14 01732 759725 CONNECTIVITY The benefits of 5G private networks Dave Stonehouse, Technical Director at NG Bailey IT Services, explains how Private 5G Networks can release the untapped potential of the Internet of Things The power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to increase productivity and drive growth has been discussed for years. However, connectivity challenges mean that to date only a few organisations have realised its potential. That could be about to change with the increased availability of 5G connectivity and the efforts of companies like NG Bailey IT Services, Nokia and Infinigate to accelerate the adoption and deployment of 5G private wireless networks within key sectors. Businesses that heed their call can look forward to the following benefits: 1 Speed A 5G network allows gigabit speeds for data transfer with incredibly low latency of sub 5 milliseconds, giving users access to live data from across their private network faster than ever before. This makes it ideal for data‑sensitive applications in telemetry‑dependent environments. In an industrial or manufacturing setting, for example, it allows an operations team to monitor full process automation and interface into control and SCADA management solutions, enabling them to see anomalies and act on this information to avoid more serious issues such as breakdowns or accidents. 2 Connectivity In combination with 5G’s speed advantage, guaranteed connectivity and latency enable control and commands to be deployed reliably across hard to access or remote areas of a site, connecting all manner of telemetry, sensors, remote vehicle/handheld devices and IoT devices without the need for cabling. 3 Flexibility In the past, businesses would need to use wired local area networks (LANs) to unlock high-speed connections. Equipment was hardwired in place and any change to the layout would usually require new cabling and infrastructure. With a Private Wireless 5G network, all devices connect wirelessly using SIM Cards, giving businesses the ability to adapt their environment far more quickly and simply, especially now that Apple and Android systems have been configured to allow connections to Private Wireless 5G Networks. 4 Scale One of the most common complaints about WiFi networks are blackspots that no signal can reach. While a WiFi network extends just 150 to 300 feet from its broadcast point, needing boosters to extend further, a Private Wireless 5G network can cover thousands of square feet, making it a game-changer for businesses spread across large sites. Moreover, unlike WiFi spectrums, 5G is broadcast on an uncontended frequency and is owned and licensed on the basis that no one else can broadcast into that space. The addition of scale to guaranteed connectivity and manoeuvrability could be the key that enables Private Wireless 5G networks to unlock full automation across larger sites, potentially revolutionising the way ports, warehouses, industrial facilities, distribution facilities and stadiums operate, for example by allowing the utilisation of robots and drones across a full site without fear of network drop-off due to distance or another user launching a WiFi hotspot, both of which can cause bandwidth contention, interrupted/inconsistent service and accidents. 5 Cyber Security In a world of hacks, ransomware and cyber security breaches, a Private Wireless 5G network has significant digital security benefits as it’s a closed network controlled and managed by the issuing of network-specific SIM cards or eSIMs that act as keys to the network. Unlike a mobile phone, which uses a SIM card with a 5G frequency to connect via a service provider to the world wide web, the networks we create are designed to connect only to specific devices via specific SIM cards/eSIMs. 6 Freeing up bandwidth The first five benefits relate directly to the way Private Wireless 5G networks operate. The sixth, often overlooked, is the impact that moving traffic from an existing network onto a Private Wireless 5G network can have. Consider, for example, a hospital WiFi network that is used by patients and staff and for the connectivity of medical devices, comms equipment, hospital records and patient entertainment systems. We are currently looking at use cases for installing a Private Wireless 5G network to connect specific areas of a hospital’s digital infrastructure to improve internal connectivity and free up the WiFi network for other users. The opportunities offered by Private Wireless 5G are almost endless. Talk to an expert about your aims and you may be surprised at the impact it can have on your productivity and your business growth. www.ngbailey.com/services Dave Stonehouse
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