CJ Logistics Opens First 5G Network at Logistics Center... "Increased Productivity"

CJ Logistics has established the first 5th generation mobile communication (5G) private network in a logistics center. With a wireless network speed 1000 times faster than before, it is enhancing productivity and leading the era of Smart Logistics 4.0.

On the 20th, CJ Logistics announced that it has built the first 5G private network ‘Eum 5G’ in a logistics center at the Icheon 2 Fulfillment Center, scheduled to open in May, in collaboration with CJ OliveNetworks.

Eum 5G is a service where companies or institutions, not mobile carriers, are directly allocated 5G frequencies and build base stations in buildings or factories for on-site use. It features ▲ultra-high speed ▲ultra-low latency ▲ultra-high density.

Most logistics centers use wireless networks via Wi-Fi. However, Wi-Fi has been cited as one of the causes of reduced logistics center productivity due to frequency channel interference and speed delays. CJ Logistics collaborated with Eum 5G operator CJ OliveNetworks to build the entire space of the newly opening Icheon 2 Fulfillment Center with an Eum 5G environment.

Earlier, CJ OliveNetworks received approval from the Ministry of Science and ICT in August last year for ‘5G private network frequency allocation’ and ‘change of registration as a telecommunications service provider,’ and has been actively pursuing the Eum 5G business. It is pioneering the 5G market focusing on smart logistics, entertainment, and media industries.

The Icheon 2 Fulfillment Center, spanning about 12,000 pyeong (approximately 39,600 square meters) across three floors, applies 10 blocks of 5G frequencies from 4.72 to 4.82 GHz. Since the 5G private network uses dedicated frequencies, there is no channel interference. The wireless network speed is expected to increase productivity in the logistics center by being 1000 times faster than existing Wi-Fi. The radio wave coverage range is more than three times wider than Wi-Fi, reducing the number of wireless network devices and making infrastructure management easier.

This Eum 5G will be primarily used for wireless terminals used by workers. Logistics center workers typically use PDAs or tablets to perform tasks such as box scanning, product picking, and inventory management. With the establishment of the 5G private network and the introduction of 5G-dedicated terminals, work speed is expected to improve compared to the existing Wi-Fi environment, and logistics data management and processing will also become easier. After pilot application on wireless terminals, the two companies plan to expand the scope of Eum 5G application to robots, equipment, CCTV, and more.

Ryu Sang-cheon, head of IT solutions at CJ Logistics, said, “A smooth network environment is essential in fulfillment centers where advanced technologies such as transport robots and AI are introduced,” adding, “With the launch of Eum 5G, we will enhance cooperation to introduce advanced technologies in logistics centers to provide better services to consumers.”

Lee Joo-young, head of DT Division 1 at CJ OliveNetworks, said, “We think it is meaningful to open 5G at CJ Logistics’ fulfillment center as the first project since entering the Eum 5G business,” and explained, “We will strive to introduce advanced technologies that lead logistics innovation through continuous cooperation in the future.”