WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY USE CASE SCENARIOS

WHITE PAPER

WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

USE CASE SCENARIOS

ASSOCIATION DES GRANDS UTILISATEURS DE RÉSEAUX RADIO D’EXPLOITATION

EDITION 1.0 - 01/2021

This white paper identifies six use cases to demonstrate how the different technological solutions might

meet the needs and characteristics of a variety of services:

1. UPLINK VIDEO STREAMING

2. DOWNLINK VIDEO STREAMING

3. GUIDANCE / SIGNALLING / MACHINE CONTROL

4. MASSIVE DATA TRANSFERS

5. SENSORS / TRACKING

6. VOICE

According to Agurre, these six use cases are common to the transport, energy and industrial sectors

which share similar needs and service characteristics. This creates a great opportunity to develop and

deploy further synergies. The agricultural sector and the urban environment are also included because

of their use of sensors.

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2 AGURRE • WHITE PAPER - WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY USE CASE SCENARIOS

Recently l’Association des Grands Utilisateurs de Réseaux Radio d’Exploitation (Agurre),

held a series of workshops for its members to list the different use cases for radio network

technologies and their potential application across a variety of industries. The results of this

work is a guide that can be used to help members identify which of their services might benefit from

these technologies, and to suggest implementable solutions.

Remember, Agurre was established in 2012 by six organisations, all major users of radio networks with

the objective of sharing publicly, the impact, experiences, and future needs of this evolving technology.

Today, Agurre is a larger group of companies consisting of Groupe ADP, Air France, Groupe RATP,

SNCF Réseau, SNCF Voyageurs, EDF, Total, Airbus Operations, Sanef Group, RTE, Teréga, FNCCR,

Sytral, SGP and Transdev Group Innovation.

INTRODUCTION

COVERAGE

Coverage needs for uplink video streaming are generally local (factory, maintenance depot, service centre, airport, etc.). Coverage is also required along linear routes (metro line) and extended coverage can also be used in large urban communities and for transport networks.

CRITICALITY

Uplink video streaming can be both mission and business critical. For example, an incident aboard a metro train where a video feed is essential to be able to assess a situation and quickly provide the appropriate response.

MOBILITY

General usage can be found for example on trains and in underground stations equipped with video cameras where the data must be transmitted whilst the trains are in motion. Fixed uses can also be identified, for example, temporary surveillance cameras.

AVAILABILITY

Service speeds must be fast, and the videos must be able to be transmitted in real-time in order to meet monitoring and security requirements.

PERFORMANCE

Users of video streaming require different data speeds and low latency. The data rate depends on the number of data streams to be transferred and the resolution of the images. Actual examples of this include: the operator Transdev, which specifies a wireless network latency of less than 40ms; and La Société du Grand Paris which expressed a need for 25Mbit/s to be able to upload the video streams from each of its metro trains.

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Technological solutions

Private networks (LTE Pro, 5G Pro, WiFi Pro)

are a good solution for uplink video streaming.

High bands with strong bandwidth (2.6 or 3.5

GHz) and fast speeds are ideal in enclosed

areas (stations, depots, metro stations, and

along linear routes, etc.). It is important that

these networks are equipped with guaranteed

throughput management mechanisms so that

essential videos can be prioritised (for security

reasons, for example).

For large urban areas and smaller communities,

the 400 MHz band is an interesting option,

although it only has sufficient bandwidth to

handle a few video streams. Commercially

operated networks could also be considered;

however, there is no service guarantee and there

is a risk of congestion. Also, these networks are

not easily deployed in demanding industrial

environments and are not designed to optimise

the uplink service.

R E Q U I R E M E N T C R I T E R I A

AGURRE • WHITE PAPER - WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY USE CASE SCENARIOS AGURRE • WHITE PAPER - WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY USE CASE SCENARIOS

A variety of services

BUS

TRAIN

TRAM

DRONE

PLANE

USE

CASE

1

A radio network has two types of link: the uplink, which allows data to transmit from a device to the operator base station, which in turn is connected to the core network and various user applications; and the downlink, which does the same but in reverse.

In the case of the uplink, Agurre has identified an essential use case: the exploitation of real-time video

streaming. Indeed, companies and organisations often need to send video captured from a vehicle (bus, train, plane, autonomous shuttle, etc.), an autonomous shuttle or a drone to a central station for the following reasons:

• Security (video surveillance, video security, image analysis of people or objects).• Monitoring and supervision.• Environment detection (for shuttles).• Corrective maintenance assistance.• Manœuvres (transport applications).

