Private 5G networks offer transformational

The critical role reliable in-building wireless connectivity plays in a business’ ability to function efficiently has not changed over the years. What has changed, however, is the type of wireless network enterprises use. Traditional Wi-Fi has been the go-to connectivity option for some time, but it’s time that those who still rely on this longstanding wireless network consider a private 5G network, FutureIoT reports.

The manufacturing, logistics and transportation, and healthcare industries are some that could most benefit from a private 5G network, according to FutureIoT. These industries are expected to comprise more than 60 percent of private 5G wireless deployments in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025, according to market research firm Frost & Sullivan.

Reasons to deploy a private 5G wireless network

A private 5G wireless network offers high-speed coverage in large spaces, which can help increase worker safety and productivity. It can also unlock a number of capabilities such as augmented reality (AR) applications, self-driving vehicles, precision robotics and delivering actionable data in real time to help businesses make better-informed decisions.

Businesses also don’t have to rely on telecom service providers when they use a private network. They have full ownership and can decide what can connect to their network as well as how it connects. Additionally, businesses can create usage policies to limit what a device can access once it’s connected to their private network.

Private networks can also be more cost effective. It’s typically less expensive to own a wireless network than to operate on a traditional one. Enterprises can also prioritize their operation costs more easily and have more room to pivot as apps are deployed faster.

There’s also the reliability factor to consider. Private networks can function more effectively in a large industrial environment than Wi-Fi, which might not be able to maintain connectivity in certain spots of the building. Interference, physical obstruction and distance can all create these weak connectivity spots, which private networks, seek to alleviate, according to Future IoT.

Finally, private 5G networks are more secure than their predecessors. Businesses can apply more advanced measures, such as Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-based authentication methods. The technology also allows for allocation of security roles by devices so enterprises can more easily control their systems and remain secure. The strong security systems private wireless networks can provide also minimize the chances of hackers accessing it.

Working with the right partner

Tech leaders can be hesitant to deploy a private 5G network despite the potential benefits, FutureIoT reports. Some of this hesitancy comes from misconceptions about deploying a private network—that it would require overhauling the entire digital infrastructure or that a business’ operations would be disrupted. Meanwhile, some business owners just haven’t been made aware of how beneficial a 5G private network can be.

Some of this hesitancy can be averted if enterprises understand the spectrum they’re going to use and pair it with the tech they’re going to deploy. It’s critical businesses work with a partner that knows how to secure the spectrum in their respective country, as well as how to integrate with the local area network, wide area network and the public cloud. These steps help ensure that data can be transferred and analyzed.

“Select a trusted and informed partner to help secure the right spectrum, as industries are often unaware of what’s available to them,” FutureIoT said. “A good partner will guide the organization in finding what is available and works for them.”