Introduction: Private 5G Networks in Construction with Samsung & NAVER Cloud

Samsung Electronics and NAVER Cloud have deployed Korea’s first private 5G network at Hoban Construction’s 41,000㎡ apartment project, marking a significant step forward in construction connectivity. Designed to address the sector’s unique challenges, this private 5G network provides robust, high-speed, and low-latency communication across the large, dynamic worksite. By integrating advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, drones, smart safety systems, and digital management tools, the network enhances operational efficiency, strengthens on-site safety, and enables seamless collaboration among workers, machinery, and management teams. This deployment underscores the growing importance of tailored connectivity solutions in modern construction, ensuring reliable performance even in the most demanding environments.

Challenges and the Need for Private 5G in Construction

Construction sites are inherently complex, featuring dynamic environments with multiple moving parts, including machinery, workers, and material logistics. Traditional communication systems, such as public networks or legacy wireless solutions, often fail to meet the demands of these environments due to several challenges:

• Coverage Limitations: Construction sites span large areas, often in remote locations, where public network coverage is insufficient or unreliable.
• High Data Demand: Activities like drone surveillance, IoT sensor monitoring, and real-time communication generate substantial data that older systems cannot handle efficiently.
• Safety Risks: Workers are exposed to hazardous conditions, and traditional safety protocols rely heavily on manual monitoring, which is error-prone and slow to respond.
• Operational Complexity: Managing construction workflows, monitoring material quality, and ensuring on-time delivery of tasks require real-time updates and seamless collaboration.
• Network Congestion: Public networks shared by many users are prone to congestion, leading to delays in data transmission that can disrupt operations.

To overcome these challenges, Hoban Construction required a reliable, secure, and high-performance network capable of meeting the specific needs of construction operations.

Samsung and NAVER Cloud’s Private 5G Solution

Samsung and NAVER Cloud’s private 5G network provides a comprehensive solution tailored to address the unique demands of large-scale construction projects.

1. Infrastructure and Deployment

The private 5G network operates on Korea’s dedicated 4.8GHz spectrum for private networks. Samsung’s infrastructure includes outdoor radios, baseband units, and the 5G Standalone (SA) Compact Core—a streamlined, single-box solution. This infrastructure:

• Ensures consistent and robust coverage across the sprawling construction site.
• Simplifies deployment with reduced hardware requirements.
• Offers scalable architecture to adapt to evolving site needs, from expanding coverage to integrating additional devices.

2. Applications of the Network

The network supports a range of advanced technologies that directly address construction challenges:

• Drone-Based Monitoring: High-resolution drones connected via 5G perform live inspections, streaming video directly to control centers. This minimizes the need for frequent on-site visits, accelerates issue detection, and enhances decision-making.
• IoT Sensors: Sensors embedded in construction materials, such as concrete, monitor temperature and strength in real time, ensuring quality control during curing.
• Smart Safety Jackets: These jackets integrate sensors, HD cameras, and gas detectors to identify hazards, monitor worker movements, and provide emergency alerts, creating a safer environment.
• Real-Time CCTV Monitoring: 4K cameras connected to the network provide comprehensive site surveillance, improving security, error detection, and incident response.
• Digital Construction Management Tools: Workers can access digital dashboards displaying project progress, floor plans, and resource allocation. These tools enhance collaboration between on-site and remote teams, ensuring everyone stays aligned on project goals.

3. Seamless Communication

The network enables seamless human-to-human, machine-to-machine, and human-to-machine communication, ensuring uninterrupted workflows. Workers can communicate instantly, machines can exchange operational data, and centralized systems can coordinate both for maximum efficiency.

Key benefits of Samsung and NAVER Cloud’s Private 5G Network

The deployment has provided significant, tangible improvements in Hoban Construction’s operations:

Enhanced Safety and Risk Mitigation

• • Proactive Hazard Detection: IoT sensors and smart wearables identify risks like gas leaks or structural weaknesses in real time, allowing quick intervention before incidents escalate.
  • Improved Worker Safety: Smart safety jackets enhance situational awareness for workers and supervisors, reducing on-site accidents.
  • Surveillance: Real-time CCTV monitoring provides oversight of hazardous zones, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Improved Operational Efficiency

• • Faster Decision-Making: Drone-based monitoring and IoT sensors reduce the time needed to inspect sites, identify issues, and implement solutions.
  • Streamlined Collaboration: Digital management tools ensure that all stakeholders have access to the latest updates, reducing miscommunication and delays.
  • Resource Optimization: Real-time data on material usage and worker allocation enables better planning and minimizes waste.

Flexible and Scalable Network Infrastructure

• • Ease of Deployment: The compact core design simplifies setup and integration, reducing deployment time and costs.
  • Adaptability: The network can scale to include more devices or cover additional areas as projects evolve, ensuring long-term usability.

Reliable Communication and Data Handling

• • Dedicated Spectrum: Operating on a private spectrum ensures the network is unaffected by public network congestion.
  • High Bandwidth and Low Latency: The network supports data-heavy applications like 4K video streaming and IoT data processing with minimal delays, ensuring real-time operations.

Why 5G Was the Right Choice for this Construction Project?

The decision to deploy 5G, specifically on a private network, was driven by its ability to meet the unique demands of construction sites. Key advantages include:

• Low Latency: Enables real-time monitoring and control of drones, sensors, and safety systems.
• High Bandwidth: Handles the large volume of data generated by high-resolution video, IoT devices, and digital collaboration tools.
• Dedicated Spectrum: Guarantees reliable, interference-free operations in complex environments.
• Edge Computing Integration: Processes critical data locally, reducing dependency on external cloud services and improving response times.

Industry Implications and Future Prospects

The deployment at Hoban Construction demonstrates how private 5G networks can address the specific challenges of the construction industry. Samsung and NAVER Cloud plan to expand the use of private 5G across other sectors, including logistics and manufacturing, further showcasing its versatility. By leveraging tailored connectivity solutions, these industries can achieve greater safety, efficiency, and scalability in their operations.

The Transformative Impact of Private 5G on Construction

Samsung and NAVER Cloud’s private 5G network for Hoban Construction exemplifies the transformative potential of advanced wireless technology in enhancing safety, efficiency, and collaboration. By deploying Korea’s first private 5G network for the construction sector, they have set a new benchmark for connectivity-driven innovation, earning the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Construction” award. This partnership highlights the power of 5G to revolutionize traditional industries, providing a glimpse into the future of construction and beyond.