Example: Monitoring of a refinery gas flare using a camera to aid detection of possible problems.

UPLINK VIDEO STREAMING

COVERAGE

Coverage needs are similar to uplink video streaming in that they are generally local (factory, maintenance depot, service centre, airport, etc.). Coverage is also required for linear situations (metro line) and extended coverage can also be used in large urban communities and for transport networks.

CRITICALITY

In this use case, streaming video on the downlink is essential for businesses to be able to provide seamless production and service (business and mission critical).

MOBILE

Downlink mobile video streaming is used as widely as the uplink. Think of metro trains and underground stations equipped with video cameras where videos must be transmitted whilst in motion (on foot or in a vehicle). Downlink video streaming is also used in static environments such as in a specific location within a factory to assist with maintenance.

AVAILABILITY

Like the uplink, downlink streaming speeds must be fast enough to transmit videos in real-time. A maintenance manager, for example, must be able to watch a video that will help him to repair failed equipment as quickly as possible, whenever and wherever needed.

PERFORMANCE

The downlink must be good enough to play high-definition video without buffering. Bandwidth must be able to handle multiple data streams and quickly resolve images. High resolution images require a rate of 5Mbps per stream.

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As with uplink video streaming, private networks

(LTE Pro, 5G Pro) are a relevant solution for

downlink streaming. High bands with strong

bandwidth (2.6 or 3.5 GHz) offering fast speeds

are ideal in enclosed areas such as stations,

depots, metro stations, and along linear routes,

etc.). It is important that these networks

are equipped with guaranteed throughput

management mechanisms so that essential

videos can be prioritised (for security reasons,

for example).


the 400 MHz band is an interesting choice,

although it will only have sufficient bandwidth

to handle limited video streams. Commercially

operated networks could also be an option;

however, there is no service guarantee and a risk

of congestion. Also, these networks are not easily

deployed in demanding industrial environments.

Agurre noted that downlink video streaming is also essential to some businesses. For example, companies frequently need to send videos to computers, tablets and smartphones being used in the field such as:

• Remote maintenance: a technician performs maintenance on an industrial machine or equipment. To carry out the repair, he must be able to view in real time a video from a centralised server.

• Traveller information and entertainment: information videos and advertisements displayed on screens on underground and overground trains, buses and trams.

• Information broadcasting: sending videos (security, operational instructions) to groups of people equipped with tablets or smartphones.

• Vehicle manoeuvres: a reversing camera on a bus, train or plane to assist the driver.

Additional services identified by Agurre include:

• Video push-to-talk (PTT): new solutions now make it possible to transmit videos in group mode (dispatch).

• Augmented reality: used in all phases of a product’s life cycle, some of which can be carried out remotely (maintenance, assembly, piloting, robotics and tele-robotics, location).

• Video conferencing: mainly video playback on a computer or phone when a video call is made for example.


Downlink video streaming

Video on computer

Video on tablet

Video on smartphone

USE

CASE

2DOWNLINK VIDEO STREAMING

MOBILE

In this use case, mobile would be used predominantly in vehicles, but could also be used in power line communications (PLC) and machinery.

AVAILABILITY

The availability rate of data throughput is high and despite the small volume, they are critical to the proper functioning of operations.

PERFORMANCE

In these cases, low latency is crucial. For instance, remotely controlled vehicles must be able to turn left or right precisely when ordered. An actual example of this is RTE which specifies a latency of less than 10 ms with a balanced throughput on both the up and down links.

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COVERAGE

For this use case, the network coverage requirement is either local (factories and distribution centres), or linear (along rail routes), or urban (for autonomous vehicle guidance), although it can also relate more

broadly to larger urban areas and regions.

CRITICALITY

Two-way data streaming is both business and mission critical as it ensures safety, service and production. Driverless trains for example, must retain contact with the control centre for both operational and security reasons.

The third use case identified in this study by Agurre is a network for sending and receiving (uplink and

downlink) small data streams in both directions to meet the following needs:

• Command and control: remote control of automated industrial production machines or automated systems used by energy providers.

• Guidance: for operators of autonomous vehicles such as driverless cars, buses and trains.

Actual Examples of these uses include:

• Emergency call buttons on buses and trains.• RTE power line carrier (PLC) to remotely de-activate energy grids.

