Introduction: The Journey of Private Networks

Cristina Betanzo: Welcome to Keep It Private, a podcast dedicated to exploring the exciting realm of private networks. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into topics like CBRS, LTE, 5G, and our reliable friend Wi-Fi. We aim to unpack how private networks can resolve enterprise networking challenges and risks.

Hardik Jain: Thanks, Cristina. Together, we’re here to guide you through this conversation. Today, we continue our discussion with industry experts Mark Houts and Jeremy Rollinson. Sit back, relax, and let’s explore the possibilities of private networking.

Challenges in Deploying Private Networks

Hardik Jain: Mark and Jeremy, let’s jump right into it. Considering the unique environments for CBRS deployment, such as outdoor settings, industrial spaces, or events requiring rapid network setup, what challenges have you faced? Are there exciting advancements that you see on the horizon?

Jeremy Rollinson: That’s a great question. Private networks are still in the early adopter phase. While we’re excited about what’s coming, there’s room to grow. Think about the iPhone’s introduction—it wasn’t the device alone but the App Store that revolutionized usage. Private cellular networks offer similar potential as enabling platforms. Imagine application developers no longer constrained by unreliable connectivity. Instead, they could build apps with guaranteed bandwidth and latency. This shift from scarcity to abundance will transform industries.

Mark Houts: Exactly. However, there are practical challenges to overcome. For example, CBRS technology relies on Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), which some devices struggle to process. Updates like iOS 17 have addressed some of these challenges, enhancing how Wi-Fi and private cellular networks coexist. This progress is significant, but more devices need this capability for widespread adoption.

Market Momentum and Awareness Gaps

Jeremy Rollinson: Beyond technology, one of the biggest hurdles is market momentum. Back in the early 2000s, new technologies often came with enthusiastic public case studies. Today, cybersecurity concerns limit the sharing of success stories, creating a visibility gap. Without those public use cases, it’s harder to showcase the benefits of private networks.

Mark Houts: And accessibility plays a role too. Setting up Wi-Fi in its early days was relatively simple—affordable access points and antennas were enough to experiment. Private cellular is more complex, requiring costly equipment and expertise. That said, we’re seeing improvements. Tools are becoming more accessible, and predictive analysis platforms like wireless planners are integrating cellular support.

Devices: Bridging the Gap

Cristina Betanzo: Devices appear to be a crucial part of this puzzle. Do you think limited device support is a major bottleneck?

Jeremy Rollinson: Absolutely. Device support is critical. Take logistics, for example. Zebra is producing devices compatible with CBRS bands, but supply chain issues and pandemic-related delays have slowed progress. If you deploy private cellular today, many devices won’t natively support it, requiring adapters or workarounds. This makes deployment more complicated than it needs to be.

Mark Houts: True. Enterprises are cautious. Many have relied on Wi-Fi for decades, and convincing them to pivot requires demonstrating the tangible benefits of private cellular. It’s not just about adding devices but fostering trust in the technology.

Hardik Jain: Are these challenges purely technical, or do they stem from resistance within organizations?

Jeremy Rollinson: Both. People often default to what they know. Wi-Fi has been the go-to solution for 20 years. Changing that mindset takes time. However, once organizations see private cellular solving issues that Wi-Fi struggles with—like handling high-density environments or industrial automation—they’ll recognize its value.

The Evolution of Wireless Technologies

Cristina Betanzo: Private cellular seems to echo Wi-Fi’s early days. Are there parallels in their evolution?

Mark Houts: Absolutely. When Wi-Fi first emerged, it faced growing pains—technical challenges, device compatibility issues, and adoption hesitancy. Over time, innovations like mesh networking made Wi-Fi indispensable. Private cellular is on a similar trajectory, albeit at a slower pace.

Jeremy Rollinson: Exactly. I was there during Wi-Fi’s infancy, and the potential I see now with private cellular is thrilling. It enables applications and use cases we could only dream of with Wi-Fi. The inertia of existing systems is real, but change is coming. Enterprises will soon see private cellular as a viable alternative or complement to Wi-Fi.

Private Cellular as a Complement to Wi-Fi

Hardik Jain: What’s the role of private cellular alongside Wi-Fi? Are they competitors or collaborators?

Mark Houts: They’re complementary. Wi-Fi excels in certain scenarios, but private cellular shines where Wi-Fi struggles—like ensuring low latency or high reliability in industrial settings. The key is to deploy the right technology for the right use case. For instance, I’m not replacing my home Wi-Fi with private cellular, but in enterprise scenarios, both can coexist effectively.

Jeremy Rollinson: I call this the “Wi-Fi dividend.” When you offload operational technology onto private cellular, you free up your Wi-Fi network to do what it does best—connecting people. This synergy enhances both technologies.

Closing Thoughts: Charting the Future

Cristina Betanzo: As we wrap up, what advice would you offer to professionals considering private cellular?

Mark Houts: My advice is simple: be strategic. Use Wi-Fi where it works best and private cellular where it solves unique problems. These technologies are not mutually exclusive. They’re tools in a toolkit, each suited to specific tasks.

Jeremy Rollinson: I’d add this—explore and experiment. When faced with a new wireless challenge, don’t default to Wi-Fi. Evaluate whether private cellular might be a better fit. And remember, there are resources available to help. Platforms like WaveRiders Wireless offer support and insights for anyone interested.

Cristina Betanzo: Thank you, Mark and Jeremy, for sharing your expertise. To our listeners, stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll delve into devices that are driving the CBRS revolution. Until next time!