Private 5G: Secure Connectivity for Critical Infrastructure
By Stefan Mahr
August 6, 2024
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Private 5G networks are revolutionizing Internet of Things (IoT) device connectivity, especially for critical infrastructure. 5G’s allure is in its unparalleled capacity in three major areas:
- Handling large volumes of data flow
- Massive IoT deployments at scale from hundreds to billions of connected devices
- Exceptional speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G LTE
Meet the Demands of the 5G Era
5G technology, especially the latest 3GPP releases, offers low latency with ultrahigh reliability for critical IoT use cases. Private 5G provides always-on connectivity and consistent fiber-like speeds regardless of network traffic. These advantages enable IoT devices to communicate reliably and share data faster without straining the network.
High-speed connectivity and increased bandwidth make private 5G networks appealing to industries that support critical infrastructure. Security is vital, so working with a proven, trusted partner is essential.
Traditionally, private cellular networks have been an enterprise-level operation due to the cost of deploying the equipment. However, the introduction of unlicensed bands reduced that cost. Lower costs open private 5G networks to many additional markets.
The private cellular market in North America has grown due to the success of the OnGo Alliance’s OnGo service. With the latest 5G standard improvements, growth is expected to climb.
Markets for Private 5G IoT Devices
The market for IoT devices is projected to generate over $621.6 billion in value by 2030. Enhancements in connectivity are driving new IoT applications and services that weren’t possible before 5G.
This growth is fueling a new ecosystem around private networks in verticals supporting critical infrastructure. These sectors have different needs based on use cases, so each ecosystem will vary.
Here’s how private 5G networks are evolving in several key industries:
Industrial and Manufacturing
The industrial IoT (IIoT) involves multiple devices, from low-power sensors to robots. Private networks based on the latest 5G standards, including 5G RedCap, support IIoT devices with high data volumes and low latency needs. OEMs are creating devices with AI and machine learning that require fast and secure local connectivity for real-time applications.
Oil and Gas
Often located in remote areas offshore or underground, oil and gas operations require robust coverage to keep devices online. Private 5G offers better performance and coverage with higher security than other proprietary standards or Wi-Fi. It comes without the costs of high data transfer volume over public cellular. With better coverage, OEMs can enhance sensors and edge devices with more sophisticated real-time decision-making capabilities.
Transportation Venues: Airports and Seaports
Air and seaports are critical infrastructure. Like oil and gas operations, seaports are outdoor settings prone to Wi-Fi connectivity gaps. While most people envision airports as indoor terminals, they also include large outdoor spaces of connected devices and sensors.
Private 5G networks can significantly reduce downtime. From fuel trucks to runways and beacons, all devices can stay securely connected while requiring far fewer base stations. A dependable connectivity ecosystem allows OEMs to develop more sophisticated, versatile devices.
Power Generation
Like other industrial sites, power plants are often spread across vast areas. As critical infrastructure, private 5G networks suit them.
IoT devices are crucial in remotely monitoring turbines and other machinery transmitting critical data. Telit Cinterion’s cellular modules are the optimal, secure choice for connectivity in private cellular networks, including critical infrastructure. OEMs can then design secure and reliable devices for real-time data analysis.
Mining Operations and Private 5G
Mining sites will benefit significantly from private 5G networks as the industry moves toward autonomous systems. This industry employs numerous IoT devices, including AI-enabled equipment like earthmovers and drilling systems. Other connected equipment for autonomous mining includes GPS locators, video surveillance and telemetry systems.
Health Care
Health care facilities are held to tight regulations around data privacy. Private networks keep data onsite with a robust firewall.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care organizations needed more mobile connectivity in scenarios like field hospitals and pop-up clinics. Private cellular networks offer greater stability in outdoor settings. They require fewer base stations and more coverage with lower latency than Wi-Fi. Private 5G networks are also a better option in remote areas.
Private 5G for Education
University and school campuses are spread over large areas. They include indoor and outdoor venues, making Wi-Fi difficult to guarantee everywhere.
A private 5G network can augment campus connectivity and enable devices that require high bandwidth and low latency. Use cases such as collaborative technology and video conferencing tools are more reliable. Telit Cinterion offers flexible connectivity solutions that allow customers to switch between public and private networks.
Large Retail and Public Venues
Stadiums, shopping malls and other large public venues can enhance connectivity using private 5G networks. In addition to providing access to visitors’ devices, private 5G networks power a growing ecosystem of reliable, secure devices. This is important for digital signage, way-finding tools and security systems.
As private 5G networks expand, OEMs worldwide can produce compatible devices for various industries, including critical infrastructure. While Wi-Fi remains crucial for most industries, especially with Wi-Fi 6, private 5G will be vital in specific use cases. It rivals the performance of wired LANs.
Security in Critical Environments with Flexible Connectivity
At the Global 5G Alliance Summit, GSMA confirmed that 64% of companies worldwide are using or testing private networks. Most of these 30,000 private network use cases are security-related for business-critical processes.
Private networks are often set up in safety-critical environments. An example would be manufacturing plants with public safety networks separate from everyday mobile phone usage. Heightened security is crucial across these areas to protect sensitive information and the safety of personnel and equipment.
In addition, IoT devices that operate in private networks may need to switch to public networks. For example, a continuous glucose monitor on a patient is connected to a private hospital network. Once the patient leaves the hospital, the monitor must connect to the public network. It’s crucial to ensure the app and cloud services have strong security to keep health data safe.
Telit Cinterion offers solutions for seamless connectivity switching between private and public networks. We recognize that your business and your network’s security requirements are unique. We tailor secure solutions across your entire value chain to future-proof your global strategy with flexible connectivity.
Telit Cinterion: An Industry Leader in IIoT and Private 5G
Telit Cinterion is a global IoT enabler. We have proven experience in supporting the development and adoption of cellular solutions.
With over 30 years of experience, Telit Cinterion is the leader in secure IoT solutions from modules to edge devices. We integrate innovative security features throughout your entire IoT solution. This proactive approach ensures you stay ahead of cyber threats.
As the first top-tier IoT and mobile broadband module vendor, Telit Cinterion joined the OnGo Alliance to drive private cellular network innovation and adoption. Our solutions provide enterprises with new options for wireless networking.
Speak with our private network experts to learn how we can bring your organization a full-suite IoT solution.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on 17 July 2020 and has since been updated.
