So you want to design and deploy a private 5G network. Seems daunting, right? Well, before you get too intimidated at the prospect, let’s do a quick overview on the subject. After reading this post, we promise you’ll feel much more comfortable at the idea of designing indoor private 5G networks for a variety of use-cases.
What are private 5G networks? How are they different from public 5G networks?
A private 5G network is a local area network that provides restricted dedicated bandwidth using 5G capable spectrum. Typically, major operators are in charge of designing and deploying public 5G networks for commercial use, but a private 5G network allows an enterprise to independently design and manage their own connectivity.
While wide scale, public 5G deployment is still in its infancy, businesses are already exploring the idea of designing their own private 5G networks to take advantage of the benefits offered by the new spectrum.
Why do some businesses prefer assuming the cost and control of designing their own network? In spite of the complexity of in-house, independently managed 5G networks, many organizations feel the advantages outweigh the expenses that come with building their own systems.
Private 5G networks are deployed for several reasons, but typical use-cases can be found in the safety and security industries, as well as in manufacturing and industrial facilities where IoT connected devices are central to business operations.
Let’s go over some of the primary benefits offered by private 5G networks:
Benefits of Private 5G Networks
Unlike public networks, private 5G networks can be configured and customized based on the area and operator’s specific needs. Configurations can vary by site and usually depend on the type of work undertaken in each venue.
Dedicated bandwidth, no risk of congestion
In the medical industry, critical IoT devices for surgery and diagnosis are becoming increasingly common in everyday use. To operate correctly, they need dedicated, low-latency connectivity - it can be a matter of life and death. These instruments simply cannot risk the channel interference that might occur if they’re on the same network that patients in the waiting room use.
Full control over operating methods
Private 5G networks also allow companies to determine the network’s deployment timetable and coverage quality. The network can be maintained by onsite personnel, enabling faster response to technical issues.
Connection security is also often stronger, which protects local communication and information exchange occurring on the network. Security policies can be designed and controlled within the organization, allowing companies to customize the network the way they want. They then maintain control of which users can connect and which data can be accessed within the site.
Network slicing and signal penetration in the industrial industry
A key new feature in 5G is network slicing, which allocates bandwidth to devices based on priority. In the industrial industry, devices that rely on low latency can receive priority connection over sensors which require significantly less data throughput.
Another advantage of 5G in the private industrial sector is the arrival of mmWave, an enhancement which will allow less refraction and signal interference in metal-dense buildings like factories and warehouses.
We’ve only scratched the surface on some of the benefits of private 5G networks. If you want a more in-depth look at the topic, check out iBwave’s free eBook on the subject.
Using iBwave for Private 5G Network Design
Did you know Infovista and iBwave are collaborating to offer a unified solution for indoor and outdoor-friendly network design? Our teams have 30+ years of combined experience in the wireless design industry. Now, we’re teaming up to tackle indoor and outdoor-friendly environments in a tailored solution, allowing users to address new 5G in-building use cases and boost network design efficiencies.
iBwave Design offers several benefits for organizations looking to design private 5G networks. Organizations can import their building floor plan into the software and automatically visualize the network in 3D, making it easy to plan where to place network equipment to ensure optimal connectivity.
Designers can also find the perfect network parts in the built-in iBwave component database. It currently has over 34,000 parts, including 5G and public safety equipment. And with iBwave’s optimization and propagation modules, engineers can take advantage of a new enhancement in 5G technology - beamforming - to build individual waves with a high degree of accuracy and signal strength.
iBwave also offers report generation tools to easily create standardized bills of materials, 5G heat maps, and equipment lists, all of which can be shared with project stakeholders as needed.
Click here to learn more about the iBwave Design Suite.
More Resources
We hope we’ve demystified the subject of private 5G networks, but if you need more information, we’ve compiled content that goes more in-depth on the topic.
Want to learn more about how to future-proof your wireless systems for 5G? iBwave explains how.
If you’re planning to design an outdoor 5G network - public or private - check out how Infovista’s Planet portfolio makes the prospect much simpler.
More of a visual learner? Watch a free webinar on CBRS and private networks led by industry experts.
A big thank you to Infovista for giving us the opportunity to guest on their blog!
Wirelessly yours,
iBwave
