Private 5G Networks

The improved speed and latency of 5G can improve various industries including automation, entertainment, and IT. Because of its widespread applicability, more and more network providers—such as Verizon and T-Mobile—are working on rolling out 5G to the public. However, companies and organizations have the option of taking a different route by looking into building their own private 5G networks to improve their connectivity.

Benefits of Private 5G Networks

A private 5G network, also known as a local or non-public 5G network, is a local area network that provides dedicated bandwidth using 5G technology. Although the telecommunication industry is currently building the needed infrastructure and network gear to support 5G, there has not yet been a widespread rollout.

“5G deployment is still in its infancy, and we use movement from standardization bodies implementing models for Industry 4.0 or smart buildings as an indicator that the 5G private network is a foundational component for their future,” says Jon Abbott, EMEA technology director of Vertiv.

Many companies are working with service providers to use these developing networks, but some prefer the advantages that come with building their own private 5G systems.

A large component in the growth of private 5G networks is the release of an unlicensed spectrum for industry verticals. It gives businesses the option to deploy a private 5G network without having to work with an operator.

Because a private network can be designed for protection and human safety, sensor control, and security, the improved bandwidth is ideal for various use cases in multiple industries.

Benefits of a private network include:

• Reducing the company’s dependence on providers, thereby allowing full control over operating methods
• Separate data processing and storage
• Security policies can be designed and controlled within the organization, allowing companies to customize the network the way they want 
• The overall high speeds, low latency, and application support of 5G

Risks of 5G

Although there are many benefits, faster network do still come with risks. For example, the improved speed and latency can inadvertently create new avenues for cyber-criminals. As more systems go wireless, the more sources cyber criminals can attempt to hack. Furthermore, the growing adoption of 5G is increasing alongside the use of 5G-enabled devices. Because many of these devices are interconnected to various systems through the Internet of Things, the probability of a data leak increases.

Businesses need to take the proper steps to secure their systems in order to ward off cyber criminals as they attempt to take advantage of the fast speeds of 5G. When the implementation of 5G begins, organizations must have security systems, such as firewalls, VPNs, malware software, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), in place.

Preparing for 5G

As 5G advances, many organizations are getting ahead of the curve by investing heavily in this telecommunications technology. Is your organization ready? Consider training your team with 5G Networks, a course program from IEEE and Nokia, which will be released later this year.

Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today to learn more about the program.

Resources

Millman, Rene. (15 August 2019).Private 5G networks: Are they the right choice for you?. Computer Weekly.

Dinha, Francis. (17 September 2019).5G Is Coming — What Does It Mean For Businesses?. Forbes. 

(9 September 2019). Non-public 5G networks will be a critical building block of your enterprise network strategy. ZDNet

Mudrakola, Sukesh. (18 September 2019). PRIVATE 5G NETWORKS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. TechGenix.