en.Wedoany.com Reported - AT&T and Ericsson have completed a demonstration near AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, successfully validating a drone detection system based on a 5G network. The system utilizes sensors integrated into the network infrastructure to detect, locate, and track drones.
The two companies stated that this test proves capabilities originally envisioned for 6G can now become a reality. By transforming existing telecommunications infrastructure into a distributed monitoring network, they eliminate the need for deploying additional external sensors.
Engineers deployed massive MIMO radio equipment at multiple strategic locations to form a multistatic configuration, utilizing conventional radio signals. Combined with artificial intelligence algorithms and advanced signal processing technologies, the system can precisely monitor aerial activities while optimizing operational costs using the installed network.
Dyon Agnew, Senior Vice President and Head of AT&T Customer Unit at Ericsson Americas, said that as networks evolve, opportunities lie not only in preparing for future 6G but also in introducing key components starting now. This demonstration with AT&T showcases a product roadmap already in practice, leveraging current 5G capabilities to explore the synergy between detection and connectivity, and gradually developing these capabilities as the path to 6G becomes clearer. Yigal Elbaz, Senior Vice President of Network Technology and Director of Network Technology at AT&T, noted that integrated detection is an important part of the journey to 6G, and this work helps demonstrate how to realize that future today. Through collaboration with Ericsson, they are exploring how advanced wireless networks can add detection capabilities on top of connectivity to enable safer operations, smarter environments, and better customer experiences, while paving the way for responsibly developing these capabilities in the future.
During the test, the system demonstrated high efficiency, consistently identifying and tracking multiple drones flying at altitudes between 300 and 400 feet. The synchronized detection nodes not only captured the precise location of the devices but also calculated their speed and altitude in real time. This comprehensive tracking capability highlights the potential of mobile networks to enhance safety standards for critical infrastructure and large public events.
