Business Tips

What is a Private 5G Network?

Private 5G Network with skyline

Before diving into what a private 5G network is we need to establish what 5G is.

You probably already know that 5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology and designed to augment 4G LTE networks and eventually replace them. There are advantages that 5G has over 4G as far as speed, bandwidth, and latency go. Additionally, users of 5G will enjoy faster downloads, reduced buffering of websites, mobile phone games shown in 4K, as well as enjoying enhanced augmented and virtual reality experiences. Moving beyond consumers, 5G technology has the capability to transmit huge amounts of data instantly! In turn, this can create a seamless connection between the physical and digital infrastructure. Now that we have laid the groundwork for what a 5G network is, it is time to dive into the private 5G network pool. A private 5G network is simply a wireless LAN utilizing 5G technology to help develop a network that has dedicated bandwidth and infrastructure designed to meet an organization’s internal connectivity needs. A private 5G network can be extremely beneficial in areas or businesses where speed, coverage and security are needed above and beyond what Wi-Fi and other network technologies can offer.

What are the differences between a private 5G and public 5G network? Private and public 5G networks have some identical features such as lower-latency, high data transmission speeds (up to 10 GB), and the ability to expand coverage to remote areas. Additionally, some of the main differences between a public and private 5G network relate to priority access and isolation. A public 5G network provides access rights to all users through a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and this can lead to network congestion. However, a private 5G network provides the operator greater control to allow varying levels of access based on business-critical activities.

Private 5G networks can allow operators to isolate completely or even, at least partially, an end-user device from an MNO public network. This can serve as a security feature with the capability to reduce threats and limit exposure to any public interface by blocking personal information, intellectual property, and other sensitive information. Private 5G networks are advantageous for developing smart technology assets globally. Allowing a dedicated 5G connection to any location an enterprise wishes to invest in technology and infrastructure.

How does a Private 5G Network work?

Both private and public 5G networks function similarly, however, the main difference is that the private 5G network managers are employees/members of the enterprise’s team instead of mobile network operators managing a more generalized public 5G network.

The primary transmitters of information and service for both types of networks are edge devices, using a wireless spectrum to send data to network infrastructures such as cellular base stations. These network points can transfer the data to the company’s internal private network using a wired connection and these network technologies can then reverse the process by transmitting data to the edge devices.


Private 5G Network Features

A private 5G network is unable to provide ultra-low latency to businesses or enterprises until they have the appropriate mobile connections and equipment:

  • Spectrum access: To make a private 5G network private, a dedicated spectrum of wireless frequencies for their mobile connection is needed
  • 5G hardware and equipment: 5G hardware and equipment used by mobile service operators (base stations, mini-towers, small cells, and next-generation wireless radio antennas, etc.) must be obtained
  • Edge devices: An edge device (a device providing an entry point into enterprise or service provider core networks. Ex: routers, router switches, WAN, etc.) can distribute and offset bandwidth needs which improve latency
  • System integrators/Third-party partners: There are few organizations with the knowledge required to set up a private 5G network. Third-party partners and system integrators have the necessary technological knowledge to ensure that all network tools are properly configured
  • Regulatory features: It is important that enterprises and corporations ensure that regulatory features, as well as policies are installed to ensure that private data can still be managed and secured against unauthorized users.

What are the benefits of a Private 5G Network?

One of the main benefits of a private 5G network is ultra-low latency, below are some of the other benefits private 5G users have enjoyed:

  • Smart Technology Development – with the processing capacity and ultra-low latency available for smart technologies, private 5G networks have made it possible for organizations to develop smart factories that use robotic operators, new IoT devices, and other innovations
  • Isolated Cellular Environment – Highly competitive industries use private network space to help manage all the network traffic and data transmission. Another benefit of the privatized network is the security aspect ensuring that no outside users can easily access the service

Optimum Mobile hopes that this article has provided you with some insight into a private 5G network in addition to the working aspect of a public 5G network. Get the coverage you need on the network that’s leading the competition in reliability, 5G availability and 5G speeds.