LuxTurrim5G brings a new generation of data networks to urban streets

A multidisciplinary enterprise group led by Nokia Bell Labs is building a smart city of the future in an ambitious three-year research project. Participants include Aalto University, Tampere University of Technology and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

A fast 5G network will be brought to users using smart light poles. The method enables realising new services efficiently. The pilot stage will begin in the Nokia head office campus in Karamalmi, Espoo already at the end of 2017.

Modern cities need a new kind of service infrastructure and digital ecosystem, and especially a reliable data network that will guarantee a sufficiently large data transmission capacity. LuxTurrim5G provides a solution to this critical problem. Small cell size radio network technology and larger frequencies are a prerequisite for a significant improvement in data transmission capacity.

‘At Aalto University, we are developing new business models required by the 5G network architecture and smart light poles’, comments Heikki Hämmäinen, Professor of Networking technology.

The extensive project combines the technical development of smart light poles, mini base stations and the 5G network with the design of a new kind of urban infrastructure, as well as new applications and business models enabled by an efficient network.

We are researching the special requirements posed by the smart and energy efficient buildings for small cell 5G radio coverage operating most likely in high frequencies’, says Katsuyuki Haneda Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering.

In an urban environment, there are many great challenges related to people's security, energy efficiency, air quality, traffic and housing, which could all be significantly improved with digital solutions.

‘The practical implementation of smart light poles offers a completely new framework for combining the newest heat transfer and fluid simulation approaches to the testing of 3D printed components and structural analysis’, says Ville Vuorinen, Assistant Professor of Thermodynamics and Combustion Technology.

Nine companies and three research institutes are involved in the LuxTurrim5G project: Nokia Bell Labs, Sitowise, Exel Composites, Premix, Lammin Ikkunat ja Ovet, Vaisala, Teleste, Indagon, C2 Smart Light, VTT, Tampere University of Technology (TUT), Aalto University, with Spinverse as the coordinator of the project. The City of Espoo is included in the project to support the construction of a smart city.

‘The goal of the project is to enable a financially sustainable digital service business in smart cities. A large data transmission capacity and a platform for new services will improve people’s everyday life and security and enable the autonomic traffic of the future’, specifies project leader Juha Salmelin from Nokia Bell Labs.

‘The 5G technologies being developed in the LuxTurrim5G ecosystem project are also being introduced to new operators, new environments and as an enabling factor of new business’, says Tekes Programme Manager Mika Klemettinen.

More information on the LuxTurrim5G project:

Juha Salmelin, Nokia Bell Labs (project leader)
juha.salmelin@nokia-bell-labs.com, +358 50 5223508

Markku Heino, Spinverse (project coordinator)
markku.heino@spinverse.com, tel. +358 40 7191221

Mika Klemettinen, Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation Tekes   
mika.klemettinen@tekes.fi, +358 50 5577647

Aalto University:

Professor Heikki Hämmäinen, networking
heikki.hammainen@aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 3841 696

Professor Katsuyuki Haneda, electrical engineering
katsuyuki.haneda@aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 4205 823

Assistant Professor Ville Vuorinen, energy technology
ville.vuorinen@aalto.fi, +358 40 5579 376

Nokia
We are creating technology for connecting the whole world. With the help of the research and innovations made at Nokia Bell Labs, we provide the most extensive selection of products, services and licencing options for communications service providers, authorities, large companies and consumers. We are creating revolutionising future technology for people’s changing needs by building infrastructure for 5G technology and the Internet of Things and by developing new kinds of applications for virtual reality and digital health. www.nokia.com

Spinverse

Spinverse, founded in 2004, is specialised in the development of open, innovative ecosystems and the commercialisation of new, rising technologies. In addition, the company is the leading EU financing expert in the Nordic countries with over 50 experts employed in Finland and abroad. www.spinverse.com

Tekes

Tekes – the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation funds and boosts the challenging research and development projects of universities, higher education institutions and research institutions. www.tekes.fi