WiFi connection on buses using a 5G router: Solutions for full connectivity

In an increasingly connected world, access to the Internet anywhere is becoming more and more important. In the transport sector, connectivity is an added value for passengers. With the implementation of specific technologies and equipment, such as 5G routers and Wi-Fi access points, it is becoming more and more common for transport companies to offer free Wi-Fi on their buses and coaches. In this article, we analyse the importance of Wi-Fi in public transport and how it is installed.

Wifi in transport: a necessity for passengers?

Connectivity is a necessity for public transport users, and it is becoming increasingly common to offer free Wi-Fi on buses and coaches through 5G routers and Wi-Fi hotspots.

The importance of connectivity for bus passengers

Most passengers spend their time on board connected to the Internet, checking emails, attending meetings or simply enjoying chats or streaming video. This is part of the normal use and enjoyment of the passenger. Connectivity allows passengers to stay up to date with relevant information, have access to multimedia content and make better use of their time away from home. Therefore, a 4G or 5G Internet connection can bring many benefits.

How does connectivity influence transportation choice?

Connectivity is one of the factors that influence the choice of which means of transport to use. If a user has the option to choose between a means of transport that offers free Wi-Fi and one that does not, they are likely to choose the one that has this technology to enjoy the connection during their trip.

5G Router: How does it manage to offer a good connection?

The use of 5G routers is becoming more and more common on buses, as they allow passengers to have full connectivity. In this section we will see what a 5G router is, how data compression is performed on these devices and how the amount of mobile data affects the connection.

What is a 5G router?

A 5G router is a device that allows high-speed wireless connections to be established using a SIM card compatible with 4G and 5G networks. In the context of buses and public transport in general, the 5G router connects to the vehicle’s antenna to offer a Wi-Fi connection to users.

Data compression in 5G routers.

Data compression is essential for 5G routers to ensure a high-speed connection to passengers. By compressing data, routers can transmit more information in less time by removing unnecessary information. In addition, compression reduces mobile data consumption, allowing for a more economical and sustainable service.

How does the amount of mobile data affect the connection?

The amount of mobile data is crucial to the quality of the Wi-Fi connection on buses. As the number of users connecting to the service increases, more mobile data is needed to maintain a high-speed connection. For this reason, companies that manage Wi-Fi service in public transport must contract data plans with sufficient capacity to meet passenger demand.

  • A 5G router provides full connectivity to bus passengers and public transport in general.
  • Data compression in 5G routers is essential to ensure a high-speed connection with reduced mobile data consumption.
  • The amount of mobile data is crucial to maintain a quality connection as the number of users connected to the service increases.

Advantages of WiFi on buses

Advantages for passengers

  • Free internet access throughout the trip
  • Option to work or entertain yourself while traveling
  • Improving passenger comfort and satisfaction
  • Possibility of searching for information or making reservations online

Advantages for public transport companies

  • Greater customer loyalty
  • Attracting new customers
  • Positioning as a modern and innovative company
  • Collecting data and information about users to make business decisions

Wifi on buses is a service that is booming in public transport, providing many advantages for both passengers and transport companies. On the one hand, passengers enjoy free internet access throughout the journey, allowing them to work, entertain themselves or search for information. It also increases their satisfaction and comfort on the trip. For companies, the Wifi service on buses means greater customer loyalty and an attraction for attracting new users. In addition, companies can obtain data and information on user behaviour and make business decisions accordingly. 

Benefits of 5G Internet on buses

In addition to the above advantages, more features and benefits can be extracted for the coach company, such as:

  • Real-time video surveillance.
  • GPS location and fleet management.
  • Enable electronic payment methods.
  • Breakdown management and preventive maintenance.
  • Route optimization before traffic events
  • Announcements of stops and routes
  • Digital signage for advertising and events
  • Driver support

Wifi and video in transport

Wi-Fi on buses not only provides internet access for passengers, but also enables video streaming. Thanks to this, many buses that have built-in security cameras perform real-time monitoring via a Wi-Fi connection, which increases the safety of public transport.