It is also important to remember applications for services including:

• Guiding autonomous trains (communications-based train control - CBTC) with or without a driver• Railway signalling (European Rail Traffic Management System - ERTMS).• Information Transport Systems (ITS) – assistance system for operating buses and trains.


Since there is no need for a very high

throughputs, any type of mobile network can be

used in these use cases. High band (2.6 or 3.5

GHz) private networks (LTE Pro, 5G Pro) are a

relevant solution for enclosed areas (stations,

depots) and along linear routes (metro lines).


the 400 MHz band is a very relevant solution,

although networks in these situations must

have specific architecture to optimise latency.

Commercially operated networks can also meet

these needs. However, it is important that any

network is equipped with guaranteed throughput

management mechanisms in order that different

transmissions can be prioritised. Very low latency

is not currently guaranteed on operational

networks and may require adaptations (5G core

network, remote switching, Edge computing).

Eventually, operated mobile networks may use

the concept of «slicing» to optimise performance

in specifically defined instances.


Intelligent transport

CBTC Autonomous vehicles

USE

CASE

3GUIDANCE, SIGNALING AND MACHINE CONTROL


COVERAGE

In this use case, network coverage is needed locally (airplane parking, bus or train depot). Coverage need not necessarily be extensive but can be linear in well-located areas.

CRITICALITY

Big data is often regarded as data of convenience, offering added value when it can be analysed later (business critical); however, it is not usually regarded as compulsory or needed for security purposes.

MOBILITY

Big data transfers tend to occur in the static environment when vehicles are at a standstill (trains stopping at a station or in a siding when not in use). However, they can also be mobile, for example, when planes are taxiing to and from the runway.

AVAILABILITY

Availability is not a criterion for this use case.

PERFORMANCE

The latency required for this type of data transfer is standard; however, an average speed greater than 100 MB per second will be needed due to the high volume of data being transferred. In order to manage distribution, it is possible to defer the data downloads as needed. Big data transfers mostly occur on the uplink and as such, this link is impacted the most.

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Today, companies generate large volumes of data which have be processed, analysed and transmitted on a daily basis. Therefore, Agurre has identified a fourth use case for the organisations which took part in the survey – the transfer and exchange of big data between vehicles (bus, train, plane, drone) and the ground equipment for the following purposes:

• Sending updates and maintenance files.

• Downloading video surveillance data.

• Uploading and downloading of operating, maintenance, ticketing or entertainment data.

In these cases, the uplink will be impacted most because data transfers mostly occur from the edge (vehicle) to the standing equipment or application.

Here are some actual examples:

• SNCF: a train needs to download 30 GB of stored data whilst standing in a station and during stops which is estimated to take 60 minutes.

• Air France: plans to download 100 GB of data from the aircraft whilst parked and when taxiing which is estimated to take 1.5 hours.


USE

CASE

4BIG DATA TRANSFERS


As with the first use case, private networks (LTE

Pro, 5G Pro) are a relevant solution for big data

transfers. High frequencies with large bandwidth

(2.6 or 3.5 GHz) offering fast speeds are ideal

for well-located enclosed and linear areas (train

station, depot, metro station). The speed of the

26 GHz band makes it possible to increase big

data capacity by a factor of 10, which therefore

considerably reduces the download time.

However, improvements would be necessary to

increase upload speeds. Commercially operated

networks can also meet big data transfer needs

although there is no guarantee of service and a

risk of congestion. It should be noted that the

design of these networks is not optimised for the

uplink and so big data transfers may incur high

subscription costs.


COVERAGE

For this use case, the need for network coverage can be local (sensors in a factory or a distribution centre), linear (sensor for a metro line) or urban (sensors of temperature in a community). The need for coverage can also be regional.

CRITICALITY

Depending on the uses, the feedback of data sensors can be either convenience or business critical (remote control of a light, opening and closing shutters, track time monitoring to monitor deformations).

MOBILITY

The transfer of data to the central computer can be done from static sensors in factories or from mobile sensors in vehicles.

AVAILABILITY

For this use case, the availability requirement is standard.

PERFORMANCE

The latency required for the transfer of data generated by sensors is standard. Due to the low volumes of data, the network throughput can be low, i.e. less than 250 kbps. In these specific uses, sensors with low power consumption are utilised.


