Wireless airport infrastructure is here
Airports are rapidly evolving. Behind the ceiling panels of many terminals lies a familiar site—a dense, tangled web of Ethernet cables—often referred to as "blue spaghetti." These legacy networks have long supported thousands of devices, but they’re no match for today’s demands. As airports embrace growing operational demands, real-time data, and intelligent edge devices, a modern wireless approach is essential.
That’s where the Axis Communications and Ericsson collaboration comes in—reducing the cable clutter with advanced computer vision sensors and private 5G, enabling agile, secure, and scalable airport infrastructure. A market leader in IP cameras and video surveillance solutions, Axis Communications develops networked, intelligent devices—starting with the invention of the world’s first network camera in 1996. Data generated by these intelligent devices can now travel across wired or wireless networks, including 5G, with far greater efficiency. Together, Axis and Ericsson are making it possible for airports to deploy intelligent devices without the massive cable installations that once slowed innovation—unlocking a new era of flexibility and scalability.
Beyond cameras: Computer vision at the edge
Today’s airport cameras are no longer just recording devices—they're sophisticated edge computing platforms with lenses. In fact, many airports typically operate thousands of cameras—essentially 3,000 intelligent computers connected to the network.
Far from passive recording devices, these computer vision systems can run third-party applications locally, turning raw footage into real-time insights without relying on constant streaming to a central server.
Instead of flooding the network with high-definition video, cameras now process data on the spot—sending critical alerts such as:
- When a retail store opens or closes
- Is baggage handling running smoothly?
- Does equipment need maintenance?
By processing at the edge, airports can dramatically reduce bandwidth consumption while unlocking real-time operational awareness. But this level of transformation requires one thing above all: having the right network foundation in place.
Challenges of legacy infrastructure in airports
Modern airports operate like self-contained cities—sprawling across massive footprints with intricate layouts that stretch from terminal and tarmacs to cargo zones and perimeter fences. This scale brings enormous infrastructure demands, especially when it comes to deploying technology. In many cases, critical systems must function in areas where traditional connectivity is unreliable or non-existent.
Supporting thousands of intelligent devices, such as computer vision cameras, with traditional cabling can be both cost prohibitive and logistically complex. Running fiber to each device can cost thousands of dollars per connection point, not to mention the time and effort to deploy and maintain wired networks across constant environments.
The need for advancement is pressing. Operational costs are climbing as much as 30 percent in North America while costs per passenger exceed revenue. Meanwhile, gate delays and inefficiencies alone are draining $33 billion annually from the US aviation industry. That's 10 percent of total industry revenue disappearing simply due to operational problems.
Why private cellular networks are a game changer for airports
From a network design perspective, cellular technology delivers significant efficiency gains. Where dozens of Wi-Fi access points might be needed, each requiring a dedicated fiber run, private cellular covers the same area with roughly a tenth of the infrastructure. Deployments have shown this fundamentally changes the economics of airport-wide connectivity.
More importantly, private networks offer built in device prioritization, essential for supporting mission-critical applications that Wi-Fi simply wasn't designed to handle. These functions include:
- Push-to-talk communications
- Autonomous vehicle operations
- Predictive maintenance sensors
- High volume computer vision feeds
For airports managing hundreds of video surveillance feeds, the economics favor private cellular over public networks, like Wi Fi where data costs can spiral out of control.
Outdoor environments prove particularly challenging for Wi-Fi networks, especially at large airports. Private cellular networks offer dedicated support for mission-critical applications, ensuring that safety-related computer vision systems receive the reliability they demand.
Axis and Ericsson in action: Private 5G deployment in airports
To validate these theoretical advantages in practice, Axis and Ericsson have moved beyond controlled testing to real-world, live airport environments. One standout example is their work at a research university airport with an innovative aeronautics program—an ideal proving ground to test, refine and showcase innovation in real-world conditions. These applications extend well beyond traditional security:
- Operational intelligence: Airlines have teams of data scientists analyzing surface area management—monitoring all the activity when a plane arrives at a gate. Computer vision technology creates structured data that interfaces with airport operational databases, identifying bottlenecks and improving efficiency.
- Passenger experience: At a typical international airport, computer vision analytics deliver real-time insights to traveler apps—such as current TSA and CLEAR wait times or walking distances to gates—helping passengers make smarter decisions about when to browse, shop or dine.
- Safety and Operations: Whether its detecting debris on runways or optimizing parking management, computer vision boosts both safety and operational efficiency needs. Powered by private 5G, these devices benefit from low latency, enterprise-grade encryption and device-level authentication—far exceeding what Wi-Fi standards typically offer.
Private 5G is powering the wireless future of airport operations
The shift is already underway. As private cellular networks and computer vision technology converge, airports across the US are moving away from the tangled “blue spaghetti” of legacy Ethernet cabling. The Ericsson and Axis collaboration aims to create private 5G networks inside airports where intelligent devices can be wirelessly deployed—just mount, power and connect with no cable pulls, delays or infrastructure bottlenecks limiting innovation.
Computer vision applications beyond airports
The same innovations transforming airports operations are unlocking value across all transportation sectors. Whether it’s tracking cargo at ports, monitoring goods in warehouses, managing passenger flow on ships, or enhancing safety in manufacturing, computer vision and private 5G provide scalable, real-time intelligence wherever it’s needed.
The challenges solved in airports—complex expansive environments, operational coverage gaps, infrastructure complexity—are equally relevant in port environments. Both require real-time surveillance at scale, AI-driven edge analytics for instant alerts, and flexible infrastructure that can adapt to changing operational configurations.
The urgency behind this transformation is being driven by workforce realities. The aviation industry alone will need 630,000 additional maintenance technicians by 2030 to support next-generation aircraft. As skilled labor becomes increasingly scarce, automation and remote capabilities are essential—not optional—for sustaining operations and driving growth.
How Axis and Ericsson collaborate
Computer vision systems require robust network infrastructure to function effectively. This partnership combines Axis's expertise in computer vision and edge computing with Ericsson's private cellular infrastructure capabilities. Ericsson's network infrastructure runs on the same standards that major carriers use, enabling seamless integration with Axis computer vision devices without compatibility issues.
The combination of Axis's open platform with Ericsson's robust network architecture creates new integration possibilities, fundamentally changing how intelligent infrastructure gets deployed and managed.
Wireless airport infrastructure is here
Axis and Ericsson are demonstrating how wireless infrastructure can fundamentally change airport technology deployment, moving from complex cable installations to simplified device mounting and configuration. And as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly ubiquitous, the convergence of 5G networks and computer vision technology opens up unprecedented possibilities for airport operations.
Ready to explore how private 5G and computer vision can transform your airport infrastructure? Learn more about Ericsson's smart airports solutions and see how this wireless shift can enhance both passenger experience and operational efficiency at your facility.
