Private 5G network for ports and logistics

The Baltic Container Terminal (BCT), located in the Riga Freeport area, is one of the leading container handling terminals in the Baltic region. Spanning over 50 hectares of outdoor space, BCT’s mission is to provide efficient and reliable logistics solutions for its clients. In this industry, time is money: the more streamlined communication and processes are, the less time ships spend idle in port.

A typical day at the terminal involves numerous simultaneous operations requiring meticulous planning and constant communication. To ensure seamless workflow, the NAVI solution coordinates container loading and unloading sequences even before a ship arrives. Cranes and loaders are equipped with tablets, cameras, and radios to organize tasks and record completed work. It is crucial that when using this software, there are no interruptions in data transmission, as this directly affects ship idle time and – consequently – costs.

Until now, BCT’s infrastructure relied on 22 access points mounted on 27-meter-high masts with fiber optic and electrical connections. An audit of the existing network uncovered several critical issues affecting the company’s operations:

• Unstable WiFi coverage across the vast terminal area.
• Vehicles losing data connectivity when moving.
• Aging WiFi hardware nearing end-of-life, with no updates or replacements available, requiring extensive network equipment replacement soon.
• High maintenance complexity of WiFi network across the extensive area.
• Maximum WiFi data speeds capped at 7 Mbps, limiting network utility.
• Reliance on analog Motorola radios with limited functionality (voice-only communication) and frequency rental costs.

To address these challenges, LMT proposed a private 5G network solution. This setup includes a private 5G Core, two outdoor antennas, routers, Zebra tablets, and smartphones with dedicated SIM cards that operate exclusively within the private network.

The 5G network was integrated with BCT’s existing closed network, ensuring all data transmission remained internal. For communication, a push-to-talk (PTT) solution was introduced instead of radios, allowing not only voice communication but also image and video sharing.

Coverage and data transmission parameter measurements were taken before and after implementation. The measurements evaluated both the existing WiFi network situation and the newly installed private 5G network. We determined the signal strength (RSSI for WiFi and RSRP for 5G) using a Rohde & Schwarz network scanner.

Although RSSI and RSRP signal strengths are not directly comparable, the measurement results indicate that the WiFi technology had insufficient signal strength in certain areas, while the private 5G network maintained sufficient signal strength throughout the entire terminal area.

In parallel, download and upload speeds were measured using Enhancell software and a mobile device.

The download measurement data reveals a stark contrast – the existing WiFi download speed is significantly lower, and in several terminal zones, the WiFi network is practically unusable for meeting the company’s basic needs, with download speeds approaching 0 Mbps.

In contrast, the 5G NPN network delivers sufficient download speeds throughout the terminal area, not only for core business needs but also for large volume data transmission requirements, achieving low latency and download speeds of up to 200 Mbps.

Results include:

• Excellent coverage with two (and even with one) antennas (each antenna’s power – 50W).
• PTT functionality – works as desired.
• Data transmission from cranes – created a VPN tunnel with good performance.
• Equipment operated without data session interruptions, average speed 100 Mbps throughout the area.
• The network was integrated with the local LAN – the application on forklift tablets worked flawlessly.
• Much easier network management (3 access points versus 22).
• A higher level of data security was ensured, as only devices with special SIM cards installed can operate in this network.

Deploying a private 5G NPN across BCT’s expansive site delivered comprehensive coverage, faster data speeds, and significant cost savings by reducing the number of mast access points. Modern solutions like PTT replaced outdated analog radios, offering added functionality for image and video transmission. Employee satisfaction with working conditions and a higher security level increased. Uninterrupted data flow minimized container handling time, reducing vessel idle time and boosting the terminal’s competitiveness.

The private 5G network represents the next evolution in business development, enabling cutting-edge solutions with a strong economic rationale. Moreover, it sets a new standard for operational efficiency and security in industrial logistics.

Author: Kārlis Vilciņš, Head of System Integration Business at LMT