Agurre found that sensors are frequently used across a range of sectors including energy, transport, industry, and agriculture, and in urban and community environments. Uses include the remote control of heating or lighting and to monitor environmental variations.When using these sensors, the data is generally fed back to the mainframe computer on either an ad hoc basis (depending on the activity’s needs) or in a cycle (for example, every two days or once a week).

The following potential needs have been identified:

• Predictive maintenance: anticipation of breakdowns or failures.

• Production: monitored and automated manufacturing.

• Monitoring: control and surveillance.

• Tracking: follow-up.

Agurre was able to list some actual instances of data from sensors from amongst its

members.

Air France and Total use sensors to monitor the position (tracking) of assets in operating areas (containers, vehicles, tools).

SNCF uses several sensors to monitor water levels in its TGV toilets, rail track deformations and, sand levels in stock tanks for use on rail tracks.

RTE uses sensors to confirm the position of switches (on or off) and to calculate the curve (sag or flexibility) of a high voltage cable.


The transfer of data generated by sensors can

be done using LTE-M, NB-IoT, LoRa networks or

Sigfox. Private or proprietary networks (LTE-M,

NB-IoT, LoRa) are a relevant solution to address

this need. In this use case, these networks use

low bands at low throughputs (868, 800, 900

and 1800 Mhz). For higher throughputs it would

be be necessary to fall back on classic 4G and

5G technologies. Note that the following mobile

operators offer IoT offers: Sigfox, Orange, SFR

and Bouygues Telecom.

AGURRE • WHITE PAPER - WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY USE CASE SCENARIOS

USE

CASE

5DATA FEEDBACK FROM SENSORS


MOBILITY

The transmission of voice exposed to different technological solutions can be static or dynamic.

AVAILABILITY

The availability rate of voice streams is high because of their level of criticality.

PERFORMANCE

Voice consumes little data and can be transmitted over low or medium networks with latency less than 100 ms. Mobility requirements are high so as not to disrupt communication.

COVERAGE

Coverage needs for voice are very broad and can be any type: local (enclosed area), linear (metro and train lines), urban (bus network) and regional.

CRITICALITY

Voice services for the professional world are generally critical, especially those interfaced with applications that fall under MCPTT (mission critical PTT) and Lone Worker Alarm Device systems. Conversely, corporate telephony is not considered critical.


Lastly, Agurre recognised the importance of being able to rely on networks for the transmission of voice which is essential to all professional business activities. Typical uses include the coordination and management of a field team, and of course, classic telephony in business.

Voice transmission can be achieved in a number of different ways:

• Softphone.

• Over The Top (OTT) communications (WhatsApp, Facetime, Messenger.

• Voice Over LTE - VoLTE (Call 06 on the 4G network).

Telephony can also be supplemented with the addition of Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) type

services such as:

• Push To Talk (PTT) (3GPP or non-3GPP) for security.

• Group call features.

• Lone Worker Alarm Device systems used by workers out of sight and out of hearing of their colleagues.

Agurre noted that affected users are looking for new ‘‘gateway voices’’ which would give devices used on separate and heterogeneous networks the power to communicate with each other (interoperability). In particular, this would allow walkie-talkies to exchange with mobile phones or laptops.


Private, commercially operated networks (LTE

Pro, 5G Pro) provide relevant solutions for voice.

Depending on the area in question either low

bands (400 and 700 MHz) or high bands (1800

MHz for technology Multefire or 2600 and 3500

Mhz for 4G/5G) are ideal. It is important that

these networks are equipped with guaranteed

throughput management mechanisms in order

to make it possible to prioritise voice calls

and improve quality of service (QoS). MCPTT

platforms can be sourced and interfaced with

these networks.

AGURRE • WHITE PAPER - WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY USE CASE SCENARIOS

USE

CASE

6VOICE


VOICE

VOICE

102 esplanade de la Commune de Paris

93160 Noisy-le-Grand

CONTACT

[email protected] / agurre.fr

The use cases described in this white paper

describe the possible configurations of wireless

connectivity needed in differing professional

environments (industry, transport and energy).

This allows each industry to tailor the technologies

to meet their specific needs.

The uses are diverse, and we noted the constraints

regarding the uplink. This observation reveals

the significant difference in uses and offerings

across the industries, which are all generally set

up to promote throughput on the downlink. So,

the latter would benefit from redimensioning in

order to remedy the difference between uplink

and downlink throughputs.

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