In partnership with Bell, Western has become the first Canadian university to have launched a 5G-connected research centre using 3.5 GHz 5G spectrum in pre-commercial mode. The announcement marks the beginning of a $2.7-million project to deploy 5G network infrastructure throughout the Western campus.
The new Bell-Western 5G Research Centre will be testing 5G using the 3.5 GHz 5G spectrum in pre-commercial mode. Currently, the first 5G site on campus is designated for research but by summer, a full network is expected to be available across campus.
Kevin Shoemaker, acting associate vice-president (research) and professor of kinesiology, will utilize the speed, responsiveness and edge computing processing capabilities of the 5G network to develop an app designed to gauge and guide student mental wellness.
“As a very simplistic example, imagine engaging in a breathing exercise and the success of that exercise on your stress levels can be viewed on your phone as being able to move a butterfly from flying in a breeze to safely resting on a leaf,” said Shoemaker.
Shoemaker has also been working with Bell and an advisory committee to guide research that can be optimized using 5G technologies.
