Each generation of telecommunication networks was known for a unique characteristic. For example, 4G was all about mobile broadband technology while 2G introduced voice and SMS features. These legacy networks were mainly known for their impact on mobile telecommunication.
5G has shifted focus toward digital transformation, becoming the first network type with such a comprehensive potential. Besides improving our mobile communication, 5G core will have an impact on how we do business, drive cars, play video games, and consume content. It will usher in the new era of Industry 4.0, where automation will reign supreme.
Modern mobile networks hinge on three advanced technologies:
- URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications)
- eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband)
- mMTC (Massive Machine-Type Communications)
Together, these components will change our daily lives, increasing accessibility to different services. Furthermore, they will make industrial processes much quicker, as they will introduce faster production cycles.
What Are the Benefits of Private 5G?
If you’re a serious business with proprietary technology, you must opt for a private 5G network. As the name implies, these networks are owned and operated by a single organization, thus restricting public data access.
The biggest advantage of private 5G is that it gives companies much more control over their daily communication, ensuring that unauthorized persons can’t tamper with their operations. In most cases, private networks cover a small geographic area in which the company’s headquarters are situated.
Whether we’re talking about large industrial plants or small, local businesses, the majority of business networks are facilitated by Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, while this type of wireless communication has its advantages, such as easier integration and enhanced simplicity, it can’t compare to 5G in terms of performance.
Here are a few benefits your organization will enjoy with 5G core:
- Extremely reliable, stable communication
- Almost real-time latency
- Enhanced bandwidth
- Support higher connection density
- Enhanced mobility for your staff
- Better security across the board
- Supports more diverse use cases
The reason why more and more businesses are switching to 5G is the unparalleled speed. Low latency ensures almost instantaneous data transfer, which is especially important if the company is using sophisticated machines. All of this results in better communication, that is, seamless connectivity, ensuring that a business can utilize a wide variety of modern apps and equipment.
The combination of localized coverage and dedicated infrastructure gives 5G networks enhanced security and reliability. These networks can be adapted for mission-critical apps, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity regardless of the environment. Given that these networks have nothing to do with public networks, companies will also enjoy greater resistance to outside threats.
The best thing yet is that 5G can manage numerous advanced devices at the same time without losing performance. This makes the technology invaluable for smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and industrial IoT, where reliability is the name of the game.
5 Key Infrastructure Components of Modern Networks
To ensure full connectivity for mobile devices, companies rely on 5G RAN, or Radio Access Network. Some of its main components include:
- User Equipment
User Equipment, or UE, refers to all the devices and equipment that your employees utilize for connecting to the network. This includes all sorts of tablets, laptops, cameras, smartphones, but also IoT devices and industrial machines. It is worth mentioning that in this configuration, eSIM/SIM is vital for identifying different pieces of user equipment.
- Spectrum Access System
Spectrum Access System, or simply SAS, is one of the crucial components for private 5G deployment. In countries such as the United States, we have the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) that oversees the use of spectrum by federal and commercial entities. They ensure everyone can gain access to spectrum resources, as long as they pay.
CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) band relies on a three-level sharing methodology for resource allocation:
- Tier 1: This category is reserved for incumbent users. These are the most critical organizations in the country, such as the military. Given the importance of their operations, they must have unobstructed access to the internet in various situations.
- Tier 2: The second category is for priority users, who have acquired their band resources through a public auction. These are mainly telcos who have bought their way in for a hefty price and are now able to serve a specific geographic area.
- Tier 3: General access is the last category, available to everyone. These unlicensed users have the option of using the whole 150MHz CBRS, for as long as it’s not used by tiers above them.
SAS’s main role is to oversee and authorize access to the CBRS spectrum. As such, the component ensures efficient sharing between different parties. The technology is able to determine how much spectrum is available in real time for a specific area. Depending on availability, the SAS shares bandwidth portions and frequency channels to general and priority devices.
- Radio
CBSD is another important acronym in the 5G world, referring to Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices. The term refers to all devices that access the internet while providing radio capacity and coverage. In a way, these are like access points, with antenna characteristics, RF power, and a specific geolocation.
We differentiate between two types of CBSDs:
- Category A is used for low-power, indoor devices
- Category B refers to devices with much higher power, which are used outside.
It is also worth noting that category B devices are installed by expert technicians.
- Core Networks
Core networks are routers that can make smart traffic decisions. Another important role of core networks comes in the form of UE authentication. During core infrastructure deployment, operators can also introduce the Network Management system.
- Edge Applications
Lastly, we have edge applications, which represent one of the main reasons for introducing 5G networks into business workflows. Companies can benefit from a wide variety of solutions that rely on video analytics, AR/VR, and MR interferencing.
Introducing 5G Key Infrastructure
As the technology around us changes, we have to introduce modern solutions that will help facilitate it. The great thing about 5G is that it doesn’t only increase your internet speed; it also allows you to use all sorts of modern equipment that will give you a competitive edge on the market.