How video works and how it is used in public transport

The use of video in public transport has become a necessity, as it allows for increased safety on buses, thanks to the constant monitoring of what is happening inside. The videos are recorded and stored on hard drives, which allows, in the event of an accident or crime, to easily identify those involved.

In addition, video in public transport is also used to monitor driver behaviour, allowing for the control of fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel, and improving road safety.

The importance of WiFi for video in public transport

Wi-Fi is essential for video use in public transport, as it ensures smooth and uninterrupted data transmission. This way, passengers can enjoy a stable connection and drivers can seamlessly transmit the collected videos.

In the case of multimedia buses, the WiFi connection allows passengers to enjoy entertainment screens and access different content such as movies, series, travel information, among others.

Multimedia buses today

There are currently multimedia solutions on the market that integrate with the WiFi connection on buses, allowing passengers to enjoy an entertainment experience as if they were in the cinema, thanks to the quality of the screens and the large amount of content available.

In addition, many buses are equipped with systems that allow passengers to interact with the content being broadcast, allowing them to select what they want to watch and offering a personalized experience.

The evolution of WiFi in buses

As wireless technology has evolved, so has WiFi on buses. Today, 4G routers are the most commonly used tools for passengers to access the Internet on public transport, and they have significantly improved both in speed and in the number of devices they can support.

Technical aspects that have improved Wi-Fi connection in transport

  • Improved signal quality and stability in data transmission through hardware evolution.
  • Reduced latency and improved connection speed thanks to improvements in the software of 5G routers.
  • Adapting Wi-Fi networks to increasing demand and the simultaneous use of multiple devices to ensure a stable and fluid connection at all times.

TITAN solution for equipping buses with WiFi

Installation of necessary equipment for Wi-Fi in public transport

Installing Wi-Fi on buses requires specific equipment and technologies. Firstly, 4G routers are needed to allow full connectivity. WiFi antennas and a VPN solution are also required so that the information is encrypted. Below we detail the equipment   

  • The high-performance Robustel R5020 5G router  is the foundation for 4G & 5G connectivity that supports all other applications.
    • This is a router certified for use in vehicles (Certified E Mark ), a proven guarantee.
    • It incorporates powerful WiFi (MiMo) to deliver maximum speed to connected customers and onboard services.
    • A CCTV video surveillance system consisting of IP cameras and a DVR video recorder can be connected to it , which records the images locally and retransmits the video on demand to the control center.
    • The same router or video recorder can transmit both emergency signals ( Panic Button ) along with the GPS/GNSS location .
    • A digital output on the router allows the activation of a relay to reset or disconnect the necessary electronic elements. This event can be automated or programmed, avoiding the action or presence of an operator.
    • The router, upon reaching the garage, will connect to the corporate WiFi using this connection as the primary one, avoiding SIM consumption and enabling, for example, the mass download of data or images from the video recorder.
    • The chosen router model also integrates the well-known IoT tool NODE-RED which, together with its Bluetooth module , will be able to receive information from other on-board sensors , such as temperature, humidity, vibrations, etc., making this information available to the control center.
  • A Poynting MIMO-4 or Panorama LPMM certified for vehicles. It includes 4G, GPS for better location of the MUPIs, and WiFi as a hotspot, which serves both to connect to the Internet through the captive portal , and to access service WIFI networks.
  • All this connectivity will be secured through data encryption thanks to our VPN Solution, thus complying with legal requirements regarding data protection and GDPR.
  • STE2 temperature probes to monitor extreme values. These values ​​are read by a central server in the cloud and, depending on the programming, activate a fan or turn off the screen until it is refreshed.

Overview

Why choose TITAN

TITAN, with more than 15 years of experience and a pioneer in connectivity and security for the Internet of Things, is involved in each project, providing the knowledge of its experts, as well as the personal impetus of each client. We rely on top quality materials, certified and endorsed by all types of projects on all continents, on land, sea and air and in all types of applications.