Explore the growing significance of private 5G networks in revolutionizing industrial operations and learn how partners like NCS and Celona empower these networks to create a safer, more efficient, and innovative future.
Nowadays, anyone with a mobile device knows how important reliable 5G networks are to our everyday lives. From accessing critical information, streaming video to GPS, what would we do without it? The challenge is that today’s reliance on 5G is not just about personal use. There’s a growing reliance on private 5G networks to tackle a host of connectivity challenges faced by companies that are stymied by traditional Wi-Fi and public cellular services.
Let’s examine the real-world implications of private wireless solutions and how industry leaders such as Celona have assisted companies in achieving real-time collaboration, streamlining data accessibility, and enhancing safety and data analysis.
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What Drives Private 5G Today?
One of the primary drivers for embracing private 5G is the demand for expanded connectivity, especially in vast industrial complexes and sprawling outdoor areas. These networks ensure seamless, high-speed, low-latency and reliable connections, which are imperative for the smooth operations of business-critical applications such as connected workers, IoT, real-time data processing, robotics, and video conferencing. Additionally, the availability of shared cellular spectrum (such as CBRS in the US) eliminates the need for expensive spectrum licenses and the dependence on public cellular services, making it a cost-effective choice.
Furthermore, the rapid proliferation of mobility and essential business applications that are contingent on wireless technology necessitates more deterministic wireless solutions. Traditional Wi-Fi often grapples with performance, reliability, security, and coverage issues. Private 5G networks are tailor-made to combat these challenges, delivering consistent and predictable performance. Augmented security, broader coverage including at areas with hazardous environments and cost-efficiency amplify the appeal, making them a compelling option for modern businesses across several industries.
The Private 5G platforms also work well when deploying Neutral Host technology, an alternative to Distributed Antenna System (DAS) , within the plant allowing public carrier calling on the private network infrastructure. In addition to providing the benefits of private 5G network, it is 40-60% lower TCO and can be operational in weeks compared to expensive and long deployment cycles with DAS.
Private 5G networks are engineered to meet the ever-evolving connectivity prerequisites of contemporary enterprises, positioning them as an attractive prospect for those relying heavily on wireless technologies for their critical operations.
Power to the People: How to Reach Every Corner of a Harsh, Networked Environment
The infrastructure for a 5G private wireless network in demanding environments, like petrochemical and manufacturing plants, is paramount to ensuring a robust power and internet supply. Large-scale industrial operations often span extensive areas, and these networks must cover every nook and cranny to facilitate seamless connectivity. To tackle this, we typically employ a combination of strategies.
Powering the network
For power supply, a key approach is to leverage a mix of grid power and on-site generators. In places where grid power is available, it’s the primary source. However, since reliability is non-negotiable in these environments, backup generators may be used to ensure uninterrupted service during grid outages. Additionally, renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, are sometimes integrated to reduce environmental impact and enhance energy resilience. For most customers, a DC power supply is housed within an Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF), and dedicated cabling connects to the main grid for the facility or the building itself.
Internet Connectivity
In terms of internet connectivity, fiber optics reign supreme. While Wi-Fi is common for general office spaces, large or harsh environments demand higher bandwidth and reliability of fiber. This infrastructure may require extensive cabling, and engineers often employ conduits and rugged fiber-optic cables to safeguard them from demanding conditions. Point-to-point wireless links or satellite connections can bridge the gap for remote or hard-to-reach areas. These solutions ensure that the 5G private wireless network is powered and connected even in the most challenging industrial settings, enabling real-time data transfer and reliability.
The infrastructure for a 5G private wireless network in demanding environments, like petrochemical and manufacturing plants, is paramount to ensuring a robust power and internet supply. Large-scale industrial operations often span extensive areas, and these networks must cover every nook and cranny to facilitate seamless connectivity. To tackle this, we typically employ a combination of strategies.
Utilization of Existing Infrastructure
Using existing cellular towers to power and connect a 5G private wireless network is feasible in certain scenarios, especially if the towers are already available. These towers can provide an advantageous foundation, particularly regarding coverage and infrastructure support. However, if we use these existing towers, we consider several factors, such as the tower location, access, available spectrum, and the need for any necessary modifications or upgrades. Integration may require collaboration with cellular carriers or obtaining the required regulatory approvals, which can be complex. Furthermore, it’s essential to ensure that the tower’s power supply and backhaul connectivity meet the specific requirements of the private 5G network, as these aspects can differ significantly from traditional cellular deployments. While leveraging existing towers can offer advantages, it is a case-by-case assessment, and customization is often necessary to determine the suitability and practicality of that approach.
Click here to view Celona’s case study, “Showcasing the benefits of private 5G with LyondellBasell.”
Let’s Talk Private 5G and What It Can Do for You
Private 5G networks are no longer a luxury but a necessity for companies seeking to overcome the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi and public cellular services. The robustness of these networks enables real-time collaboration, data accessibility, and enhanced safety and analysis, which are critical in today’s fast-paced business landscape.
The demand for private 5G networks continues to grow, driven by the need for expanded LAN connectivity, cost-effective solutions, and reliable wireless performance. Industries, such as manufacturing and petrochemicals, require seamless connectivity across large and demanding environments. The strategies employed by NCS, from power supply solutions to extensive cabling and fiber optic infrastructure, ensure that these networks function optimally, even in challenging settings.
If you’re eager to explore how a private 5G network can revolutionize your industrial operations, it’s time to act. Contact our team to learn more about the tailored solutions that can propel your business into a safer, more efficient, and innovative future.
