Private 5G networks

A private 5G mobile network is exclusively for a selected company, facility, enterprise or organization. It includes corporate cellular sites, servers and networks that support the organization's cellular connectivity requirements, eliminating any dependence on public cellular networks.

5G private networking helps ensure consistent, reliable network coverage throughout our organization, is very important in companies with remote locations where there is no public LTE or 5G mobile network coverage. It is also critical in large complex environments where physical structures (e.g., hall buildings, shelves in warehouses, containers in ports) block Wi-Fi signals. Private networks offer enhanced operational security by limiting access to the public network and adding new, redundant layers of security.

5G Network, 5G Transfer

While a private network is achievable with 4G LTE, 5G provides significant improvements in latency-free data transfer and higher connection density. A 5G network provides higher bandwidth than standard 4G LTE networks, which is necessary for data-intensive applications of all kinds. Especially in such as robotics, AR/VR virtual reality, high-definition video surveillance. Actual throughput, however, depends on the technology used, but theoretically offers download speeds of at least 20 Gbps and reliable use of 100 Mbps in densely populated areas.

Transmission delay is also a very important parameter in networks. 4G LTE networks offer a theoretical delay of 10 ms during operation, but in practice it is 30-50 ms. The latest 5G networks provide latency down to 5-7 ms. This is now essential for Industry 4.0 in applications such as precision manufacturing, robotics, operation of remote systems and vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity.

A private 5G network can work in tandem with a company's Wi-Fi 6 network infrastructure, but it offers significant advantages over these solutions. A hybrid solution is possible, and organizations can deploy their private 5G network for critical applications. They can also additionally use Wi-Fi solutions for less critical applications and less secure functions.

Private network security

Private 5G networks are enterprise-class solutions, and in many dimensions are more secure than basic Wi-Fi or Ethernet networks. As part of our private installation, each device connects to the network and is equipped with a SIM card, Global SIM-LTE, Global LPWA for IoT or e-SIM virtual card. Each of these cards must be added to our network as a customer and authorized, this is already the first level of security, it is an additional difficulty to break SIM card encryption and does not allow access to the network. To crack basic Wi-Fi, all you need is some time and a laptop with software.

Another safeguard of 5G networks is transmission frequencies. Private 5G networks operate at fixed frequencies in the 3.4-3.6 or 3.7-3.8 GHz range. Wanting to provide access for end devices, special routers and gateways are used. Through the complexity in the construction of such a network, access from end devices is severely hampered, making a private network safer in terms of basic attack methods.

The security layer of the private network uses so-called Slicing, or separation and virtualization of logical networks. It is not physically possible for someone, connecting to a private 5G network for critical communications, for example, to access our industrial automation equipment.

Examples of the use of private 5G networks

• Transport hubs - transport hubs are very important in terms of the supply chain. Globally, most ports/hubs are looking for ways to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Wanting to achieve these benefits is to use a private 5G network. Through its use, operations can be improved through remotely controlled: ship-to-shore approach, automatic gate operation, autonomous self-driving vehicles, remote control of cranes, automatic video surveillance, drones for surveillance and delivery, and we can also check the health of equipment.
• Manufacturing - factories can use private 5G networks as part of the IIoT to operate autonomous robots on the shop floor with very low latency communications of 5ms. 5G IT networks, enable reliable communication, even though it is wireless transmission, where the environment does not seem conducive to it.
• Smart cities/citiesare beginning to deploy 5G private networks to enable their residents to take advantage of the latest digital technologies. Private networks managed by a municipality/city can help digital transformation, allow areas to be connected, providing Internet access to the disadvantaged. Private networks also allow cities to precisely control traffic congestion, communicate with any emergency services and monitor municipal utilities.

Commercial 5G private networks in the 3800-4200 MHz band, have already been approved by the Office of Electronic Communications. The most important industries that will benefit from private 5G networks over the next 10 years are manufacturing, the energy sector and public services.

This group of products is based on the companies' solutions:

Digi | Semtech