Transforming education and research with 5G connectivity

About the project

5G private cellular networks (PCNs) can help to meet the increasing demands from educators and researchers for data volume, speed, and security, in an environment where mobility is key.

However, 5G technologies are often prohibitively expensive to implement and maintain.

Through Jisc's 5G PCNs proof-of-concept, we are aiming to deliver the benefits without the hefty price tag by centralising and multi-tenanting the core technologies into the heart of the Janet Network.

Our vision is to allow Jisc customers to run their own 5G private cellular networks by simply plugging an antenna into their Janet network connection.

How this will transform education and research

Greater learning experiences

The power and speed of 5G enables educational delivery to be faster, more reliable, and smoother for all 5G-enabled devices.

With 5G PCNs, students and teachers can benefit from the advantages of 5G in spaces on and off campus where wireless networks might be cost-prohibitive or technically challenging.  

A 5G PCN brings improved quality for video conferencing, giving students and educators greater online and distance learning experiences. Leveraging the power of a 5G PCN, mixed reality technologies can be better utilised, strengthening immersive learning experiences for more users. 

Putting you in control

5G technology allows for a greater number of connected devices than ever before. 5G PCNs give institutions control of their dedicated 5G network and the devices which connect, improving not just security but the entire quality of the service. 

Enabling the smart campus

Using a 5G PCN an institution can connect building and environmental industrial internet of things (IIoT) sensors and devices campus-wide, including locations outside of traditional wifi connectivity. With these, institutions can capture crucial building quality data, better track sustainability metrics, and improve mobile and perimeter security. A 5G PCN also lets users and their devices move seamlessly between connections without losing signal - simplifying mobility and boosting accessibility. 

Supercharging research

5G provides the capacity and speed necessary to move vast amounts of data and enable real time analytics.

With a 5G PCN high bandwidth and low latency features can support advanced research applications such as device control, remote collaboration, and data analysis.

A 5G PCN also enables research beyond the reach of Wi-Fi, providing reliable remote access to on-premises and cloud services outside of a lab environment.

Find out more

• Read our blog about why campuses need 5g