Hsinchu fire fighters ensure always-on connectivity with disaster response technology from Pegatron, Intel

At Hsinchu city, about an hour by car from downtown Taipei, firefighters are using a new communications solution for disaster response. Pegatron, an electronics design and manufacturing company, partnered with Intel to design a portable 5G network-in-a-box base station. The solution allows Hsinchu’s emergency responders to obtain connectivity in remote areas that was not possible before.

“This private 5G solution is one of many examples of how technology can save lives, especially in disaster-hit areas,” said Grace Wang, Intel VP in the Sales, Marketing and Communications Group and general manager of Intel Taiwan.

The solution, capable of creating a single 5G cell, is powered by a portable generator and weighs 18 kg. It fits easily in the trunk of a vehicle and can be carried as a backpack, then deployed in minutes on any terrain. A satellite dish establishes the high-speed network connectivity needed. A 5G radio antenna then creates a 5G network within the immediate vicinity. Such a network is capable of delivering up to a gigabit per second of throughput to up to 32 connected devices. The system can be extended with the addition of more 5G cells.

Each 5G cell includes an Intel Xeon Scalable processor and Intel-based Ethernet network interface card (NIC). Intel FlexRAN reference architecture for wireless access enabled Pegatron engineers to create a scalable, versatile cloud-native radio access network (RAN) solution that can run on any open cloud-based telecommunications platform.

“In a mission-critical scenario, we need efficient communication. [With] just a small generator, we can power the 5G base station and provide a communication solution for rescue personnel,” said Yang Wen-Kai, Commander, Hsinchu City Fire Bureau. Yang explained that Taiwan’s mountainous terrain creates a unique challenge for his firefighters as existing communications infrastructure can be crippled by power outages.

The 5G-in-a-box solution is powered by Intel hardware and software. It’s also compliant to existing 3GPP and open radio access network (ORAN) standards. Co-engineering began in early 2020, with MVP status achieved last year. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger demonstrated an early prototype in his opening keynote at Intel Vision 2022.

Hsinchu firefighters began using the solution in October 2022 to stream high-resolution video from remote areas to aid disaster response efforts. In the past, firefighters relied on long-range handheld walkie-talkies for their communication needs.

The Intel Taiwan 5G Innovation Center (5GIC) provided both Intel and Pegatron engineers space to meet and collaborate. Established in 2022, 5GIC provides new and existing Taiwan ecosystem customers and partners with the right tools, resources and expertise; the latest technology solutions; and a central location to identify, discuss and solve problems.

Pegatron is upgrading the solution with faster technology, including using 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with Intel vRAN Boost. These processors will launch at MWC Barcelona 2023.

“Intel provides powerful hardware, software and engineering expertise to help us implement a scalable and secure 5G infrastructure in a portable form factor that enabled a reliable mobile orbital satellite 5G disaster relief network system now being adopted by Hsinchu City Fire Bureau,” said CY Feng, GM, BG6 and 5G Product Development Center for Pegatron. “We look forward to continuing working with Intel to provide 5G and leadership computing at the edge to further develop innovative applications.”

Wang added, “As worldwide demand for high-capacity, low-latency private network solutions continue to grow, we will continue on our journey with valued customers like Pegatron to create world-changing technology that enriches the lives of every person on Earth.” What’s Next: Pegatron is working on an updated version of the platform that will feature more advanced technology, a smaller footprint and a lighter package. Other scalable private 5G networks based on this technology are also being deployed in Taiwan, including at Metro Taipei’s mass rail transit network and at Pegatron’s manufacturing facility.

According to Intel, virtual RANs (vRANs) offer more RAN capacity without increasing power bills. Nearly all vRAN deployments today run on Intel.