Private 5G Networks: Secure Connectivity for Enterprises

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Consider a smart manufacturing plant that uses Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors for operations like predictive maintenance. Sensors on connected machines transmit critical health and usage data.

This feedback helps manufacturers avoid disruptions. The factory’s network requires secure connections and enough bandwidth to avoid congestion and delays.

In another scenario, industrial drones are used for remote flying inspections. These drones require precise movements to maneuver into unsafe, hard-to-reach areas. They also rely on secure, real-time data and reliable communications.

Public cellular networks and standards like Wi-Fi are often not viable options due to security, cost or lack of network coverage. High data traffic and large-scale device deployments can affect reliability and performance.

For example, Wi-Fi and other proprietary standards can be less resistant to security breaches and hacks. However, private 5G networks can offer security and scalability in all cases.

Why Private Networks?

A private cellular network is a miniature version of a public 5G (or LTE) network. It uses the same cellular technologies as public networks but covers a limited geographic area on predefined spectrum.

With the cellular 5G standard, companies can control and manage their private cellular network. Information technology (IT) departments can regulate traffic and performance. In addition, they can control how bandwidth is used and who has access. As a result, IoT traffic can flow faster and more securely.

A study by Juniper Research forecasted that global enterprise spending on private networks will reach $10 billion by 2028. This is a substantial increase from $1 billion in 2023.

Enterprise companies are attracted to the benefits of private networks. Increasing demands for IoT connectivity, frictionless automation and secure data fuel this growth.

As connectivity becomes more complicated, building strong customer relationships will be essential. Private network vendors should offer ongoing added services and support to keep up with new applications and their requirements.

Organizations choose secure private 5G networks instead of or in addition to public networks for various reasons:

• They have locations or remote sites where public mobile networks are unavailable or not desired.
• They use automated machinery and wireless robots that require uninterrupted high-speed data communication.
• They require networks that support massive numbers of connected devices.
• Industries like health care and smart manufacturing need more control and security for sensitive data sent over the network.
• Mission-critical services (e.g., utilities, public safety and military agencies) need real-time access with the lowest latency and highest security.
• Public venues with different user groups require fast, secure access.

Private 5G Architecture Varies across Verticals

Let’s see how private 5G network architecture enhances the following four industries:

Mining

Mining can benefit significantly from new technologies like automation. However, these sites are often located in remote areas where public networks are unavailable.

Private networks can provide dependable connectivity in remote areas. Plus, they enable automated equipment and sensors designed for predictive maintenance.

Mining sites can achieve complete coverage with far fewer base stations than Wi-Fi requires. They can add voice and push-to-talk applications to support local voice communications on-site.

Private 5G allows mining operators to prioritize critical traffic on one wireless network to support their systems. Mining sites can position base stations deep inside mines or outside blast areas for added safety.

Factories and Warehouses

As factories move toward industrial IoT (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, connectivity is key to their success. Private cellular networks can support a high density of connected devices and sensors. One base station may be enough to connect more than a thousand devices on a factory floor. It can be scaled easily when more access points are needed.

The local cellular network can be integrated with a wide-area public network if an enterprise has multiple sites. 5G data speeds are robust enough to enable video surveillance, sometimes equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) or machine vision.

Security is much higher because the network is on the premises. Keeping all data within the factory network reduces potential outside attack vectors.

Retail and Large Venues

Retail stores and large venues need reliable connectivity for their staff and customers. Retailers also need high-speed, low-power connectivity to personalize the shopping experience.

Many use connected equipment such as shelf sensors and point of sale (POS) systems. Having an Edge Processing Unit (EPC) located directly on-site eliminates the need for sensitive data to travel to a remote server for processing. Response times are improved due to reduced latency, and sensitive data is more secure.

Airports and Seaports

Airports and seaports, blending indoor and outdoor spaces, benefit from private 5G’s flexible coverage options. Its signal penetrates parked planes and docked ships, keeping devices connected. Seamless roaming, even between public and private networks, ensures airport trams and refueling trucks remain connected.

The Evolution from Private LTE to 5G

More than 30 billion IoT devices are expected to be connected by 2025. With massive data exchange and new smart technologies needing faster speeds, private networks have evolved. The latest step of telecom networks is the fifth generation or private 5G networks.

5G connectivity pushed mobile performance from 2.4 gigabits per second (Gbps) with LTE to about 20 Gbps. Technologies like AI need faster wireless data exchange. 5G also offers greater bandwidth and network capacity with lower latency.

5G added to a stand-alone private model allows organizations to use a network that can handle more usage without delays. Its performance rivals wired local area networks (LANs) without the constraints of wires and cables. In addition, it allows the owner to control access and use licensed or unlicensed wireless at their site.

Many companies use public 5G, enabling them to use a combination of public Wi-Fi and a private network. Still, more organizations are adopting 5G for its private network benefits.

Private 5G offers myriad benefits. The 5G standard for private networks and its advanced features lead to greater efficiency and cost savings. In addition to faster speeds and increased bandwidth, it provides:

Latency Management

Latency is significantly reduced compared to 4G LTE and Wi-Fi. Private networks allow your IT team to specify latencies to infrastructure providers, which is critical for industrial automation processes. Latencies with 5G can reach single-digit milliseconds for time-sensitive networks (TSNs).

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Private 5G has the highest level of security. Businesses have complete ownership and control over the network infrastructure. Robust security measures can be implemented to respond quickly to potential threats. 5G offers higher service-level agreements (SLAs), ensuring reliable and consistent connectivity.

Performance

Private 5G brings 5G New Radio’s (NR’s) enhanced features to private networks. These include higher speeds (especially in uplink), high reliability and ultralow latency.

Emerging Possibilities with Private 5G

Private 5G’s high-speed and low-latency features unlock innovative applications. Some of these include enhancements in virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) and autonomous vehicle traffic management.

In the health field, telemedicine applications facilitate clear and seamless video communication between doctors and patients. 5G is a cornerstone for advanced technologies and novel applications that were once considered impractical.

According to RCR Wireless, enterprises see 5G as a utility service, as fundamental as electricity and water.

Optimize Private Network Communication with Telit Cinterion

Enterprises that want to optimize device communication on private networks and manufacturers must ensure their devices run securely on private networks. Cellular modules must operate on and switch between public and private 5G networks securely and reliably. Devices and networks must be set up and tested under real network conditions. Everything must be in a secure and stable environment.

Telit Cinterion is a leading cellular connectivity and SIM technology provider with a comprehensive portfolio of modules, connectivity plans and services, platforms and solutions. We leverage over 30 years of IoT expertise for our comprehensive cellular communication enablement and customer support services. We also provide equipment and embedded software for enhanced testing and diagnostics.

Our cellular modules operate securely and reliably on private and public cellular IoT networks. Telit Cinterion has partnered with leading operators and infrastructure vendors to support private network trials and rollouts for Industry 4.0 deployments. These deployments included leading car manufacturers and the health care ecosystem.

As a trusted IoT enabler, Telit Cinterion offers complete security by design and security by default approaches to cybersecurity. Security is built into each layer of your ecosystem, providing you with end-to-end protection.

Discover our cellular products, which ensure peak performance for private enterprise networks. Speak with our experts to request a review and evaluation kit.

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on 9 July 2020 and has since been updated.