Private Networks

A private network is a dedicated network for an enterprise designed exclusively to meet its specific business needs. The enterprise has full control of the dedicated network. It enables them to restrict network access to authorized people and devices as well as process the enterprise data locally via the edge cloud, ensuring enterprise security and data privacy.

As enterprises initiate their digital transformation journey, they need to connect many devices and applications and process the data generated by them in real-time or near real-time. Sample devices and applications that enterprises need to connect on their private network include automated guided vehicles, sensors, drones, augmented reality/virtual reality devices, or wearables, in addition to the traditional devices such as smartphones and desktops. These connected devices and applications on the private enterprise network demand guaranteed quality of service, i.e., reliable connectivity, low latency, high mobility, high-density support, data privacy, and security.

The traditional connectivity options such as wired ethernet and WiFi have limitations in meeting the enterprise connectivity requirements. Ethernet connectivity though cheap has mobility constraints and requires enterprises to invest in factory remodeling. WiFi limits the number of connections on the access point, in addition to interference and unpredictable latency. Hence, the need for wireless technology such as LTE/4G or 5G for enterprise private network connectivity.

Private 5G/LTE networks offer several benefits for enterprises from a private network perspective, including:

1. Better network coverage and capacity: Private 5G/LTE networks provide better coverage and capacity than public networks, especially in areas where wired or Wi-Fi networks are not available or feasible. This enables reliable and fast connectivity for smart factories and Industry 4.0 applications, enabling better communication between machines, sensors, and workers, which can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase productivity. 
2. Deterministic performance: Private 5G/LTE networks provide deterministic performance, which means that they can guarantee a certain level of service quality, latency, and bandwidth for specific use cases. This enables enterprises to meet the demanding requirements of mission-critical applications and devices, such as those used in manufacturing or healthcare.
3. Security and data privacy: Private 5G/LTE networks offer enhanced security and data privacy compared to public networks. Enterprises have full control over their network, which enables them to restrict network access to authorized people and devices, process enterprise data locally via the edge cloud, and implement advanced security measures to protect against cyber threats.
4. Low latency with edge computing: Private 5G/LTE networks enable low-latency communications with edge computing, which allows enterprises to process data locally and make real-time decisions without the need for cloud computing. This is particularly useful for applications that require immediate feedback, such as those used in robotics or autonomous vehicles.
5. High density and scalability: Private 5G/LTE networks can support high-density and scalable deployments of connected devices and applications, such as those used in smart cities or industrial IoT. This enables enterprises to connect large numbers of devices and sensors without compromising network performance.
6. Flexibility: Private 5G/LTE networks offer flexibility in terms of network design, deployment, and management. Enterprises can customize their network to meet their specific needs, such as integrating with other network technologies or deploying in different locations.
7. Full control: Private 5G/LTE networks offer enterprises full control over their network, enabling them to customize and manage their network to meet their specific needs. This allows them to optimize network performance, security, and reliability and ensure the utmost data privacy.

Overall, private 5G/LTE networks offer enterprises a range of benefits, from better network coverage and capacity to enhance security and data privacy, low latency with edge computing, high density and scalability, flexibility, and full control. These benefits make private 5G/LTE networks an attractive option for enterprises that require reliable and secure network connectivity to support their mission-critical applications and devices.

Please read the 5G Magazine – Private Networks, May 2021 Edition for additional details.

There are several industry verticals that are currently leveraging 5G technology or have plans to do so in the near future. Here are some of the top industry verticals based on our global analysis of 100+ enterprise use cases in-deployment mode/trial -mode:

Manufacturing: Manufacturers are using 5G to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and enable new business models. For example, 5G enables real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes, which can help optimize production and reduce maintenance costs. Additionally, 5G can enable the use of collaborative robots, which can work alongside humans to improve efficiency and flexibility.

Healthcare: Healthcare providers are using 5G to enable remote healthcare applications, such as telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. This can improve access to healthcare services, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, 5G can enable the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for medical training and simulation, as well as remote surgical procedures.

Transportation: Transportation companies are using 5G to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance the customer experience. For example, 5G enables vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, which can improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. Additionally, 5G can enable the use of autonomous vehicles, which can provide safer, more efficient, and more comfortable transportation.

