TIM has claimed that it is the first operator in Brazil to carry out 5G network slicing on a public network for real-time video transmission. The initiative took place with help from Ericsson in the design and optimisation process.
Network slicing allows the creation of customised virtual networks for different applications; the slices can differ in the types of services, performance and other characteristics depending on need and price paid.
In this case it proved possible to transmit high-definition internal images of ten vehicles travelling at over 260 kilometres an hour during the last stage of the recent 2024 Porsche Cup season at the Interlagos Race Track. It was apparently possible to see the ten vehicles simultaneously.
Using network slicing also meant that it was possible to allocate dedicated bandwidth to each car, ensuring that data transmission occurred stably and without interference, even in this high-speed environment.
To support the infrastructure at the Porsche Cup, TIM installed 18 5G antennas and 28 4G antennas. This meant the real-time image transmission could be effected with full HD quality and a stable and continuous connection for more than four hours.
As well as making it possible to follow exciting races from inside the cars this also meant faster and more accurate support for the stewards in analysing potential penalties and, presumably, helped technical staff to analyse the performance of motorists.
TIM plans to pursue similar aims in 2025, providing, it says, even more direct benefits to engineering, safety and race management and, of course, guaranteeing an immersive experience for the public and teams.