Category: Blog

The Alliance for private networks recently sponsored the “Why should your enterprise deploy a private network?” webinar hosted by RCR Wireless News. During the webinar, Asimakis Kokkos, Alliance Technical Specification Group Chair and Head of Technology Ecosystems at Nokia, explored the benefits of private networks for enterprise use cases and highlighted the resources and tools our organization develops to support their efficient deployment.

If you were not able to attend the live webinar, the recording is available via RCR Wireless.  Given the active interest from participants, we’d like to share additional answers to questions that we did not have time to address during the webinar:

Q: If two networks can have the same PLMN-ID, how does the scenario with a SIM card flagging an issue when switching networks that you described not occur?

In the case of MFA PLMN-ID, there are other additional identifiers that the Alliance will provide that will be separate and orthogonal between the networks. The flag in the SIM will not be “fail to connect to the home network”, which would require a reset, but instead, it will be “attempt to connect to another network”.

For Release 16 5G S-NPNs (Standalone Non-Public Networks), there is a formal mechanism to distinguish between networks using a shared PLMN-ID via a Private Network Identifier (PN-ID). Our Alliance provides unique PN-IDs as part of our set of managed identifiers, to support S-NPNs with minimal trouble.

Q: Could you share some use cases on a hybrid network (using an N77/78) and an operator’s core?

This depends on what we mean by a “hybrid” network. If it means a shared radio between a private network core and operators’ core, then the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) feature can be used. This is used when an enterprise wants to build its own private network and wants to also connect to an operator. MOCN is a form of a Neutral Host Network (NHN) and the more popular of the various options for a Neutral Host.

In this context, a hybrid network adds a private network core to the setup and has the private network acting as one of the networks served by the NHN.

There are some features added to 5G that allow private networks to be deployed over an operator’s core network – specifically, network slicing. 5G allows you to divide a physical network into multiple isolated virtual networks. This would allow the operator to deploy a private network for your use, and they own all the hardware. It’s ultimately up to the operators if they support slicing.

If by “hybrid” you mean LTE(4G) and 5G on the same network, this is termed “non-standalone” (NSA) by the 3GPP. In this scenario, an LTE network provides the command-and-control link, with a 5G channel added on for additional speed/capacity. A lot of the initial 5G deployments were NSA, though pure Standalone (SA) networks are becoming more common.

Note: MOCN and slicing are not tied to the band/channel.

Q: In the example you gave in the USA Husky Airport and replacing 39 Wi-Fi Access Points with 6 LTE stations, is this capacity related or as a result of improved coverage? Is this operating standard macro station power?

It was performance-related as Wi-Fi did not perform well in their mission-critical applications. Please download this case study for more information.

Q: If the private network does not require to be roaming outside the coverage area why does a private network require a PLMN-ID other than 999 which the ITU dedicates to private networks? Can you elaborate on the alternative PLMNID option that Nokia has acquired and whether that is more useful for multisite or roaming options?

If the device stays on-premises, then this should not be a problem. If the device goes out of the private network premises and there is another private network nearby with the same PLMN-ID (e.g. 999XY where XY are the same numbers as the home private network), it will likely try to connect and be blocked. With shared PLMN-ID, such as our Alliance PLMN-ID, you avoid this issue as there are additional identifiers, such as tracking area codes, base station numbers, etc., that are provided to help the device realize that it is another network.

As noted, using the 999 PLMN-ID is an option, if the devices stay on-premises and another network is not set up in the area that uses the 999 PLMN-ID. It’s a valid option if you have physical control of the location, devices don’t leave the premises, and you have good “buffer” areas around your location.

To benefit from the entire Q&A, please check out the  RCR Wireless recording.

Got another question for us? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to mfa@nereus-worldwide.com.

Private cellular networks provide next-level coverage, low latency, device density, consistent reliability, mobility, and security that enterprises and industry verticals are seeking to successfully achieve their automation and digitalization goals. In this blog, we explore the top three benefits private cellular networks offer for mining operations.

Communication challenges on mining sites with automated equipment are multifaceted. One major hurdle is the vast and often remote nature of mining operations, where equipment may be scattered across expansive areas – including underground tunnels – making it difficult for team members and equipment to maintain consistent connectivity. Physical obstacles, such as rock formations and tunnels, can hinder signal propagation, leading to signal dropouts and serious latency issues. Additionally, the noisy and dynamic environment with heavy machinery operation and explosive blasts can disrupt wireless communication systems, affecting the reliability of data transmission. Overcoming these challenges requires the deployment of robust and resilient communication networks able to adapt to the harsh conditions, ensuring seamless connectivity for the efficient operation of automated equipment and, more importantly, the safety of personnel.