Energy and Utilities: Energy and utilities companies are using 5G to optimize energy distribution, reduce downtime, and improve safety. For example, 5G can enable the use of smart grids, which can optimize energy distribution, reduce energy waste, and improve the reliability of the power supply. Additionally, 5G can enable the use of drones for inspection and maintenance tasks, reducing the need for human intervention in potentially hazardous environments.

Overall, these industries are leveraging 5G technology to drive innovation, create new revenue streams, and improve their operations. There is also increasing evidence of the benefits of 5G technology in these industries, including improved productivity, reduced downtime, enhanced safety, and increased customer satisfaction.

To get high live insights from this analysis, download our free whitepaper “Private 5G Networks and Testing Report“. 

To get an in-depth update on the 5G verticals, subscribe to our premium reports for industry verticals:

• 5G for Smart Manufacturing
• 5G for Smart Healthcare
• 5G for Smart Transportation
• 5G for Energy & Utilities

For additional details, please read the 5G Magazine – Private Networks, May 2021 Edition.

The ecosystem for private 5G/LTE networks includes various players with different roles and responsibilities. Here are some of the key players and their roles:

Telecom equipment vendors: These companies provide the hardware and software necessary for building private 5G/LTE networks. They offer base stations, antennas, routers, and other networking equipment, as well as the software for managing the network.

System integrators: These companies provide end-to-end solutions for building private 5G/LTE networks, including design, deployment, and management. They work with enterprises to identify their specific needs, choose the right hardware and software, and integrate the network with existing systems.

Mobile network operators (MNOs): These companies provide connectivity services for private 5G/LTE networks. They can offer spectrum licenses, network infrastructure, and connectivity services to enterprises, or they can partner with system integrators to provide end-to-end solutions.

Cloud providers: These companies offer cloud-based services for private 5G/LTE networks, such as edge computing, storage, and analytics. They enable enterprises to process and store data locally via the edge cloud, improving latency and security.

Device manufacturers: These companies provide the devices and sensors that connect to private 5G/LTE networks, such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, and IoT devices. They ensure that their devices are compatible with the network and meet the required performance standards.

Regulators: These organizations are responsible for regulating the use of spectrum and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. They allocate spectrum licenses and set rules for the use of private 5G/LTE networks.

Industry associations: These organizations promote the adoption and development of private 5G/LTE networks within specific industries. They provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among enterprises, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Neutral hosts: These companies provide shared infrastructure for private 5G/LTE networks, enabling multiple enterprises to share the same network infrastructure while maintaining their own private networks. Neutral hosts can help reduce the cost of deploying and operating private 5G/LTE networks, especially for smaller enterprises that may not have the resources to build and manage their own network infrastructure.

In summary, the ecosystem for private 5G/LTE networks includes various players, including telecom equipment vendors, system integrators, MNOs, cloud providers, device manufacturers, regulators, industry associations, and neutral hosts. Each player has a critical role to play in building and operating private 5G/LTE networks, enabling enterprises to leverage the benefits of this technology.

Here are some strategies for private 5G/LTE networks for telecom equipment vendors, mobile network operators, and system integrators:

Telecom equipment vendors: Telecom equipment vendors can focus on developing and providing hardware and software solutions that meet the specific needs of private 5G/LTE networks. This includes designing equipment that is easy to deploy, operate, and manage, as well as optimizing equipment for low latency, high reliability, and security. They can also work closely with MNOs and system integrators to provide end-to-end solutions for enterprises.

Mobile network operators (MNOs): MNOs can leverage their existing network infrastructure and expertise to provide connectivity services for private 5G/LTE networks. They can offer spectrum licenses, network equipment, and connectivity services to enterprises, or they can partner with system integrators to provide end-to-end solutions. They can also focus on developing customized service level agreements (SLAs) that meet the specific needs of enterprises.

System integrators: System integrators can provide end-to-end solutions for private 5G/LTE networks, including design, deployment, and management. They can work closely with enterprises to understand their specific needs and customize solutions that meet their requirements. They can also partner with MNOs and telecom equipment vendors to provide a complete solution for enterprises.

Collaborative strategies: Telecom equipment vendors, MNOs, and system integrators can collaborate to provide end-to-end solutions for private 5G/LTE networks. This can involve sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise to provide a more comprehensive solution for enterprises. They can also work together to develop standards and best practices for private 5G/LTE networks, ensuring interoperability and compatibility between different solutions.

