Satellite Applications Catapult headquarters. Photo: Google Maps.

The Satellite Applications Catapult has selected Juniper Networks to construct a secure, end-to-end network infrastructure in support of its 5G testbed. The testbed creates infrastructure to foster the innovative use of 5G, providing ubiquitous connectivity across terrestrial and satellite communication in support of mission-critical applications including use cases for Internet of Things (IOT), autonomous systems and e-health initiatives.

The 5G testbed is due to officially open this April and brings together academics and industry partners toward a shared vision to help define and develop the next generation of terrestrial and satellite 5G infrastructure and applications.

The testbed infrastructure brings together a range of Juniper’s technology and solutions, including routing, switching, security and software-defined networking, as well as Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), mobile edge computing and software orchestration in the core.

According to the Satellite Applications Catapult, once completed, the testbed could be used for collaborative development projects such as those recently proposed by the U.K. government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

“The deployment and use of 5G testbeds is crucial to enabling the early engagement of infrastructure end-users to provide a way for them to shape the way services will be delivered by 5G infrastructure,” said Tom Ruban, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Juniper Networks.