1. Reliability and coverage in extreme conditions
   Remote environmental monitoring is the number one driving use case for Industry of Things (IoT) adoption by mines. Private networks are able to endure the extreme weather and environmental conditions of mining operations. Compared to other options, private networks cover a larger area, requiring fewer access points for the pit, and are not sensitive to explosive blasts. In other words, private networks maintain consistent coverage – even in extreme weather conditions and remote locations.
2. Automation and device monitoring
   
   Automation and electrification in mines require dependable networks that can withstand extreme environments. Private networks enable automation in the pits, supporting tasks such as tele-remote and autonomous drilling. Automation also helps prevent potential failure by sharing vehicle information indicating upcoming service requirements and preventing potential failures and other issues. Additionally, connected systems can follow a vehicle, flag the type of material that is loaded, and alert the driver if they are going to the wrong place to dump their haul, ensuring quality performance and avoiding wasted time. Using a private cellular network to help automate these heavy-moving vehicles, massive drills, complex machinery and equipment provides the reliable, low-latency connectivity in both indoor and outdoor environments – ensuring full control without any blind spots.
   
3. Data and worker safety
   Private networks help keep sensitive data safe from cyber-attacks. Additionally, they enhance worker safety by providing reliable connectivity and help improve productivity and decision-making thanks to efficient processing of sensor data that can be rapidly collected throughout the mine.

By ensuring uninterrupted communication even in the harshest environments, enabling seamless data exchange, and enhancing safety measures, private wireless networks can be an ideal solution for mining sites. The integration of automation and device monitoring not only boosts operational efficiency but also provides real-time insights into equipment health and performance. These advancements are pivotal in ushering mining operations into a safer and more cost-effective future.

Learn more about the tools and resources the Alliance has available to assist in the launching of a private network for your mining business here.

Part of the annual Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week conference, Smart Factory Expo is “where change-makers can find the insights, solutions, and connections for their digital transformation projects.” Along with a hosted kiosk, the Alliance for private networks will also be presenting on the benefits of deploying a unique, 5G private network.  

The Alliance is committed to championing the global adoption of private networks across industry verticals in any available spectrum and we look forward to sharing essential resources and tools that simplify the path to private network deployment – including the Uni5G™ technology blueprints, the Network Identifier Program, and a comprehensive spectrum availability tracker.

Visit our booth at NEC Birmingham in the Smart Factory Expo arena, stand 4-P12, and view engaging use case examples demonstrating how the Alliance is enabling industry verticals to efficiently deploy their own optimized, reliable, and secure private network in locally licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum.

For the latest on our Hannover Messe activities, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the Alliance Insights newsletter. If you would like to meet with our representatives to learn more about potential use case scenarios and the benefits of private network deployment, schedule a meeting here.

Hannover Messe is one of the largest industrial-focused global trade shows and with 130,000 attendees from 150 countries and 4,000 exhibiting companies, 2024 was no exception. The event serves as an annual demonstration of global technology innovations throughout the manufacturing space.

The Alliance for private networks had the opportunity to participate in the “Industrial Wireless Arena + 5G Networks & Applications” again this year. We were excited to contribute to the numerous discussions and live demonstrations revolving around 5G private networks, a key topic throughout the event. Attendees visited our booth to learn about the resources and tools the Alliance provides to ease private network deployments – including the Uni5G technology blueprints and our shared PLMN-ID – and explore use cases.

Asimakis Kokkos, Technical Specification Group Chair for the Alliance and Head of Technology Ecosystems at Nokia, presented on the topic of “Best practices to deploy a 5G private network” to demonstrate use cases for manufacturing facilities interested in deploying a private network. He highlighted the important features defined in 5G technology that enable private networks to meet application requirements, including positioning, low latency, reliability, and security. View the presentation recording to learn more.

Asimakis also recently presented the importance of private network deployments for enterprise applications during the “Why should your enterprise deploy a private network” webinar with RCR Wireless. Watch the webinar recording on-demand to delve into the tools and resources our organization provides to simplify the process.

The Alliance continues to champion global industry adoption of private networks by educating the ecosystem and creating publicly available resources that improve the efficiency of deployment. We welcome you to learn more about the member benefits of our organization and encourage you to subscribe to the Alliance Insights newsletter to find the latest information to support your private network deployment.

Private networks were at the forefront of Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2024 (MWC’24) – with a wide range of ecosystem players announcing newly-developed products and solutions, partnerships, and deployments, including Nokia and Intel, Ericsson, Toyota, Verizon, Dell, and many more. According to the annual GSMA Intelligence Operator Enterprise Survey, nearly 60% of operators launched or were testing private 5G in 2023.

The Alliance for private networks was pleased to return to MWC’24 to promote the overall benefits of private deployment and share how we are enabling industry verticals to efficiently establish their own optimized, reliable, and secure 5G private network in any available spectrum. During the event, Alliance representatives engaged in exciting conversations with industry leaders to discuss the applications and vertical use cases for private networks, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and several others.

We were pleased to see the obvious growth of the ecosystem and the advancement of private networks based on 4G/LTE and 5G technologies driven by the increasing data, security, digitization, and mobility needs of enterprise and government.