Vertical-specific strategies: Telecom equipment vendors, MNOs, and system integrators can focus on specific verticals, such as manufacturing, healthcare, or transportation, and develop solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of those industries. This can involve partnering with industry associations, regulators, and enterprises to develop customized solutions that meet the unique requirements of each vertical.

Overall, telecom equipment vendors, MNOs, and system integrators can adopt different strategies for private 5G/LTE networks, depending on their strengths, capabilities, and market focus. By working together and developing customized solutions, they can help enterprises to realize the full potential of private 5G/LTE networks.

Please read the 5G Magazine – Private Networks, May 2021 Edition, for additional details on private network strategies of Mobile network operators, Cloud and Edge Vendors, Large Enterprises, and CBRS Operators.

Here are some of the top use cases and applications of private 5G/LTE networks for various vertical enterprise sectors:

Manufacturing: Private 5G/LTE networks can be used for factory automation, robotics, and process control. They can also enable predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, and real-time quality control. Private 5G/LTE networks can provide reliable and low-latency connectivity for machines and sensors, enabling better visibility and control of manufacturing processes.

Transportation: Private 5G/LTE networks can be used for autonomous vehicles, smart logistics, and fleet management. They can also enable real-time traffic monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote vehicle diagnostics. Private 5G/LTE networks can provide high-speed and low-latency connectivity for vehicles and infrastructure, improving safety and efficiency.

Healthcare: Private 5G/LTE networks can be used for telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and digital health applications. They can also enable medical imaging, real-time analytics, and precision medicine. Private 5G/LTE networks can provide secure and reliable connectivity for medical devices and sensors, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Energy and Utilities: Private 5G/LTE networks can be used for smart grid management, renewable energy monitoring, and predictive maintenance of infrastructure. They can also enable real-time analytics, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. Private 5G/LTE networks can provide reliable and low-latency connectivity for sensors and devices, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

Public Safety: Private 5G/LTE networks can be used for emergency response, disaster management, and public safety applications. They can also enable real-time situational awareness, remote video monitoring, and predictive analytics. Private 5G/LTE networks can provide reliable and secure connectivity for first responders and critical infrastructure, improving response times and reducing the risk of casualties.

Smart Cities: Private 5G/LTE networks can be used for smart city applications, such as traffic management, public transportation, and public safety. They can also enable real-time monitoring of air quality, energy consumption, and waste management. Private 5G/LTE networks can provide reliable and low-latency connectivity for sensors and devices, improving the quality of life for citizens and reducing the environmental impact of cities.

Overall, private 5G/LTE networks can enable a wide range of use cases and applications for various vertical enterprise sectors, providing reliable, secure, and low-latency connectivity for machines, sensors, and devices. By leveraging the benefits of private 5G/LTE networks, enterprises can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver better outcomes for their customers and stakeholders.

Here are some of the challenges of private 5G/LTE networks:

Spectrum availability: One of the biggest challenges of private 5G/LTE networks is the availability of spectrum. Enterprises need to acquire spectrum licenses to operate their own private networks, and this can be a complex and costly process. In some cases, enterprises may need to share spectrum with other users, which can lead to interference and reduced network performance.

Infrastructure deployment: Private 5G/LTE networks require the deployment of network infrastructure, such as base stations and antennas. This can be a complex and costly process, especially for large enterprises with multiple locations. Enterprises need to ensure that they have the resources and expertise to deploy and manage their own network infrastructure.

Integration with existing systems: Private 5G/LTE networks need to be integrated with existing enterprise systems, such as IT and operational technology (OT) systems. This can be a challenge, as different systems may use different protocols and standards. Enterprises need to ensure that their private networks are compatible with existing systems and can provide seamless integration.

Security and privacy: Private 5G/LTE networks need to be secure and protect enterprise data and assets. This requires strong security measures, such as encryption and access controls. Enterprises also need to ensure that their private networks comply with data privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA.

Skill shortage: Private 5G/LTE networks require specialized skills and expertise to deploy and manage. There is a shortage of talent in this area, which can make it difficult for enterprises to find the right people to manage their private networks. Enterprises may need to invest in training and development programs to build the necessary skills within their organizations.

