A Verizon 5G Indianapolis 500 demo will test delivery of next-generation 5G wireless broadband technology in a home situated “in the shadow” of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Supporting the demo will be Ericsson and Intel.
The project partners will use a home network gateway based on the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform and other Intel technology to provide a live, virtual-reality (VR) stream of goings on at the speedway and high-resolution 4K, 360-degree panoramic video, Verizon highlights in a press release.
Showcasing the substantially higher bandwidth that Verizon, Ericsson and wireless/mobile network industry participants are anticipating when 5G products and services enter the commercial market mainstream, the live VR stream from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will also carry video from Verizon’s 5G-connected car. The idea is to highlight the type of VR experience that could result from sporting events and other applications, enabled by 5G. This example could give consumers a virtual racing experience. Think about the possibilities — maybe one day NFL quarterbacks will have 5G enabled cameras on their helmets, giving spectators an ‘on the field’ virtual experience.
The project partners will stream a live demo from the Indianapolis home test site on Facebook May 24 a 1:30 PM EST.
Looking ahead, 5G networking will change the racing experience for Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, pit crews and spectators, according to the company. With the installation of hundreds of wireless network sensors in every car these systems will be able to stream live, 360-degree video along with data that enable race team crew and fans to “virtually take the driver’s seat,” Verizon touts.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i93OAeug3YU[/embedyt]
Being able to monitor, analyze and act upon real-time data and video, race teams will benefit from increased safety and higher performance, the project partners point out.
“From keeping my car connected during the race to staying connected while I’m on the road, Verizon is on the leading edge of technology,” explained Will Power, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet in the Verizon IndyCar Series. “Indianapolis is the birthplace of speed and innovation for INDYCAR racing, making it a fitting place to experience the increased speed of 5G technology on the eve of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500.”
Verizon 5G Indianapolis 500 Demo
“Mobile data networks will become the backbone of the 21st century, with Verizon and Ericsson going beyond 4G to support the Internet of Things to come,” said Adam Koeppe,Verizon vice president of Network Planning. “From autonomous vehicles to enhanced communication to passenger entertainment, we’re building performance and reliability into the core of this new network, just as it is the backbone of every Indianapolis 500 winner.”
Ericsson’s head of product area network systems Per Narvinger said: “Ericsson is working with Verizon to push the 5G envelope and bring 5G to market with commercially ready networks. 5G will enable new use cases for people and businesses, which will make our world safer, more efficient and more environmentally sustainable.”
Added Intel Communications and Devices Group VP and general manager of Next Generation Standards Asha Keddy: “5G will bring new experiences and business opportunities like exciting virtual reality in 4K and ultra-fast wireless home broadband. Intel, Verizon and Ericsson’s work in establishing early trials and testing is essential to deliver on our vision of making all devices smart and connected.”
