The concept of the private network is not new. However, it takes a new form with 5G. Before we jump to the private 5G network, let us simply understand what exactly a private network is.
A private network is any connection within a specific network where there are restrictions to promote a secure environment. It is configured in such a way that any device outside the private network cannot access it. Depending upon the settings in the network routers and access points, only the selected devices can access the private network. We can sometimes refer to it as non-public networks (NPN).
In contrast, a public network is one that anyone can connect to without any restrictions.
Businesses and companies today heavily rely on private networks because of their reliability, security, and availability. This type of network provides high speed and low lag, allowing them to perform their operations swiftly.
With the inception of the fifth generation of cellular networks, the gap between physical production and digital technology has been bridged. Its real-time data capabilities are helping businesses and companies create more powerful, next-generation applications and enhance automation.
Let us now shed light on the main topic – a Private 5G Network.
What is a Private 5G Network?
A private 5G network is similar to the public 5G network accessible worldwide, uses the same technology, and provides some of the same benefits. The only difference is that it is private; hence, not accessible to everyone.
With the private 5G network, it is the authority of the owner to offer priority access or licensing for its wireless spectrum. When there is a need for high speed, security, and coverage beyond those offered by public networks, a private network comes in handy.
Private 5G networks are deployed for non-public use and can be observed usually in factories, hospitals, schools, buildings, or offices. Anyone outside a specific infrastructure equipped with a private network cannot access it.
Many technical aspects of private 5G are similar to public 5G as provided by mobile network operators (MNOs). Also, private 5G replaces 4G LTE as the next-generation wireless technology, provides high throughput and lower latency, and expands coverage to remote areas.
Read: How Fast is 5G? 5G vs 4G Explained!
Private 5G Models
The following are different models for designing, deploying, and operating a private 5G:
- Wholly Owned and Operated Private 5G: In this model, an organization owns all network equipment, spectrum, private clouds, and everything required.
- Hybrid Public-Private 5G Network: This model allows businesses to own or lease on-premises equipment. They can use private or public cloud services to host the network.
- Private 5G: It is delivered via network slicing, which comprises an on-site Radio Access Network (RAN) and other equipment.
- Neutral: It hosts a network with RAN and signal sharing.
Benefits of Private 5G Network
A private 5G network comes with multiple advantages that one cannot experience in the public one. They are as follows:
- Controlled Network Load: As public 5G is accessible to anyone, it may sometimes get overloaded or bogged. Thousands of devices on a network compete for high speed. However, this is not the case with private 5G, as only limited users can access it.
- Security: Undoubtedly, private 5G provides improved and high-grade security. As it is deployed on a specific organization’s site and provides connectivity to only authorized devices, it prevents all other unauthorized devices from accessing the internet. This ensures security and reduces the risk of threats.
- Increased Speed and Bandwidth: Obviously, you get high speed and bandwidth with a private 5G network because only a limited number of devices can access the internet.
- High Scalability: Private networks are easy to scale up and down as per an organization’s needs.
- Greater Efficiency: Primate networks are highly efficient and improve business performance by ensuring the safety of operations.
How are Private 5G Network Deployed?
There are two ways to deploy a private 5G network:
- Buy hardware and ask your existing network operator to deploy the network.
- Purchase a 5G spectrum and deploy everything from scratch.
3GPP describes the above two ways as follows:
- The public network-integrated non-public private network (NPN) is deployed with the help of PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network).
- The stand-alone NPN (SNPN) is deployed with the help of an NPN operator and does not rely on PLMN.
The best example of an NPN operator is Verizon Business. It allows businesses to deploy their own private 5G on their sites.
Also Read: What are 5G Cell Towers? How Do They Work?
Private 5G Network Ranges and Use Cases
Ranges
From a few thousand square feet to dozens of square kilometers, the ranges of private 5G can cover anywhere. However, the range depends on the radio transmitter’s power and the type of band.
| Band | Ranges |
| Low-band | Less than 1 GHz Covers hundreds of square miles Provides a speed of fewer than 300 Mbps |
| Mid-band | Up to 6 GHzSeveral-mile radius Can reach low Multigigabit speeds |
| High-band or mmWave | Less than a 1-mile radius today Mid to high Multigigabit speeds |
Use Cases
- Manufacturing
- Logistics and warehousing
- Hospitality and venues
- Education and universities
- Fixed wireless access (FWA) providers
- Industries
How Do Public and Private 5G Networks Differ?
The primary between both networks is the priority access and isolation. Public 5G is accessible to everyone across the globe, sometimes leading to network congestion.
In contrast, private 5G provides access to limited users, and the operator or owner has the right to change the priority access. This means critical network activities get priority in private 5G, while less-critical activities have low priority, or you can offload them to another network.
Another significant difference is security. Operators of private 5G can partially or completely isolate specific user devices from the network. This, in turn, reduces security risks.
Recommended: Where is 5G Available in the US?
Conclusion
This was all about the private 5G network. It is a non-public network deployed using licensed, unlicensed or shared spectrum. Only authorized user devices can take advantage of the private network, as it is not accessible to everyone. It provides ultra-high speed, bandwidth, and security. Also, it eliminates network congestion, as experienced in public 5G networks. I hope this article has helped you understand private 5G. If you have any doubts, let us know in the comments.