Interoperability: Private 5G/LTE networks need to be interoperable with other networks and systems. This requires adherence to standards and protocols, which can be a challenge for enterprises that are developing their own private networks. Enterprises need to ensure that their private networks can interoperate with other networks and systems to avoid vendor lock-in and ensure flexibility.

Overall, private 5G/LTE networks offer many benefits for enterprises, but they also come with their own set of challenges. Enterprises need to carefully consider these challenges and develop strategies to overcome them to realize the full potential of private 5G/LTE networks.

Licensed spectrum-based Private Networks are services that are launched by MVNOs/MNOs, and the government procedure for having access to unlicensed spectrum for geo-specific radio frequencies is being simplified and is relatively affordable. In the US, the band access to radio frequencies which are designed to be free was also auctioned off, giving priority access (PAL) to CBRS. Several enterprises and telcos have applied for this PAL for CBRS. Thanks to this, private networks in the US could proliferate.

With the arrival of 5G, regulators in many countries and territories are considering or are already allocating more spectrum to enable private network deployment, with the aim of enabling and encouraging digital industry development. Shared spectrum solutions enable the use of the same spectrum range in a single geographic area by more than one organization.

A systems integrator is key to accelerating private 5G/LTE wireless network deployments for several reasons:

1. Expertise: A systems integrator has specialized expertise in integrating different systems and technologies, including private 5G/LTE networks. They have a deep understanding of the underlying technologies, standards, and protocols that are required to deploy and manage private networks. This expertise can help enterprises to accelerate the deployment of private 5G/LTE networks, reduce the risk of errors, and ensure that the networks are optimized for their specific needs.

2. End-to-end solutions: A systems integrator can provide end-to-end solutions for private 5G/LTE networks, including design, deployment, and management. They can work closely with enterprises to understand their specific needs and develop customized solutions that meet their requirements. This can help enterprises to accelerate the deployment of private 5G/LTE networks and ensure that they are optimized for their specific needs.

3. Vendor agnostic: A systems integrator is vendor agnostic and can work with multiple vendors to provide the best solutions for enterprises. This can help enterprises to avoid vendor lock-in and ensure that their private 5G/LTE networks are flexible and scalable. A systems integrator can also help enterprises to evaluate different vendors and select the ones that provide the best solutions for their needs.

4. Risk management: A systems integrator can help enterprises to manage the risks associated with private 5G/LTE network deployments. They can provide risk assessments and risk management strategies to help enterprises mitigate the risks associated with network deployments. They can also provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that the networks are reliable and secure.

5. Scalability: Private 5G/LTE networks can be complex and difficult to scale. A systems integrator can help enterprises to scale their networks as their needs evolve. They can provide guidance on network design, capacity planning, and resource allocation to ensure that the networks are scalable and can meet the growing demands of enterprises.

Overall, a systems integrator is key to accelerating private 5G/LTE wireless network deployments. They can provide expertise, end-to-end solutions, vendor agnostic approach, risk management, and scalability to help enterprises to realize the full potential of private 5G/LTE networks.

Download our free whitepaper, Why System Integrators are best positioned to lead the network ecosystem.

From requirements and planning to design and installation strategies — below are the necessary steps for deploying an OnGo-enabled private LTE network in the CBRS band.

Step 1: Gathering Requirements

The first step in any successful deployment requires a detailed understanding of the organization’s needs as well as the problems and challenges that it wishes to solve with an OnGo private LTE network. Organizations should begin by identifying the most critical use cases. For instance, a smart building might flag internal communication among staff members or “dead zones” in elevators and hallways. Next, a designated networking team — or an OnGo service provider — can design a system to meet its specific needs. For example, in commercial buildings, facilities might require several smart devices to monitor the building, specifically various support systems within the building that control its features (e.g. security, HVAC, and lighting).

Step 2: Survey & Planning

An organization should then estimate traffic needs within its network and determine the level of bandwidth required to support operations. OnGo is ideally suited for when organizations either have: a lot of devices to control, operations that demand consistent performance, mission-critical reliance on mobility, multiple access points that are difficult to place, or a complex radio environment.For smart buildings, staff members require access to data while working throughout the building. Which devices is the customer looking to support? What are their bandwidth requirements? Do they need to be mobile within the venue or static? How many devices are expected? Will coverage be needed outside the venue, e.g., in the parking lot?

Get details on steps 3, 4, and 5 in the 5G Magazine – Private Networks, May 2021 Edition.