A private 5G network is a private local area network (LAN) that utilizes 5G cellular technologies and edge device connections to reduce latency, improve storage, and offer enhanced security features. As a result, network traffic and real-time communication are improved, enabling Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and other smart technologies to become more efficient.
Portions of this definition originally appeared on Enterprise Networking Planet and are excerpted here with permission.
What Is the Difference Between Public and Private 5G Networks?
Compared to a public 5G network, private 5G networks offer greater control and flexibility. In a public 5G network, a mobile network operator (MNO) owns and manages both the spectrum and infrastructure, meaning they provide the same level of access to all of their customers.
And while companies must buy spectrum for a private 5G network, they can choose from either an MNO or a government entity. They are also given complete control over infrastructural management, which means they can develop a dedicated bandwidth for their team and avoid the lower latency and security concerns common to public networks.
In addition, investing in a private 5G network means that businesses can more easily expand their network globally if the need arises.
How to Set Up and Use a Private 5G Network
To set up a private 5G network, businesses will need the following equipment and resources:
- Spectrum access is needed for mobile connection and can be bought from the government, an MNO, or another third-party provider.
- 5G hardware and equipment must be compatible with edge devices and can include base stations, mini-towers, small cells, and next-generation wireless 5G radio antennas.
- Edge devices like modules and nodes, smartphones, routers, and gateways must be able to operate on the network’s wireless spectrum in order to distribute and offset centralized bandwidth needs for improved latency.
- Partners and systems integrators specialize in making sure existing network tools and systems are appropriately configured for the new private 5G network.
- Regulatory features enable businesses to manage and secure private data as more decentralized tools like edge devices are added to the network.
Once everything has been set up, edge devices can then use wireless spectrum to transmit service and information to network infrastructures like cellular base stations and other access points.
From there, data is transferred via a wired connection to the enterprise’s internal private network. If data needs to be sent back, network technologies can also transmit data to edge devices.
What Are the Benefits of a Private 5G Network?
Aside from ultra-low latency, other benefits of a private 5G network include:
Smart technology development
With 5G’s processing capacity and ultra-low latency, organizations are able to develop smart technologies like humanoid robotic operations, new IoT devices, advanced AI/ML tools, and smart factories with predictive maintenance.
Isolated cellular environment
A private 5G network gives industries a space that is separate from their competitors to manage large amounts of network traffic and big data transmission. Private 5G networks are also more secure, as they prevent non-company users from easily accessing service.
5G benefits anywhere
Enterprises are able to enjoy 5G benefits, such as increased bandwidth, high data rates, low latency, high security, reliability, and scalability, wherever they want to set up 5G infrastructure. This is possible even if there is currently no public 5G access in the area.
What Industries Benefit from Private 5G Networks?
Not every company has or needs a private 5G network. But, businesses that require low latency, such as manufacturing and healthcare, could benefit from private 5G networking for smart technologies. Companies that work with smart factories, digital twins, edge devices, augmented reality (AR), and IoT devices, as well as precise, real-time operations like robotic surgery, can benefit from private 5G infrastructure.
In addition, organizations with a larger mobile user base, like airports, major amusement parks, large universities, and stadiums, can use private 5G to improve network traffic speeds and to more securely manage different types of traffic.
Interested in developing your own private 5G network? Get started with some of the Best 5G Network Providers for Business here.
