The U.S. Department of Defense is building a 5G test network at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia, using technology only from USA-based companies, Light Reading reported on November 27, 2020.
The network is part of a $600 million DoD effort, announced in October 2020, to set up 5G test networks at five military bases. Albany is the only one of the five using gear solely from USA-based vendors. The others include equipment from Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung.
Who is involved
- Federated Wireless is the primary vendor and will build a private 5G network using open RAN, virtualized RAN and a virtualized 5G core.
- Cisco provides the 5G core, and JMA Wireless supports the virtualized RAN.
- Vectrus Systems, GE Research, KPMG, Perspecta Labs and Scientific Research Corp. also have roles.
- The network will use 3.5 GHz CBRS spectrum and millimeter wave bands.
The base will host a 5G-enabled smart warehouse to track, store and retrieve inventory and to improve vehicle storage and maintenance.
“We wanted to show that the US could lead the way in providing secure, state-of-the-art 5G technology to the DoD 5G initiative.”
Sal D’Itri, Federated Wireless
FAQ
Where is the network?
Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia.
How big is the overall DoD program?
About $600 million across five bases.
Who is the lead vendor?
Federated Wireless.
Source & credit
Source: Light Reading, November 27, 2020: “Albany Marine base to sport ‘made in the USA’ 5G network”.