The invention of private 5G networks has given businesses a new alternative to legacy wireless solutions like Wi-Fi or private LTE. Let us have a grasp on all the three networking technologies as operators continue to build these with 5G Network Testing Equipment and tools, 5G Speed Tests Tools; RF Drive test tools and perform continuous tests to assess performance and improve it for better Quality of Service (QoS).
Private 5G
High bandwidth, faster speed, and low latency make 5G an ideal technology that most organisations are relying on nowadays. 5G has created a lot of hype and this is no different when it comes to the private networking arena. Industries quenching for high efficiency and productivity across their different branches spread on a larger geographical area can achieve excellent network coverage in all the locations and improve their business growth with private 5G. The use cases implemented with 5G depend on the enterprise requirements. Use cases like wireless robots, 5G drones, AR/VR applications are few examples in the healthcare industry used to perform medical operations and activities. Mobile network operators should take this opportunity to develop several 5G private network solutions and turn such prospects into successful clients.
Wi-Fi
One of the oldest networking technologies in the wireless space and is well-known for frequent use in home and office areas, Wi-Fi is the most widely deployed and most people are familiar with this technology. It was invented in 1997, the year in which IEEE 802.11 was initiated with a set of standards defining communication for wireless local area networks (WLANs). It permits users to access network resources even when they are moving as multiple access points are installed around the coverage area.
Private LTE
In the digital era, as enterprises are digitally transforming their legacy operations, they are preferring private LTE solutions to communicate through a secured network. Having said that, deployment of private LTE solutions across enterprises such as mining, ports, manufacturing, educational organisations, healthcare is expanding continuously. Such private LTE networks can be developed using a dedicated spectrum as well as suitable operating functions and/or components and assets. For instance, the core and radio network management functions can operate on the organization’s infrastructure or from a shared infrastructure from the mobile network operator (MNO). The spectrum used in private LTE networks can be:
1. Licensed spectrum – Provided by mobile network operators
2. Unlicensed spectrum – Anyone can access it
3. Shared spectrum – A licensed spectrum but can be shared (for instance, CBRS)
Connectivity is a prerequisite for every enterprise in this digital world
Any kind of business – small, medium, or large are relying on digital platforms to create awareness about their products and services to consumers and businesses. To thrive in this digital era, it is quintessential for enterprises to develop and sell their applications and services through offline as well as online modes to grow and make more revenues. With industries embracing digital transformation, transforming their traditional operations to operations equipped with next-gen technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cloud Computing, Big Data, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is key to be more efficient and productive; deliver products in less time thereby gaining a competitive edge in the business market. And, this is where private 5G, Wi-Fi and private LTE are playing their various roles in providing top-notch connectivity depending on enterprise requirements.
Private 5G is promising to enable innovative use cases that will add more value to enterprises across multiple sectors such as mining, manufacturing, logistics, etc. Nevertheless, private LTE implemented on a large number of enterprises are already satiating their networking needs, still many others are exploring as to what are the benefits of switching to private cellular networking from Wi-Fi. As per recent research around 200+ global organisations in key sectors, Wi-Fi is expanded to a larger geographical area across several verticals by enterprises whether it is a small or big enterprise. Any type of connectivity – Wi-Fi or private 5G or industrial ethernet has its different sets of capabilities that enable different use cases to support different industries.
Conclusion
With enterprises deploying different types of connectivity solutions to communicate with their colleagues, associates and undergo critical business operations, the biggest challenge is to manage different applications linked to a specific use case. The various fragmented systems make the entire process a bit more complex which is where MNOs can play an active role in managing the network resources in such a way so that the overall productivity of the organisation is increased whether with the use of Wi-Fi or private LTE or private 5G. As wireless technologies like private 5G are enhancing, organisations are deploying it in huge numbers that can serve their requirements and connect onsite and offsite teams to collaborate and progress their activities on a daily basis.
