Everyone’s talking about 5G Private Networks, and some even say it’s the starting point of the 4th industrial revolution. But is that really the case? We’ve looked into this new alternative to Wi-Fi, and even though there are real benefits to gain – there are still some challenges. In this article, we go through everything you need to know about 5G Private Networks, the pros and the cons.
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What is Private 5G?
5G Private Networks are mobile networks tailored to fit the specific needs and wishes of a company. The network is leased or owned by the user, as opposed to Public 5G which is shared with the public.
There are many advantages to using 5G Private Networks in your enterprise and many organizations are already implementing the new network. In relation to traditional 4G and Public 5G Networks, Private 5G offers:
- Greater connectivity between systems
- Improved performance and capacity
- Enhanced security
- Reduced latency
In addition, Private 5G allows your enterprise to customize the network to your specific processes. Here are the main pros of implementing a 5G Private Network:
1. Pro: Keep your enterprise agile and flexible
5G Private Networks offer organizations both flexibility and agility. If your needs change, you can easily alter the network elements to fit your new expectations. Add, remove, expand, scale up or down without hassle.
Private 5G supports a wide range of devices and applications which gives you scalability. This includes support for frequencies such as low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum. It also supports an array of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices. Additionally, private networks can support a vast number of applications, such as video conferencing, virtual reality, and autonomous vehicles.
2. Pro: Reduce latency with edge computing
Another key aspect of Private 5G is its incorporation of edge computing which reduces latency. Now, what is edge computing? Edge computing is a form of computing where data is processed at the outer edge of the network, rather than in a centralized location. This helps minimize latency while enhancing the responsiveness of the network, making it work faster, smoother, and more efficiently.
3. Pro: Increase security with real privacy
5G Private Network really does mean private. If you want to keep your sensitive data safe, Private 5G is for you! By using edge computing, data is processed at the edge of the network. This lets you keep sensitive data within your own network, rather than sending it to a centralized location where it could be vulnerable to hacking.
You can also create your own virtual networks within the private network. These virtual networks can be used to segment the network and provide different levels of access to different users. This gives you more control and overview of your network!
The main challenges of 5G Private Networks
The hype around Private 5G is real and many enterprises are told to start implementing – yesterday! However, even if Private 5G offers many advantages it’s important to remember it also poses challenges. Below, you’ll find the main cons of implementing a 5G Private Network:
1. Con: Could have uneven coverage
Even if the deployment of 5G is accelerating, depending on where your enterprise is located, 5G might not be accessible. One of the main reasons for implementing 5G Private Networks in your enterprise is to increase speed and capacity. However, if your geographical location doesn’t support 5G coverage yet, you might still have to rely on other connectivity technologies.
2. Con: High cost of new hardware
Implementing 5G and a private network requires new hardware. This is a cost that enterprises have to be aware of and take into account. If a complete update of the WiFi-system was done recently, perhaps the more rational choice would be to wait before implementing 5G Private Networks. In addition, some businesses might also have to redesign their facilities to be more compatible with 5G signals.
3. Con: Implementation and integration
Most enterprises report their biggest challenge is integrating the technology. Managing and deploying a private network is incredibly complex and most companies will not have the required expertise available in-house. If employees don’t have the technical skills to manage a 5G Private Network, it could slow down the whole service.
Do you want to know more about how to implement Private 5G Networks for your enterprise? Read about our specialized course about 5G for businesses here.