New Technology Assist Border Protection

5G technology promises to revolutionize all aspects of our lives and the way we do business. With communication speeds up to 100 times faster than before and the ability to connect many more devices and users, all at a lower latency, 5G use cases have not even been fully explored yet. We have already discussed the potential applications for smart cities. However, with 5G, there is seemingly no limit to the possibilities. And, this is true for the private and public sectors.

For instance, governments can take advantage of new technologies and 5G capabilities to change the world through modernizing border control. Borders are hotspots for human trafficking, illegal smuggling, and illegal aliens attempting to cross. Currently, borders around the world use some technologies to assist in their efforts, but there are still issues at almost every border. New technology and 5G networks can help here, if implemented correctly.

At the 2021 Homeland Security & Defense Forum Border Security Symposium, the discussion focused on the potential of using 5G for border security. Mark Adams, the Peraton Senior Director of Advanced Mission Capabilities, said “Homeland security lends itself well to wireless Internet of Things connectivity. For example, using an integrated network of AI security cameras and other sensors agents, [governments] could monitor a huge swath of the country, essentially creating an entire coast to coast intelligent border security system.”

New Technologies Enable Seamless Communication & Quicker Response

The faster speeds of 5G could enable quicker and more reliable communication between border agents, regardless of whether agents are in the facilities, in the field, or another location. Plus, lower latency means that devices such as connected vehicles and surveillance systems could communicate swiftly as well. Thus, border agents could become aware of threats, analyze information quicker, and respond more efficiently with the enhanced capabilities of 5G.

5G will also enable data to connect to the cloud, enabling better data management and improved access for those agents who need to stay at all times to real-time data. While 4G and previous generations of technologies have helped border protection before, 5G promises even more benefits that are faster, more secure and more reliable.

New Technologies Protect Staff and Reduce the Burden on Border Agents

Additionally, border agents will be more protected by relying on technology to respond to crises first. For instance, self-driving vehicles and automatic cameras could replace the need for more staff, or for staff to respond to high-threat situations. New technologies can be used to collect data in real-time, day or night. That will be particularly helpful in remote areas of the border, where it might be easier to staff and maintain the border with technology such as drones, autonomous vehicles, and security cameras than with humans.

Types of New Technologies for Border Control & Customs

There are plenty of existing technologies as well as technologies that have yet to be invented that could assist with border control.

Some of them include:

Connected vehicles or autonomous vehicles
Connected streetlights
Drones
Security cameras
Virtual reality glasses
Night vision monitors
Radars
Automatic ground sensors
5G robots
Integrated communications systems

All of these devices can send real-time updates back to border stations so that agents get a comprehensive view of the situation at any given moment.

Plus, since 5G allows for millions of devices to connect within the same area, an essentially unlimited number of devices and users can connect from one border station. So, even as the network expands over time, there is room to grow. Compared to 4G, this increase in network capacity is significant.

Case Study: China’s Yungen Reservoir

In fact, China has already started building a 5G checkpoint at Yungen Reservoir to tighten border control with the North Korean border. The checkpoint has installed virtual reality glasses, real-time updating logbooks, drones, and 4K night vision monitors. Their hope is that with these new technologies, they can control the flow of refugees and smuggled goods.

However, there are many countries around the world that could implement smarter border protection, assisted by 5G technologies and internet of things devices.

For instance, smarter border control could not only prevent those who shouldn’t cross from crossing but also allow those with the proper credentials to pass. For example, in Shanghai, their new inventions are enabling quicker customs clearance. Their customs officers set up 5G robots that can video and monitor for any issues. They can automatically detect temperatures or nuclear, biological or chemical risks, so that border agents have peace of mind and travelers can get through quickly.

But this principle applies to every border that is frequently crossed. Especially within the EU, citizens need to cross borders for trade, and many want the liberty to be able to move freely within the continent. When it comes to crossing borders, citizens of different nations will need a 5G solution that is seamless and will maintain coverage.

Maintaining Security

However, security is an even more prominent issue for protecting border control devices and border agents. Risks of attacks and hacks must be mitigated, otherwise, the consequences could be extremely damaging. 4G technologies and earlier do not have the proper security protocols that 5G networks will need in the future. Any solution for implementing 5G infrastructure must be secure to protect both users and border data. That’s why when it comes to our 5G infrastructure, we made sure it was easy to use and secure.

ACiiST Solutions

When it comes to military bases and border protection, wireless solutions with less cabling are easier, quicker and more efficient to install. Many wireless solutions can get jammed with interference generations, however ACiiST’s solution is installed on existing infrastructure making it easy to implement, cost-effective and can handle all of smart city application needs.

We install small devices on existing light posts to expand the network. Our solution is the most reliable, cost-effective and easy to maintain option on the market. Plus, it is very easy to install and synchronize across the network.

Our solution is highly secure, plus it has a high-bandwidth and automatic load-balancing and automatic redundancy. And, since light posts are always on, the power source is available 24/7. Plus, our solution is weatherproof and can withhold even the most severe environmental conditions.

Since it is installed on existing light posts, set up is easy, requires no additional infrastructure, and all within a short amount of time compared to other solutions. It also provides power, has a high latency 100 times better compared to a routing-based solution, and is wireless so that it requires less cabling. Plus, we have already started implementing this solution in several smart cities. The future of new technologies in border control is not far away.

Contact Us For More Information

New technologies used for border protection and customs is the way to the future and will bring so many benefits to society. However, there are quite a few challenges to bring it to reality. Governments need an infrastructure that can support scalable growth, remain secure, and all at a reasonable timeline and budget. By using existing city infrastructure, ACiiST makes it as simple as possible to implement a smart city system.