bonding multiple low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and cellular backhaul, which allowed us to broadcast the Pitlochry Highland Games live from rural Scotland into the IBC 2022 show in Amsterdam. This paper will discuss the critical technical capabilities of the pop-up private 5G network and how broadcasters have rapidly deployed the technology to support historic and sporting events, including the final journey from Scotland of Queen Elizabeth II and the Danish parliamentary elections. We will also explore how to configure connectivity for optimum performance.

Samuel R. Yoffe | Neutral Wireless Ltd. and StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland
Malcolm Brew | Neutral Wireless Ltd. and StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland
Douglas Allan | Neutral Wireless Ltd. and StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland
Kenneth Barlee | Neutral Wireless Ltd. and StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland
Dani Anderson | Neutral Wireless Ltd. and StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland
Odianosen Ighagbon | Neutral Wireless Ltd. and StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland
Cameron Speirs | Neutral Wireless Ltd. and StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland
Robert Stewart | Neutral Wireless Ltd. and StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland
Ian Wagdin | British Broadcasting Company, Research & Development | London, United Kingdom
Morten  Brandstrup | TV 2 Danmark | Copenhagen, Denmark
Jack McGill | QTV | Glasgow, Scotland
Gareth Gordon | QTV | Glasgow, Scotland
Don Mullane | RTÉ | Dublin, Ireland
Liam Murray | RTÉ | Dublin, Ireland
Mark Smith | IBC | London, United Kingdom
Muki Kulhan | IBC | London, United Kingdom
John Canning | AMD | Santa Clara, California, United States
Aaron Behman | AMD | Santa Clara, California, United States
Matt Stagg | BT Sport | London, United Kingdom
Jonathan Hale | Warner Bros. Discovery | London, United Kingdom

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