Photo of Dr Mwangama the lead in the 5G research project

Imagine a future where nearly every machine is connected to ubiquitous, high-speed mobile networks that empower a new world of real-time experiences. This is the promise of the next generation of mobile technology known as 5G, and it’s already being rolled out in some parts of the world.

Driving research into 5G and its potential in Africa is Dr Joyce Mwangama, a lecturer in the University of Cape Town (UCT) Department of Electrical Engineering. She is leading the development of South Africa’s first university-based 5G testbed facility.

According to the UCT website, the work involves master’s and PhD researchers testing 5G applications on real hardware and software incarnations of the network, and as well supports demonstration of prototypes that could drive 4IR products and services.

“The testbed serves as a bridge where researchers can implement their ideas over a live network and work around issues that they might not have considered in a theoretical framework,” says Mwangama."The testbed provides a platform for researchers not only in South Africa but also other African countries to validate the 5G applications they are developing", she continues.

Dr. Mwangama, received funding under the National Research Foundatio (NRF) Thuthuka Funding scheme to establish the UCT 5G testbed earlier this year. With no other known 5G testbed in Africa, the technology that she is working with is the first of its kind in Africa.

Having the testbed facility at UCT not only positions South Africa to drive 4IR on the continent, but also to support a new generation of researchers.

Photo courtesy of Google

Article by RB correspondent

https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2019-09-09-helping-africa-prepare-for-5g