Private 5G refers to a mobile network that is technically the same as a public 5G network, but which allows the owner to provide priority access or licensing for its wireless spectrum.
This can be beneficial when deploying private wireless networks at facilities where coverage, speed, and security capabilities are needed beyond those offered by Wi-Fi and other network technologies.
What is a Private 5G Network?
A Private 5G network is a network that has been created by a private entity and leased to a specific business or organization.
It can be a wireless network or a wired network. A Private 5G network is not available to the public like a public 5G network, and is only accessible by the business that has leased the network from the provider.
Because it is private, a Private 5G network will usually offer higher speeds than a public 5G network and can be more secure than other available options.
A private network is not the same as a virtual network. A virtual network is a network that is created by a company and is then assigned to third parties that lease the network. In a private network, the service provider owns and manages the network itself.
A Private 5G network refers to a type of commercial wireless network that is used for enterprise applications like Smart Cities, Smart Health, and businesses who would like to deploy secure, dedicated, or high-performance networks for their employees or customers.
If a business has a lot of bandwidth requirements, and doesn’t have the demand for that bandwidth from the outside public, they can create a private network and have dedicated access.
A Private 5G network can be deployed on the same frequencies as public 5G networks, or on a different frequency altogether to create an exclusive network.
Either way, a business could use a Private 5G network to provide a faster, more secure, or higher capacity network than the general public or other businesses would have access to.
Types of Private 5G Network
There are two main types of Private 5G network: Carrier-Aggregation and Wireless Network Virtualization (WNV).
1. Carrier-Aggregation Private 5G Network
Carrier-Aggregation Private 5G Network relies on multiple carriers, including unlicensed spectrum, to create a wireless network. The wireless network is then disaggregated via a router or gateway, and the user’s traffic travels over the public spectrum.
This is the most common type of Private 5G network, and is used by AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint to provide their subscribers with upgraded services over their existing public 5G networks.
2. Wireless Network Virtualization Private 5G Network:
Wireless Network Virtualization Private 5G Network uses software, called the Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), to create a virtual network. The VPC acts as a cloud server, holding all of the necessary software and hardware that creates the network.
This makes deploying a Private 5G network easier for providers, as they don’t have to bring in additional hardware or software to create the network.
How a Private 5G Network Works?
To use a Private 5G network, a user connects to a service provider at a specific location where the network is active. The service provider then routes the data over the private network.
As the network provider has access to the hardware needed to create a network, they can customize the network to meet the user’s bandwidth requirements.
When the user leaves their location and connects back to their home network, the Private 5G network is disabled. This cuts off access to the private network and allows the user’s data access to return to the public internet.
Potential Use Cases for Private 5G Network
In the future, Private 5G networks will provide many benefits, including the following:
1. Ultra-Fast Speeds
Private 5G networks will have speeds up to 1-Gigabit-per-second (Gbps), compared to current Wi-Fi networks that max out at around 600 Mbps. This will allow businesses to stream videos in 4K and 1080p, while also supporting virtual reality and augmented reality.
2. Security and Privacy
Private 5G networks will provide increased security and privacy for users. Some 5G networks will be able to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to detect potential threats, like malware and other cybersecurity issues. The network provider could also use AI to optimize the network to ensure the best speeds for the user’s device.
3. Reliability
Private 5G networks will have faster speeds and higher capacity, which will improve reliability and reduce downtime. This could come in handy for businesses that use a lot of bandwidth, like a hospital.
4. Reduced Costs
Private 5G networks could also make it easier for businesses to lower their costs. They could deploy a Private 5G network on the same frequencies as a public one, saving on hardware, software, and installation costs.
Key Challenges of Private 5G Network
Deploying a Private 5G network poses unique challenges, due to the limited range of a Wi-Fi network and the need for secure connections.
The range of a Wi-Fi network is usually limited to about 100 feet, which means that a business could have a Private 5G network at a manufacturing facility or warehouse and it would not be possible for employees to use their devices there without a carrier-approved device.
