Marcus RichardsThe current digital realities are forcing enterprises from various industries to think about modernizing production. This entails the need for mobility in building production chains. In addition, state programs for the digitalization of industries are a serious incentive for business transformation. Under these conditions, private 5G networks become a necessary part of the enterprise infrastructure. Based on this network, the main technological business processes are managed.
Defining a private 5G network
The 5G private network is a mobile network designed to solve the company’s internal production tasks, providing the organization of a closed, protected production loop. Private networks have the following characteristics:
- high bandwidth, which is achieved through the use of frequencies of different ranges;
- high-quality coating inside and outside the premises;
- high level of security.
The use of standard frequency bands and low latency make it possible to provide high-quality services. In addition, such an infrastructure guarantees the continuity of communication when moving a mobile subscriber. All this allows enterprises to provide a wide range of services, including data transmission, voice communications, as well as additional services such as enterprise asset management automation, production status monitoring, remote transport control, autonomous transport and others.
Types of private 5g networks
Private 5G network is local and national. The first option is deployed in a specific area for individual subjects (enterprises). In addition to the business segment, there are also special services (Ministry of Emergency Situations, police, ambulance). They already need a national private network. In this case, the special services get the opportunity to freely use the infrastructure of the telecom operator.
In fact, there are many industries in which private 5G can be used. There is a particular demand in the field of public order, public utilities, oil and gas industry, mining, logistics and rail transport. It is these areas that will soon be fully used by IoT solutions.
From all of the above, we can conclude that a private network is not much different from a regular one – the same components and technologies are used, only the geographical coverage is limited.
The network can be maintained by both the enterprise itself and the operator. It is worth distinguishing between outsourcing (a telecom company builds a network, transfers it to the customer and provides on-demand service), as well as full provision (the customer company does not delve into the network at all, all issues are decided by the vendor, who bears full responsibility). Since licenses are also needed to build a network, it is much easier for businesses to cooperate with mobile operators. With them, all issues are resolved much faster than with any other companies.
Does your organization need a private network?
In a broad sense, a private 5G network is needed by an enterprise that is faced with the problem of data mobility. This is the case when “wires” stop the modernization of production or their use interferes with the flexibility of building business processes.
Mobile technologies will make it possible to satisfy the needs of almost any industry and solve the tasks assigned to it. It is also worth noting that the size of the enterprise in the context of the economic feasibility of using private 5G networks does not play a big role. The network is easily scalable to the needs of both a small logistics company and a large holding company with a geographically distributed infrastructure.
Are 5G networks really that secure?
The issue of security is the cornerstone when implementing or deciding to use a network within a critical infrastructure of an enterprise. Specialized departments are working on this direction, which develop regulations and measures to protect information within the closed loop of a private network. The private network solution itself offers end-to-end security with protection against tampering attempts.
Private networks use several mechanisms to protect devices, data, interfaces, and other elements. These mechanisms provide user authentication, encryption, and protection of signaling integrity, user data, and confidentiality.
Why choose 5G network over Wi-Fi
Coating
5G networks at low bands have much greater coverage and capacity than Wi-Fi networks. They have lower latency and greater reliability than their counterparts.
Security
Currently, 5G technology is the most secure in terms of hacking in comparison with other wireless technologies.
Mobility
Namely, the technology of continuous mobility – 5G has not a large geography of coverage, but in future you can have access both within the enterprise, within the country, and beyond.
The benefits of a private 5G network
By deploying its own private 5G network, the enterprise obtains a low-latency broadband access network, which is extremely important for a stable and controlled production process.
Developing your own infrastructure brings many benefits and plays an important role in the implementation of smart manufacturing in the future. Modern 5G networking technologies are enabling the optimization of existing business processes in the enterprise with new features such as data consolidation from nodes and product tracking on the assembly line.
Using the 5G network, all processes can be quickly adapted to dynamically changing market requirements. Private mobile networks are applicable to all sectors of the global economy as a whole. As for the prospects for using a private network, it should be noted that the concept has the right to life only with the services or use cases that will be implemented on its basis. The range of such services is diverse and depends on the enterprise and business processes where the network will be implemented.
Who to contact for the deployment of a private 5G network?
In a broad sense, a company, such as UCtel, must have the competence to deploy mobile networks, including the construction of antenna-mast structures, the development of project documentation, power supply systems, and uninterruptible power supply. In addition, the company must know about radio planning, building telecommunications networks, and setting up equipment.
But all of the above applies to UCtel. The company has a deep knowledge of business processes in many industries and has specialists who will help any client. The plans to deploy the network and services based on it will depend on the client’s business and the specifics of his work. For the customer, this directly correlates with the amount of necessary investments and their payback period.
