Smart Metro: 5G Driving Guangzhou Transportation

Subway systems are vital for urban transportation, especially in Guangzhou with its population exceeding 20 million. ZTE, working closely with Guangzhou Metro and Guangzhou Mobile, has deeply integrated next-generation communication and networking technologies with the subway industry, striving for a comprehensive digital transformation of the metro system in Guangzhou.

5G Innovation Enables Diverse Applications Across Multiple Scenarios

The project tackles key technical challenges of 5G technology in high-speed subway environments based on operational needs. It has introduced new features like 4G/5G integration, line-level and station-level traffic management, subway service slicing, and business authentication. Utilizing 5G network slicing, it ensures resource allocation, achieves uplink speeds of 750Mb/s, and supports speeds up to 160km/h. With a multi-layer cloud-edge system architecture, it fosters seamless data interaction and sharing among passengers, vehicles, operational environments, equipment, and command systems. This facilitates various 5G-powered applications including smart stations, vehicle-to-ground communication, and digitalized tunnels.

Crafting High Quality Network

A key focus of the project is the integration of various subway devices into a 5G network. After thorough evaluation, the project team has decided to upgrade over 400 devices, including security gates, station hall escalators, cameras in station halls and tunnels, and turnstiles, to connect to the 5G private network. This transition transforms all existing wired connections to wireless access. Additionally, integration was attempted through establishing VXLAN tunnels and multiple joint tests and adjustments were conducted with third-party equipment vendors. As a result, the project not only met the customer's requirement to maintain the original device IP addresses but also reduced their workload for network reorganization and maintenance.

Continuously Enhancing Subway Travel Experience

Leveraging continuous technological innovation, ZTE has been dedicating efforts to help transform Guangzhou Metro's operations and maintenance. Now, Guangzhou residents and visitors can enjoy high-speed internet and quick gate access, making their subway journeys more comfortable, safer, and enjoyable.

5G-empowered Smart Metro in Guangzhou project stands as a groundbreaking achievement, being the first to implement a 5G private network in the rail transit industry. This success has broader implications, serving as a blueprint for the extensive adoption of 5G technologies across various sectors, thereby accelerating the digital transformation of society.

Looking ahead, ZTE is poised to build on this momentum, committed to deepening its collaboration with industry partners to drive 5G integration across diverse sectors. Our focus will be on exploring innovative 5G application scenarios and establishing a mutually beneficial ecosystem. Through these efforts, we aim to make meaningful contributions to the high-quality development of digital economy.

ZTE, in partnership with Guangzhou Metro Group and China Mobile Guangzhou Branch, has been rewarded the “Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Economy” for the joint project “5G-empowered Smart Metro in Guangzhou” at the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.