Abstract:

While most discussions around 5G have focused on public networks that are available to consumers, there is another aspect of this technology that is equally promising: 5G private networks.

Private networks are closed communication networks that are used by a single organization or group of organizations for specific purposes.

Private 5G networks can be used by businesses and industries, and despite the potential benefits, the implementation of 5G private networks presents a range of technical challenges that need to be addressed.

This article provides an overview of 5G private networks, including their architecture, use cases, challenges, and solutions. We also discuss the potential impact of 5G private networks on various industries and applications and explore the future outlook for this emerging technology.

What is Private 5G Network?

A private network is a communication network that is used by a single organization or a group of organizations for specific purposes. Private networks are typically closed, meaning that only authorized users are allowed to access them.

In the context of 5G technology, a private network refers to a closed 5G communication network that is used exclusively by one organization or group of organizations.

Use Cases & Advantages of Private 5G Network

Private 5G networks have a variety of potential use cases across different industries. Some examples of use cases for private 5G networks include:

• Industrial automation and smart factories: Private 5G networks can provide reliable and high-bandwidth connectivity for industrial automation and control systems. This can enable real-time monitoring and control of factory equipment, as well as the deployment of robotics and other advanced automation technologies.
• Logistics and transportation: Private 5G networks can provide reliable and low-latency connectivity for logistics and transportation systems. This can enable real-time tracking and management of goods and vehicles, as well as the deployment of autonomous vehicles and drones.
• Healthcare: Private 5G networks can provide secure and high-bandwidth connectivity for healthcare applications, such as remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and medical imaging. This can enable faster and more accurate diagnoses, as well as more efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Compared to public 5G networks, private 5G networks offer several advantages.

First, private networks provide greater control and customization over the network infrastructure, allowing organizations to tailor the network to their specific needs. This can include features such as customized Quality of Service (QoS) settings, network slicing, and network optimization.

Second, private networks offer greater reliability and security compared to public networks. Because private networks are closed, they are less susceptible to interference and congestion from other users.

Additionally, private networks can be secured with advanced encryption and authentication protocols, which makes them less vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Private 5G networks can be used by a wide range of industries and businesses to support various applications. For example, in the manufacturing industry, private 5G networks can be used to support industrial automation and control systems, which require low latency and high reliability.

In transportation, private 5G networks can be used to support autonomous vehicles and traffic management systems, which require high-speed and reliable communication.

In healthcare, private 5G networks can enable remote surgery and patient monitoring, which requires high-bandwidth and low-latency communication.

Difference between Public and Private 5G Networks

Figure 1: Difference between Public and Private 5G Networks

In a deployment scenario where a private network is used, it is physically and logically separated from a public network. This standalone private network can be isolated from the public network using local 5G spectrum, rather than the licensed spectrum of a mobile network operator (MNO). However, if specific use cases require it or there are regulations to follow, licensed spectrums can also be used.

All network functions, including gNB, 5G core control plane, and user plane, are deployed on the enterprise premises, such as a factory or building, as shown in Figure 1. By having an independent 5G network with all the functions available, an enterprise can apply innovative 5G technologies relevant to their operations, without being limited to traditional wired Ethernet or wireless LAN solutions.

A standalone private network offers several advantages, such as security and privacy, ultra-low latency, customized quality of services, and autonomy.

The independent network ensures security and privacy by preventing the leakage of internal traffic and subscriber-related information. With all network functions located on-premises, the network delay between the device and the application server is short, enabling ultra-low latency services like motion control applications.

The network configurations of private networks can be customized to meet the requirements of the enterprise applications, unlike the typical configuration of the public network. The configuration includes all parameters that can affect the key performance of data rate, reliability, latency, as well as uplink/downlink frame structure.

Additionally, the nature of a standalone private network guarantees its independent operation, even if any failures occur on the MNO’s public 5G network.

However, the purchase and deployment of an entire 5G network, which involves wireless technologies, can be a challenging alternative solution for enterprises lacking experience and know-how of telecommunication technologies.

That’s why it’s important to select a vendor like Samsung with the knowledge, experience, and service support to effectively implement and customize the 5G network for your enterprise.

Radio Transmission Ranges

Private 5G networks have a wide range of coverage options, from small indoor networks covering just a few thousand square feet, to large outdoor networks spanning many square kilometers.

The actual range of a private 5G network depends on several factors, including the power of the radio transmitter, the frequency band being used, and the specific needs of the user.

Table 1: Private 5G networks Transmission Ranges

The table illustrates the approximate radio transmission ranges for private 5G networks across different frequency bands.

For example, a private 5G network operating on the low-frequency band of 600 MHz may have a range of several kilometers, while a network operating on the high-frequency band of 28 GHz may only have a range of a few hundred meters.

The table also highlights the range of a private 5G network in various other frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, which are commonly used for Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies.

In general, higher frequency bands offer faster data transfer rates but have shorter range and lower penetration through obstacles, while lower frequency bands have longer range and higher penetration but offer lower data transfer rates.

