Private networks: the big questions

Private networks are on the way to many countries. Should businesses rush to adopt them rather than miss out on the efficiencies they could offer? Ron Murphy counsels caution.

THE PAST 12 months have seen no shortage of announcements relating to private networks.

Ericsson and operator Telia have launched the Baltic region's first enterprise 5G private network, Ericsson Private 5G. Entel Corp of Chile, meanwhile, has plans to integrate Ericsson’s Private 5G solution within its offering, and partner with communications service providers to deliver it.

Major Indian operator Bharti Airtel and IT services and consulting company Tech

Mahindra hope to deploy India’s first 5Genabled auto manufacturing unit.

Brazilian steel producer Gerdau and Embratel, a player in both voice and data communication, have announced an agreement to roll out a dedicated 5G and LTE private network.

As for Africa, the Ericsson Private 5G solution has been in the news here too; Ericsson has signed a reseller agreement with South African service provider Comsol to provide the solution, which will enable Comsol to expand its enterprise business within South Africa’s mining industry. Meanwhile pan-African operator MTN plans to build private 5G networks for South Africa’s mines and ports.

So what’s the appeal? Control and efficiency, mainly. Private networks give you uninterrupted control of your own dedicated 5G or 4G/LTE communications system. They also promise data usage savings, enhanced traffic flow, better control and greater information security.

Of course, Wi-Fi can do much of this, but any enterprise requiring security, broad coverage, low latency, high mobility and guaranteed quality of service could be attracted to cellular provision, especially now that 4G and 5G are rolling out or available in much of the world.

This is an opportunity for regular operators: they can leverage existing radio expertise and spectrum. Many (like MTN) are setting up divisions to deploy private networks. But the opportunity has attracted new players, such as dedicated private network operators and even enterprise IT departments, working alone or with the help of vendors or service providers.

As for potential end user benefits, a factory, port or mine may benefit from dedicated IoT, edge computing and wireless automation, not just for improved output but for safety. A football stadium may benefit from perfect Wi-Fi and cellular, not just to ensure a good signal but to deliver marketing and information to fans. A hospital may benefit from its own wireless system, not just for alerts for waiting patients, but for the ability to wirelessly track down the right equipment at the right time.

But that also means you need to find the right technology or technologies to deliver your private network cost-effectively. DAS? Wi-Fi? 4G? 5G? Neutral host for multi-operator support? And will you use dedicated public network spectrum reserved for your business (often called network slicing) a standalone private network using unlicensed or private spectrum or something in-between?

The only obvious advice is not to rush into it. Numerous consultancies (such as Real Wireless, a regular guest in these pages) are advising clients on what is right for their needs. They may be a good starting point.

There’s no doubt a private, secure, totally dedicated network has a lot to offer. There’s also no doubt that you shouldn’t buy what you don’t need.