A business also needs to ensure that it has a clear legal right to lease the spectrum it needs for a network and that it has the infrastructure in place to support it, including the necessary antennas.
Another challenge is the need for a carrier to handle security. The carriers are expected to ensure that the channels used for a Private 5G network are secure and are not being used by any other wireless devices.
They also need to ensure that they have the capacity required to handle the increased bandwidth required by a network like this.
Differences between 5G Public Network and Private 5G Network
Depending on the type of network, some of the key differences between a 5G public network, a Private 5G network, are as follows:
1. The Type of Network
With a public network, the wireless spectrum is open to anyone who wants it, while with a private network, it is only available to the business that has leased it from the provider.
2. Speed
A public network can offer overall speeds similar to those of a Wi-Fi network, but can also provide enhanced speeds under specific conditions, using a technology called Licensed Assisted Access (LAA).
The speeds offered by a private network are typically faster than those of a public network and can reach up to gigabit (1Gbps) speeds.
3. Security
Public 5G has strict rules about securing the spectrum used for the network, starting with the rules that govern who can use the spectrum and how it can be used.
With a private network, the carrier is responsible for ensuring that the channels used to transmit the data are secure and are not being used by other devices.
4. Access
A public network is available to anyone with a device capable of accessing the network, while with a private network, only those who have a device that has been authorized by the carrier can connect to it.
How to Build a Private 5G Network
The main challenges of building a Private 5G network are ensuring that the frequency used for the network is available and secure, and that there is sufficient capacity to handle the bandwidth required by the network.
The carrier or network provider can help with the design and implementation of a network like this.
The carrier or network provider can also help with the deployment of the network, including the selection of the location where it will be built out, and the equipment needed to transmit and receive the wireless signals.
The carrier or network provider can also help with the security of the network, including the design and implementation of security features, such as encryption to ensure that the data is secure.
The carrier or network provider can also help with the deployment of security features, such as the deployment of security cameras or the installation of sensors to help ensure that the network is protected.
Benefits of Private 5G Network
In addition to the above benefits, businesses could also benefit from using a Private 5G network, including the following:
1. Increased security
Private 5G networks will have higher levels of security, like encryption and self-protection, which will allow users to authenticate themselves and access their data. This could also help reduce the amount of bandwidth used on the network, which could save a business money.
2. Faster speeds
Private 5G networks will have faster speeds, which will allow businesses to run more processes and functions at the same time. This could lead to lower costs, as fewer employees could be required to work at once.
3. Lower costs
Private 5G networks could also lower your costs by using the same frequencies as a public network. This could potentially save a business money on hardware, installation, and software costs.
Limitations of Private 5G Network
In the future, Private 5G networks will have several limitations, including the following:
1. Limited availability
Private 5G networks will be more available in urban areas, as there aren’t as many trees and obstructions to block the signals. Therefore, Private 5G networks won’t be as common in rural or suburban areas.
2. Limited spectrum
Private 5G networks will use only unlicensed spectrum, which will be severely limited in the amount of bandwidth available.
3. Hardware requirements
Private 5G networks will require a lot of hardware, like powerful antennas and routers, which can be expensive.
4. Operational challenges
Managing a large number of users, devices, and applications will be challenging for network providers.
Conclusion
A Private 5G network is a network that is not available to the general public. It can be a wireless network or a wired network. A Private 5G network is more secure and faster than a public 5G network and can be more cost effective than a virtual network. A carrier or network provider can help you build and deploy a Private 5G network.
Private networks are also referred to as intranets, extranets, or internal networks.
A Private 5G network is a network that has been created by a private entity and leased to a specific business or organization. It can be a wireless network or a wired network.
A Private 5G network is not available to the public like a public 5G network, and is only accessible by the business that has leased the network from the provider.
Because it is private, a Private 5G network will usually offer higher speeds than a public 5G network and can be more secure than other available options.