Deutsche Fußball Liga chose a high profile match to roll out the first integration of Riedel’s Easy5G Private 5G network and RefCam Live referee camera system in a dense packed stadium
The Bundesliga showdown between FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in April – a match known as Der Klassiker - is one of the most anticipated events in German soccer. This year, 75,000 fans converged on the famous Allianz Arena in Munich, which was solidly sold-out.
The DFL (Deutsche Fußball Liga) chose this event to initiate and roll out the first integration of the Riedel Easy5G private 5G network and RefCam Live referee camera system in a densely packed stadium environment. The Easy5G network was operational in less than an hour, showing how quickly high-performance broadcast infrastructure can be deployed without pre-existing equipment or connectivity at the stadium.
Biggest Stage Possible
“The DFL approached us with a clear vision to upgrade and set their live coverage apart, using new, more efficient connectivity and immersive capture,” said Jacqueline Voss, Executive Director Strategy and Innovation of Riedel’s Managed Technology division. “They were determined to test our solutions on the biggest stage possible, and we delivered. With just one Easy5G base station, we achieved full coverage of the pitch and tunnel.”
Riedel’s Managed Technology division handled the full deployment, including system setup, frequency management, remote access capabilities via a 5G core management port, and professional on-site interaction with match officials. In areas outside of 5G coverage – such as the referee’s locker room – Riedel set up video previews based on Wi-Fi, simplifying pre-match setup without disrupting match-day operations.
5G Networks and Easy5G
5G core management is critical because the core establishes reliable connectivity for end users, giving access to its services. The core domain handles connectivity and mobility management, authentication and authorization, subscriber data management and policy management. Its network functions are completely software-based and must be designed as cloud-native, allowing enough agility and flexibility to deploy on multiple cloud infrastructures.
Easy5G uses standard PTP networks, making it similar to setting up a WiFi network. The uplink/downlink ratios can be configured to prioritise uplink transmissions, which is essential for live broadcast video, but which public networks don’t allow. Network slicing is also possible.
Also unlike public 5G services, Easy5G operates on dedicated frequencies in order to ensure a reliable level of performance during events with high user density, like Der Klassiker. The network can be scaled by incorporating more base stations, however, its high-power outdoor cells need fewer base stations than a WiFi network to cover large outdoor areas. eSIM support helps provision across large numbers of users.
The Referee’s Perspective
Operating over the Easy5G infrastructure and mounted onto Riedel’s lightweight RUN headset at eye level, the RefCam gave viewers a stabilized, authentic view directly from the referee’s line of sight, delivering live point-of-view video.
Referee communications gear was running on a Bolero S beltpack, while at the same time, the RefCam Live beltpack streamed 1080p50 video to the broadcast compound and recorded locally for redundancy. RefCam can be mounted on the same earpiece as Bolero, to create a single Cam and Comms system. All of these systems could be integrated discreetly under the official’s jersey to avoid disruption.
“DFB Schiri GmbH is always interested in making the referees' perspective clearer to the public in order to generate more understanding for their work,” said Alex Feuerherdt, Head of Communications and Media Relations, DFB Schiri GmbH. “Through the use of the RefCam, we can show how the referee perceives the game and interacts with the players. This is very valuable for us, also for internal training purposes.”
Fan Experience
The RefCam content was featured as part of the Bundesliga Special Show ‘Der Klassiker Unseen – Ref’s-Eye View’ and across DFL’s social media platforms, highlighting the league’s role in the future of fan engagement in global soccer. This activation was made possible under IFAB’s ongoing approval program for body-worn camera testing, where FIFA and DFL play key roles in R&D.
“At the DFL, we are constantly looking to enhance the fan experience within our media products and lead the way in innovation,” said Dominik Scholler, VP Product Management and Innovation, DFL. “This deployment marks a significant step in exploring how developments like 5G and body-worn cameras can bring viewers closer to the game than before. Partnering with Riedel allowed us to turn that ambition into reality – quickly, and effectively.” www.riedel.net