It’s important to note that the ranges listed in the table are approximate and can vary based on the specific use case and the equipment used.

Architecture of Private 5G Network

The architecture of a 5G private network is like that of a public 5G network, but with some important differences.

In a public 5G network, the network infrastructure is owned and operated by a service provider, such as a mobile network operator. In a private 5G network, however, the network infrastructure is owned and operated by the organization or group of organizations that are using the network.

The architecture of a 5G private network consists of three main components: the user equipment (UE), the base stations, and the core network.

The UE refers to the devices that are used to access the network, such as smartphones, tablets, or IoT devices. In a private 5G network, the UE is typically owned by the organization that is using the network and can be customized to meet their specific needs.

The base stations, also known as gNBs (gNodeBs), are the radio access network (RAN) components that connect the UE to the core network. In a private 5G network, the base stations can be owned and operated by the organization or can be provided by a third-party vendor.

The core network is the backbone of the 5G network and is responsible for managing the communication between the UE and the internet or other networks. In a private 5G network, the core network can be implemented on-premises, or can be hosted in a cloud environment. The core network includes several components, such as the authentication and authorization function (AAF), the policy control function (PCF), and the session management function (SMF).

One of the key differences between public and private 5G networks is the way in which the network slices are implemented. Network slicing refers to the ability to create multiple virtual networks on a single physical network infrastructure. In a public 5G network, the network slices are typically created and managed by the service provider. In a private 5G network, however, the organization that owns the network can create and manage their own network slices, which allows them to prioritize traffic and allocate resources according to their specific needs.

Overall, the architecture of a 5G private network offers greater control, flexibility, and customization compared to a public 5G network, which makes it well-suited for businesses and organizations that require high levels of reliability, security, and customization.

Challenges and Solutions for Implementing 5G Private Networks

While 5G private networks offer many advantages, there are also several challenges that must be addressed in order to successfully implement them.

These challenges include the high cost of deploying and maintaining the network infrastructure, the complexity of managing the network, and the need for skilled personnel to design and operate the network.

• Spectrum availability: Obtaining the necessary spectrum for a private network can be a challenge, especially in countries where spectrum allocation is tightly controlled by regulators. Solution: Working with regulators to obtain the necessary spectrum and using available spectrum efficiently through technologies like Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) can help address this challenge.
• Cost: Implementing a private network can be costly, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Solution: Service providers can offer private network solutions on a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis, reducing upfront costs.
• Managing complexity: Another challenge is the complexity of managing the network. Private 5G networks are highly complex and require specialized skills and expertise to design, deploy, and operate. This can be a challenge for organizations that do not have a dedicated IT team or that lack the necessary technical expertise.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to these challenges. One solution is to partner with a third-party vendor that specializes in private 5G network deployment and management.

Solutions for Private 5G Networks deployment

For implementing 5G private networks, and the specific solutions vary depending on the company and the needs of the enterprise.

Some of the solutions proposed by companies include:

• Ericsson: offers a range of private network solutions, including 5G Standalone (SA) and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) solutions, network slicing, and network automation. Ericsson’s private network solutions can be customized to meet the specific needs of different industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
• Amazon: AWS Private 5G is a managed service that makes it easier to deploy, operate, and scale your own private mobile network, with all required hardware and software provided by AWS.
• Nokia’s private network solutions include 5G standalone networks, edge cloud computing, and network slicing. Nokia also offers a range of network services, including network design, deployment, and management.
• Huawei: offers private network solutions for different industries, including transportation, energy, and public safety. Huawei’s solutions include 5G standalone networks, network slicing, and edge computing. Huawei also offers network planning and optimization services.
• Samsung: offers a range of private network solutions, including 5G standalone networks, network slicing, and edge computing. Samsung’s solutions can be customized to meet the specific needs of different industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
• Cisco’s private network solutions include 5G standalone networks, network slicing, and edge computing. Cisco also offers a range of network services, including network design, deployment, and management.
• Qualcomm’s private network solutions include 5G standalone networks, network slicing, and edge computing. Qualcomm also offers a range of network services, including network design, deployment, and management.

These solutions can be customized to meet the specific needs of different industries and can include network services such as design, deployment, and management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a private 5G network is a closed 5G communication network that is used exclusively by one organization or a group of organizations for specific purposes.

Private 5G networks offer several advantages over public networks, including greater control, customization, reliability, and security. It can also support a variety of use cases in different industries, such as industrial automation, logistics and transportation, and healthcare.

The radio transmission range of a private 5G network depends on several factors, including the frequency band being used, the power of the radio transmitter, and the specific needs of the user.

The future outlook for 5G private networks in various industries and applications is promising, as the technology has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate and deliver services.

the use of private 5G networks has the potential to enable businesses to customize their network infrastructure to their specific needs.

Private companies that provide private 5G network services can play a significant role in shaping the future of businesses.