Private 5G networks are wireless networks built and operated by private organizations rather than public carriers or service providers. These networks use 5G technology to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity within a defined area, such as a factory, warehouse, or campus. Private 5G networks are the ideal solution for many organizations, and this article will explore use cases, benefits, and the companies providing this service.

Benefits to Enterprise

The primary purpose of private 5G networks is to support the digital transformation of businesses and industries by enabling greater automation, remote monitoring, and data analytics. By deploying a private 5G network, organizations can create a secure and reliable wireless infrastructure that can support a wide range of applications and devices, including sensors, robots, and autonomous vehicles. 

Private 5G networks can help improve security for businesses in several ways. First, private networks offer greater control and customization over network architecture, enabling businesses to design and deploy security protocols tailored to their needs. This includes measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs), which can be useful for creating secure connections between different parts of the network.

These networks provide an additional layer of security by isolating critical data and applications from the public internet. By keeping sensitive data within a private network, businesses can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches, which can have significant financial and reputational consequences.

Private 5G networks offer enhanced encryption and authentication capabilities that can help protect against unauthorized access and data theft. For example, some private 5G networks use SIM-based authentication to ensure that only authorized devices and users can access the network.

Finally, private 5G networks can support advanced security features such as network slicing. This enables businesses to create separate virtual networks with different security requirements, which can be particularly valuable in industries such as healthcare or finance, where sensitive data needs to be kept separate from other network traffic.

Examples of private 5G network applications include:

1. Smart factories: Private 5G networks enable real-time monitoring and control of production lines and machines, improving efficiency and productivity.
2. Port operations: Private 5G networks can support autonomous cranes, trucks, and other equipment, allowing more efficient and safer port operations.
3. Healthcare: Private 5G networks can facilitate remote monitoring and telemedicine services, improving access to healthcare and reducing costs.
4. Mining: Private 5G networks can support autonomous mining equipment, improving safety and efficiency in hazardous environments.
5. Stadiums: Private 5G networks can support high-bandwidth applications such as augmented and virtual reality experiences for fans, improving engagement and revenue.

Overall, private 5G networks offer businesses a range of security benefits that can help protect against cyber threats and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data and applications.

AT&T

An exciting partnership between AT&T and Microsoft has led to innovation within the private 5G networks. AT&T's private 5G networks and Microsoft Azure’s private mobile edge computing combined to become AT&T’s Private 5G Edge.  A significant advantage of this structure over other private networks is the ability to safely and efficiently integrate private and outside networks. This new network structure is not currently available, but AT&T plans to reveal a timeline for the technology within the next year. A project is underway to add an AT&T private 5G network (without Azure initially) at Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Plant in Dearborn, Michigan. 

Verizon

Verizon's approach to providing private 5G networks focuses on offering comprehensive services and solutions that enable businesses to deploy and manage their own private wireless networks. This includes the network infrastructure and the associated software, security, and support services.

Verizon Private 5G Network is “built on-site and can integrate with 5G, Edge, IoT (Internet of Things) and other applications – to give you more security, control, and agility; for true Enterprise Intelligence.” The resulting network provides high-bandwidth and high-speed connection on the business premises to accomplish growing technology and automation demands.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile's private “5G Advanced Network Solutions” for enterprises offer several capabilities to enhance business operations. Similar to plans made by AT&T, T-Mobile will combine aspects of edge computing with private networks. Partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon, and Ericsson will give this platform impressive abilities. Some of the key capabilities are:

1. Low Latency: T-Mobile's 5G network offers low latency, which enables businesses to run real-time applications that require high responsiveness, such as remote-controlled machinery and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) applications.
2. High Bandwidth: Enables businesses to transfer large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. This capability benefits businesses that deal with large datasets, such as those in the healthcare and manufacturing industries.
3. Customization: Allows businesses to tailor the network to their specific needs. This enables businesses to optimize the network for their specific use case and ensure it meets performance requirements.

Start-Ups

There is some competition with the previously mentioned nationwide cellular carriers regarding supplying enterprises with private 5G network solutions. This market competition comes from a growing number of companies solely focused on this task. 

Cradlepoint is a company dedicated to unlocking the power of next-generation cellular technologies. Their expertise in the field led to Ericsson acquiring them in 2020. Since then, Cradlepoint has developed a portfolio of 5G products for use in private networks for enterprises. According to Cradlepoint, some products developed include “low-band to millimeter-wave solutions and external adapters to integrated 5G routers with clean-slate design to support the full speed and capabilities of 5G.”

Another company dedicated to powerful 5G private networks for enterprises is Celona. Their 5G LAN solutions are called the “industry’s only ‘turnkey’ private 5G network.“ The advantage of the systems provided by Celona is their competitive pricing and quick setup, which takes only a few hours. They also offer a broad range of spectrum options and simple integration with the client’s previous networks and equipment.

The Dura Digital Takeaway

Private 5G networks are revolutionizing businesses and industries by supporting their digital capabilities. With greater automation, remote monitoring, and data analytics capabilities, 5G networks allow businesses to take an agile approach to their operations. This means they can quickly adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs. The benefits of 5G are far-reaching and can be seen across industries, enhancing business operations and driving innovation. At Dura Digital, our studios are here to help businesses across any industry understand and begin to maximize their digital potential. Contact us to help you unlock the power of 5G and take your business to the next level!