A guide to enterprise connectivity solutions, Part II: Cellular Technology for Enterprise Connectivity

The global utility sector is currently undergoing a significant upgrade. Established utilities known for stability, reliability, and predictability are now undergoing transformation, with an opportunity to establish a new generation of technology to implement efficient, highly functional solutions that are safe, secure, and adhere to regulatory standards.

As the demand for data continues to increase, so does the need to access it quickly and securely. To revolutionize business-critical operations, utilities are looking to optimize with a private LTE (PLTE) broadband network that can make all the difference.

The rise of 5G is revolutionizing how cellular IoT is applied to business operations, especially in manufacturing and industrial sectors. 5G offers the bandwidth, speed, and flexibility to connect devices and develop new business processes and solutions that may not be practical or economical with LTE. But as the number of connected devices increases, controls must be in place to protect your business’s data and assets. Creating a private network is just the solution. A private cellular network comes in more than one form, and you must consider which deployment option makes the most sense for your business.

In this paper, we will primarily discuss 4G and 5G technologies, which offer higher data connection speeds.

What is private LTE?

Private LTE is a local 4G cellular network that provides businesses with the speed, security, device connectivity, and mobility needed to process data efficiently. As enterprises scale, Private LTE and MEC (multi-access edge computing) help them deploy mission-critical mobile applications to support business intelligence, IoT, smart factories, and more.

In the past, private networks were limited to Wi-Fi or an LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network). Both options are limited by distance and bandwidth, have high maintenance costs, and are incompatible with public cellular networks.

Private LTE and 5G Network solutions have gained traction in various sectors including manufacturing, mining, ports, and campuses, where large-scale operational sites require reliable connectivity. These networks utilize dedicated spectrum and operating functions, such as radio, core, and management, either on the enterprise's infrastructure or shared infrastructure. The spectrum used can be licensed, unlicensed, or shared, with advantages in security and reliability.

How Do Private LTE and 5G Networks Work?

Private LTE networks utilize dedicated spectrum and operating functions or assets, which can either be hosted on the enterprise's infrastructure or shared infrastructure. This allows flexibility in deployment and management. Private LTE networks can operate on licensed, unlicensed, or shared spectrum, each offering different advantages and considerations.

Licensed spectrum is provided by mobile carriers, unlicensed spectrum is open for use by anyone, and shared spectrum, like CBRS, is licensed but shared among multiple users. The inherent security and reliability benefits of operating a private cellular network make private LTE particularly appealing to security-sensitive and mission-critical industries such as defense, manufacturing, and extractives.

LTE and 5G networks are cellular networks that use 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G to offer higher bandwidth than LPWAN and extend connectivity over a greater distance than Wi-Fi. Additionally, the superior capabilities of private LTE and 5G Networks over Wi-Fi, including better coverage and reliability, make it an attractive option for many businesses seeking robust connectivity solutions.

Private 5G as an enterprise connectivity solution

Private 5G as an enterprise connectivity solution offers distinct advantages over commercially available 5G networks:

• Ownership: Organizations have complete control over their private 5G network, much like enterprise Wi-Fi, allowing for precise management and distribution of network resources.
• Granular Control: Private cellular networks enable operators to finely control network resources, meeting specific latency and throughput requirements and synchronizing rules for different applications, groups, devices, and subnets.
• Compatibility with Private LTE: Private LTE networks operate on similar principles, allowing for easy transition and upgrade to private 5G networks in the future, providing enhanced performance at 4G levels.
• Enhanced Performance: Private 5G networks deliver lower latency, higher bandwidth, and greater reliability compared to previous mobile technologies, enabling the implementation of value-adding use cases previously not feasible.
• Improved Capabilities: Private 5G networks offer higher bandwidth, mobility, and lower latency than private LTE, supporting a greater density of devices and enabling new applications such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), AR/VR/MR, wireless robots, and drone or UAV inspections or repairs.
• Considerations: While private LTE may suffice for many enterprise requirements, particularly in industries like mining and ports, enterprises should carefully assess whether they truly need the advanced capabilities that private 5G networks offer.

(Source: https://www.zipitwireless.com/blog/what-is-a-private-lte-5g-network-is-it-right-for-your-business)

How can Tata Communications help with private LTE and 5G connectivity?

As your digital ecosystem grows and your digitization journey advances, your enterprise requires a network that can support its connectivity needs while being secure, cost-effective, and sustainable.

With Tata Communications, you get a one-stop, easy-to-manage pre-integrated 5G network solution that offers an orchestration and automation platform, backed by industry-specific domain expertise.

Learn more about Tata Communications MOVETM Private Network or contact us to learn how we can help your business deploy a private wireless network.