Exploring the Future: Integrating 5G CCTV Technology into Smart City Development

Introduction

 

In the rapidly advancing realm of surveillance technology, the emergence of 5G has significantly changed how we approach security systems. This report aims to delve into the tests conducted for CCTV cameras with 5G technology, focusing on network latency, bandwidth, and data usage.

 

Problem Statement

 

Traditional wired CCTVs, while effective, often face limitations in terms of scalability and flexibility. The need for extensive cabling can be a logistical challenge, especially in large or dynamically changing environments. Additionally, wired systems may struggle with latency issues, hindering real-time monitoring capabilities. As the demand for more adaptable and responsive surveillance solutions grows, city councils look to develop a comprehensive smart city solution that integrates 5G-native CCTV technology to replace traditional surveillance systems and address the challenges, enhancing real-time monitoring, optimising data transmission efficiency, and providing advanced analytics for improved security and urban management.

 

Solution

 

The primary objective of this initiative is to evaluate CCTV and 5G CPE user experiences through seamless, real-time video streaming. By deploying 5G-enabled cameras across the multiple locations, we intend to observe the immediate impact of the 5G technology on the video quality and low latency transmissions.

 

 

 

 

Test Observations

Video Quality Assessment:

 

5G-Native Camera: During the comprehensive testing of 5G CCTV cameras with 4K and 8K video resolutions using a 5G public network, excellent performance with clear and sharp imagery was observed in approximately 90% of the testing window. However, during network congestion, several distortions were encountered in the video feed and minor delays in the pan, tilt, and zoom features.

Non-5G-Native IP Camera: IP cameras also exhibited a delay of 1-2 seconds when attempting to pan, tilt or zoom the camera from the command centre. This delay is likely attributed to factors such as network congestion on the 5G public network, the 5G CPE and the VPN tunnel between the camera and the command centre. This delay not only impacts the smoothness of camera movement but also leads to a distorted screen during these periods.

 

Latency:

 

5G-Native Camera: The average latency observed with 5G CCTV 4K camera during testing was a remarkable 25 msec. While the average latency was consistently low, there were a couple of instances where the maximum latency reached 70msec, primarily due to network congestion during the testing window.

Non-5G-Native IP Camera: The average latency with the IP camera was observed to be slightly higher at 45 msec. The highest observed latency reached 280msec, particularly during network congestion and peak hours within the testing window. Distortions of the live feed are observed during these high latency periods.

In summary, the 5G cameras exhibited notably lower average latency with an average of 25 msec, and even the occasional maximum latency of 70 msec did not compromise the instantaneous display of live video feeds at the command centre. In contrast, IP cameras had a slightly higher average latency of 40 msec, with occasional peak latency reaching 280 msec. Notably, in 95% of the test window, live video feeds were instantaneously viewed from the command centre, indicating an overall swift response time, although marginally higher latencies and distortions were observed.

 

Network Data Usage:

 

5G-Native Camera: 5G-native cameras with 4K resolution capabilities currently leverage approximately 6 Mbps to transmit live video feeds. Cameras are utilising the uplink speed at a range of 3 Mbps to 6 Mbps.

Non-5G-Native IP Camera: Non 5G-native cameras showcase higher uplink bandwidth usage than 5G-native cameras. A substantial uplink bandwidth of 10Mbps is measured during the testing window with a 2K resolution camera.

Two key observations emerge when testing 5G-native and non-5G-native cameras regarding uplink bandwidth and resolution. 5G-native cameras operating at 4K resolution, typically utilise around 6Mbps, and non-5G-native cameras require a more robust uplink speed of 10Mbps to support 2K resolution video. From the observations and data analysis, it is strongly advisable to deploy these cameras in locations where a minimum uplink capacity of 10Mbps is ensured for seamless delivery of high-definition video and safeguards against potential bandwidth bottlenecks and quality degradation during transmission.

 

Data Storage:

 

5G-Native Camera: For a 4K resolution camera, the storage server records approximately 1.25 GB of raw data per hour of live feed. Throughout the 14-day testing period, about 500GB of data is stored, with no data loss observed throughout the entire testing window.

Non-5G-Native IP Camera: For a 4K resolution camera, the storage server records approximately 1.25 GB of raw data per hour of live feed. Throughout the 14-day testing period, about 500GB of data is stored, with no data loss observed throughout the entire testing window.

In summary, for a 4K resolution camera, meticulous planning and adequate storage capacity are ensured for a reliable storage of approximately 3 TB of disk space for over three months at which 1.25 GB/hour of raw data is measured, and reassuringly, no data loss or anomalies have been observed.

 

Conclusion

 

The testing of 5G-native and non-5G-native cameras revealed valuable insights about user experience. 5G cameras provide high-quality video streaming with low average latency, ensuring a swift response time and the ability to display live video feeds instantly. However, it’s important to acknowledge potential issues during network congestion, which could lead to delayed camera responses and video feed distortions over a public 5G network.

Furthermore, a significant contrast emerged regarding uplink bandwidth and resolution requirements. 5G-native cameras operating at 4K resolution demonstrated efficiency by utilising around 6 Mbps uplink speeds, while non-5G-native cameras required a more substantial 10 Mbps for 2K resolution video.

To ensure a seamless user experience and safeguard against potential bandwidth issues and quality degradation, deploying these cameras in locations with a minimum uplink capacity of 10 Mbps is highly advisable.

For 4K resolution cameras, meticulous planning and adequate storage capacity are essential, with approximately 3 TB of disk space required to store three months of raw data reliably. Testing also showed no data loss or anomalies during the testing period.