Millimetre Wave and Sub-6 5G Readiness of Mobile Network Big Data for Public Transport Planning

Abstract

The need to solve public transport planning challenges using 5G is demanding. In 2019, the world started using 5G technology. Unfortunately, many countries have no equipment that is compatible with 5G infrastructures. There are two main deployment options for countries willing to accept 5G. They can directly venture to install relatively expensive infrastructure, called 5G SA (standalone access). However, more countries use the 5G NSA (non-standalone access) alternative, a 5G network supported by existing 4G infrastructure. One of the considerations for choosing NSA 5G is that it still performs 4G equalisation in its area. The data throughput is faster but still uses the leading 4G network. Interestingly, there are three types of 5G: low-band (sub-6), middle-band (sub-6), and high-band (millimetre-wave (mmWave)). The problem is determining the kind of 5G needed for public transport planning. Meanwhile, mobile network big data (MNBD) requires robust and stable internet access, with broad coverage in real time. MNBD movement includes the movement of people and vehicles, as well as logistics. GPS and internet connections track the activity of private vehicles and public transportation. The difference between mmWave and sub-6 5G can complement transportation planning needs. The density and height of buildings in urban areas and the affordability of the range of the connections determine 5G. This study examines the literature on 5G and then, using the bibliographic method, matches the network coverage obtained in Indonesia using nPerf data services. According to the data, urban areas are becoming more densely populated. Thus, this could show the differences in the data quality outside of metropolitan areas. This study also discusses the current conditions in terms of market potential and the development of smart cities and provides an overview of how real-time mobile data can support public transport planning. This article provides beneficial insight into the stability and adjustment of 5G, where the connectivity can be adequately maintained so that the MNBD can deliver representative data for analysis.