Private 5G Networks

In conversation with Bhupesh Agrawal, Director: Private Networks & Edge Computing *Intel*

Private 5G Networks

Reshaping the Future

5G networks are divided into two broad categories: public and private. While the world prepares for the roll out of the latest generation of cellular technology, discussions are underway around the features and capabilities of these two key drivers broad segments of this next-gen connectivity.

Communication Service Providers today are investing billions of dollars in 5G networks. However, while this will help to deliver super-fast downloads for an average consumer, carriers are fast recognizing that focusing solely on public 5G would not allow them to monetize the true potential of the technology 5G

Enter private 5G. Private, or Enterprise 5G, has emerged as the next big thing for transforming the global 5G landscape and solving some of the traditional challenges of enterprises.

Toward a Revitalized Enterprise Connectivity Ecosystem

An enterprise network typically comprises of wired and Wi-Fi solutions. While Wi-Fi can help meet the mobility requirements for today’s businesses, it suffers from a host of challenges including dead spots, a lack of reliability, enterprise security etc. On the other hand, wireline LAN connectivity provides the required reliability but it lacks mobility and flexibility. Wireline connectivity also comes with higher infrastructure cost ranging between USD 100 and 200 per foot basis (image the cost for a factory spread in acres). With modern operations involving even larger spaces, mobility and in some cases last mile connectivity as compared to before, these can prove to be a deal-breaker in many circumstances or in the path of digital transformation across IoT verticals like Industrial, Education, Ports and Transportation, Entertainment, Precision Agriculture etc.

Therefore, as the pace of digital transformation accelerates across IoT verticals, we are left facing a scenario where reliable, robust, and cost-effective connectivity is a vital determinant of continued business success. The need of the hour is for a transition to a network capable of taking over from the existing wired and wireless connectivity technologies.

Private 5G networks have proved to be major differentiator in this regard. Today, the world is awakening to the potential of private 5G. While the US has started using CBRS, Germany offers a frequency range of 3.7 to 3.8 GHz, while China is providing in the 3.3-3.4 GHz range. India has also recently opened up spectrum for private enterprises. From an 5G ROI perspective, I feel that it is quite obvious that the emphasis is on enterprises. Hence, while there is a natural transition from LTE to 5G across public networks, the future of a revitalized enterprise connectivity and a robust technology landscape lies with private 5G.

Streamlining Digital Transformation Journeys

The pace of digital transformation is accelerating across the globe. With the rise in the number, expanse, and intensity of these initiatives, we are witnessing an unprecedented surge in the demand for end-point nodes, including phones, tablets, smart sensors, gateways and other devices, whether or not they are connected to a network.

There is also a shift in the industry focus, with Artificial Intelligent based automation processes and that is driving up the need for real-time monitoring and maintenance capabilities – a scenario that further underscores the need for reliable, secure, high bandwidth and high-speed network connectivity.

As more businesses adopt to this emerging digital paradigm, the availability of spectrum continues to rise across the globe by the respective governments.

However, organizations are not experts in leveraging the capabilities and competencies of the 5G technology. They need to rely on a partner, including system integrators and carriers, for setting up and managing their private 5G networks.

Preparing for the Future of Technology

We have been witnessing a whole new paradigm on the private 5g front – representing a mix of interesting challenges across IoT verticals and opportunities that hold out great promise for tomorrow. While the present transition may appear to have been stymied by a combination of factors, including an innate urge to drive and achieve perfection, I am hopeful that the positive takeaways from these developments will only outweigh the present odds.

Once the private 5G revolution (and it is indeed one) takes off, we will also witness the introduction, adoption, and expansion of edge infrastructure, which would redefine the computing and connectivity paradigms in vogue. Further, as initiatives like Open-RAN continue redefine the technology and business models, we can expect a reshaping of the future of connectivity and technology.