Case Study: Redesigning Tactical Training for First Responders and Government Agencies with Untethered XR Headset and 5G CBRS Connectivity

Client

A top U.S. contractor who delivers state-of-the-art training solutions to public safety and law enforcement agencies was having challenges setting up tactical simulations with XR headsets. As detailed in the Case Study: Redesigning Tactical Training for First Responders and Government Agencies with Untethered XR Headset and 5G CBRS Connectivity, the client is a front-runner in developing next-generation simulation environments to train their employees for real-world, life-and-death scenarios.

Challenge

The client recognized the need to modernize traditional training procedures with XR headset tactical simulations and implemented a private CBRS Devices network for the training facilities. With this technology, the participants could experience increased realism, virtual immersion scenarios, and mission-critical readiness. Existing training protocols, as beneficial as they were, had challenges:

• Limited Realism: There were tabletop exercises or physically limited areas which did not simulate the dynamic, ambiguous nature of real events.
• Physical Complexity: Establishing and de-establishing physical training facilities was time- and resource-consuming and often narrow in scope.
• Tethering Limitations: Early XR deployments, while appreciated, often required that headsets be physically tethered to computers, restricting user mobility and immersion.
• Data Lag: Existing wireless deployments sometimes fail to achieve the high-bandwidth, low-latency capability required for advanced, multi-user XR simulations, leading to lag or disorientation.
• Disseminated, Secure Connectivity: Where high-level government and public safety missions were concerned, commercial cellular networks or public Wi-Fi were insufficient; a special secure network like 5G CBRS was required.

The goal for the client was to create highly immersive, real-life simulation environments with XR hardware such as the Microsoft HoloLens, the Magic Leap, and the HTC Vive. A key requirement was to deliver untethered capability—graining trainees’ complete mobility in active environments—powered by an exclusive, secure 5G CBRS network.

Solution

Horizon Powered developed the DG505G USB dongle to address these pain points. The DG505G is an application-specific, solid, small device for plug-and-play deployment with assured connectivity. Its core capabilities and ease of use solved their pain points:

1. 5G CBRS Capability: The DG505G is a native 5G CBRS frequency supporter, offering secure, private, and performance-oriented connectivity on the client’s private network.
2. “Plug and Play” Convenience: The dongle’s USB form guarantees a problem-free connection with Microsoft HoloLens and other headsets without complex driver installation or setup.
3. Miniature and Light in Weight: Its unobtrusive nature allows it to coexist with headsets like the HoloLens without adding noticeable bulk.
4. Strong Performance: Built to withstand extreme conditions, the DG505G delivers strong, high-speed connectivity necessary for extreme XR streaming as well as multi-user applications.
5. TAA and NDAA Compliance: The DG505G is TAA and NDAA compliant, allowing it to be utilized by the U.S. Department of Defense and other governmental organizations with vetted hardware specifications.

Implementation

The deployment of the DG505G was efficient and trouble-free:

1. Smooth Integration: The dongle was plugged directly into the Microsoft HoloLens’s USB port.
2. Auto-Identification: The headset operating system automatically recognized the dongle and associated it with the client’s 5G CBRS network.
3. Secure Network Bridging: As a trusted wireless bridge, the DG505G enabled XR headsets to utilize the 5G CBRS network’s high bandwidth and low latency.
4. Scalable Deployment: The simplicity of the DG505G allowed for rapid scalability in headset deployment across varied training locations—from simulated cityscapes to special fire training facilities—without requiring significant IT knowledge or cabling.

Results

Horizon Powered DG505G dongle significantly enhanced the client’s training capability. Secure, wireless, immersive XR simulations on a 5G CBRS network provided quantifiable results:

• Unmatched Realism and Immersion: Students were able to move around freely, perform quick maneuvers, and interact in high-fidelity virtual environments like active shooter response and complex fire rescue situations.
• Improved Situational Awareness and Responsiveness: Wireless performance’s high-speed, responsive character enabled real-time decision-making under simulated stressful environments.
• Simplified Training Logistics: Plug-and-play simplicity enabled setup times to be reduced, allowing increased volume training cycles and trainee throughput.
• Operational Flexibility: Training became possible in previously impractical or remote locations, offering the potential for realistic scenario planning.
• Cost and Safety Savings: Virtual simulations minimized risk and cost by considerable amounts compared to live-action training environments.

Final thoughts

The Horizon Powered DG505G was at the forefront of the client’s quest to further tactical simulation training across public safety and government use. By offering a safe, wireless 5G CBRS link to XR headsets, the DG505G set a new benchmark for realism and performance. Field-tested among contractors and showcased at Mobile World Congress, the device has proven useful across a broad range of use cases—implemented within public safety, law enforcement, and defence industries.

Learn more Redesigning Tactical Training for First Responders and Government Agencies with Untethered XR Headset and 5G CBRS Connectivity here.