Campuswide connectivity can be challenging within an airport setting for a variety of reasons. Airports typically have a deceptively large geographic footprint, with runways extending in multiple directions for thousands of feet, fences lining the perimeter, and a labyrinth of utility infrastructure located underground. Connectivity spanning the entire reach of the campus is not a trivial consideration. Getting communications, fiber, copper or conduit out to remote locations for security cameras, runway lighting, or Internet of Things (IoT) sensors takes thoughtful planning, and both wired and wireless solutions will be required.

With PLTE, options to build an indoor/outdoor communications solution are greatly expanded and simplified. Better radio frequency characteristics can be achieved utilizing citizens band radio service (CBRS) and other spectrum options using a PLTE network for hard-to-reach areas and airport-specific use cases than with conventional Wi-Fi. Whether 4G or 5G is deployed, a PLTE network enables the flexibility to address a host of unique and complex scenarios that previously required multiple platforms.

The device ecosystem is also a complex issue that needs to be fully understood. When deploying a PLTE network, the accessibility of devices that can operate on both the spectrum and technology being deployed (4G/5G) is a critical decision point. The device ecosystem for 4G is much larger and more developed than that of 5G, and CBRS devices for 5G can also be limited. The devices required to meet use cases must include functionality for both the spectrum utilized and the technology deployed.

Still, Wi-Fi may be the preferred solution for public indoor areas at some airports. With a private foundational network, however, it can be attached and run as one network, creating options for everything from tracking bags as they are loaded on conveyor systems to connecting with control technologies for autonomous vehicles operating on the aircraft ramp.

For these reasons and many others, airports and aviation authorities must think strategically about the benefits and potential future use cases for connectivity across their entire campus.

With low-latency and high-throughput communications as the foundation, a digital airport future is possible. Latency is defined as the capacity to process and transmit high volumes of data packets with minimal delay, while throughput is commonly understood as the quantity of data transmitted within a given unit of time. With lower latency and high throughput — both desirable characteristics for critical data sent and received on airport communications networks — options for new services and improved operations become a reality.

With the flexibility of the PLTE technology, existing disparate networks can be consolidated onto a single platform built for multiple stakeholders providing many unique services.

Like any other entity building a private communications system, it is vitally important to focus on the things that matter most. Here are a few of the landside and airside operational benefits that may be achieved by PLTE:

• Allows control of prioritization for restoration and disaster recovery.
• Enables design control for performance, resiliency and redundancy.
• Puts the brakes on escalating O&M costs.
• Provides backward compatibility, or better control, to plan a life cycle refresh.
• Offers bespoke coverage and network capacity where needed.
• Provides a standards-based solution on a proven technology and device ecosystem.
• Allows capital and operations expenses to become more controllable and scalable.
• Enables device deployments and upgrades to proceed at a manageable pace.

Airport PLTE will likely emerge as the communication platform that bridges passenger experience with airport operations. Connectivity is truly the next frontier of aviation and will drive all new levels of convenience, service and efficiency.

When you’re redesigning basic infrastructure, why not plan for a great communications network? It will truly unlock the future.