During the Global 5G Alliances Summit @MWC Barcelona – powered by APAC 5G Industry Community, ecosystem players from various industry organizations and companies shared how enterprises are utilizing private networks to drive their digital transformation. Member company representative Alexander Kirchner, Nokia’s Director of Business Development, was on hand to share information explaining how and why the Alliance continues to support industry leaders – who may not be telecom experts – seeking to easily understand the private network deployment process.

The Alliance is championing global industry adoption of private networks by educating the ecosystem and providing publicly available tools that ease deployment, such as:

• The Uni5G technology blueprints, which leverage 3GPP 5G standards to define profiling and classification requirements, enabling industry verticals to efficiently deploy their own optimized, reliable, and secure 5G private network in any available spectrum.
• Our unique global PLMN-ID simplifies the path to private network deployment and accelerates the ecosystem.

Join our efforts by visiting www.mfa-tech.org.

During the annual Hannover Messe event, organizations across numerous industry verticals meet to demonstrate exciting ideas that enable future-focused, high-performance solutions. With themes covering AI, machine learning, Industry 4.0, and more, Hannover Messe 2024 will provide an important platform for these essential topics. 

The Alliance is committed to championing the global adoption of private networks across industry verticals in any available spectrum. Our organization is excited to highlight the essential resources and tools that we develop to simplify the path to private network deployment, including the Uni5G™ technology blueprints, the Network Identifier Program, and a comprehensive spectrum availability tracker.

Visit our booth at Hannover Messe in Hall 014, stand H06-44 to explore private network use cases and learn how the Alliance is enabling industry verticals to efficiently deploy their own optimized, reliable, and secure private network in locally licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum. Plus, make sure to stay tuned for updates regarding our presentations during the event.

For the latest on our Hannover Messe activities, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the Alliance Insights newsletter. If you would like to meet with our representatives to learn more about potential use case scenarios and the benefits of private network deployment, schedule a meeting here.

The Alliance for Private Networks is looking forward to returning to the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona – the industry’s largest and most influential event for the connectivity ecosystem. This year’s event theme, Future First, will focus on bringing the ecosystem and community together to realize the future’s potential.

The Alliance is committed to championing the global industry adoption of private networks by educating the ecosystem and providing publicly available tools that ease deployment, such as Uni5G technology blueprints, our unique global PLMN-ID, and acting as a 3GPP Market Representation Partner.

Visit our booth in Hall 7, Booth 7F13, to understand the benefits of private networks and learn how the Alliance is enabling industry verticals to efficiently deploy their own optimized, reliable, and secure 5G private network in any available spectrum.

If you are interested in learning more about the Alliance, attend our presentation at the Global 5G Alliance Summit taking place in GSMA Knowledge Zone (Hall 8.1 CC8.17 & 8.16) on Thursday, February 29, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am CET.

Follow us on X and LinkedIn for updates during MWC 2024. If you would like to meet with our representatives to learn more about private network trends, schedule a meeting with a representative here.

By Asimakis Kokkos, MFA Technical Specification Group Chair

The Alliance for Private Networks is proud to announce the completion of our first set of Uni5G™ technology blueprints based on 3GPP Release 15. These blueprints were developed to help industry verticals deploy their own 5G private networks that are designed specifically to meet their requirements for coverage, reliability, connection density, and latency.

We started this project over a year ago when we partnered with Beecham Research to interview industries operating around the world in a variety of sectors to assess their connectivity requirements. Based on their responses, we were able to identify four attributes that were required beyond baseline enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB).

Identify 3GPP Features
The second step was to identify the exact 3GPP features in Release 15 that industry verticals should implement to achieve coverage, reliability, connection density and low latency for their deployment scenario. 3GPP Release 15 has hundreds of features to choose from so this can be an overwhelming task for industry verticals that are not telecom experts. After extensive review, we narrowed down the options to 10 feature categories – with each category including between one and nine features with a total of 35 features.

Mapping Feature Categories to 3GPP Features
The next step was the mapping. We looked at each feature category and mapped the 3GPP features required to support each industry attribute.

What we found in our mapping is that the features that support coverage also improve reliability. And the features that support connection density also reduce latency. So, if an industry vertical wants to ensure that their network deployment will support their connection density requirements, they will also gain the advantage of lower latency.

The mapping resulted in three Uni5G blueprint families.

• Uni5G technology blueprint 15.1 which supports reliability and coverage requirements.
• Uni5G technology blueprint 15.2 which supports latency and density requirements.
• Uni5G technology blueprint 15.3 which supports all requirements.

Within each blueprint family, we also identified a “basic” version and an “extended” version. Each extended version implements a few additional features. This provides industry verticals with the option to purchase and deploy either a basic or high-end device that will work best for them. For example, a port operator can take the Uni5G Technology Blueprint to their vendor of choice and let them know which features their devices need to implement.

By combing through the hundreds of 3GPP features and identifying just the features needed for private network deployments by industry verticals, the Alliance is taking the guess work out of the process. With Uni5G technology blueprints, the Alliance is realizing its mission to provide a simplified path to 5G private networks.

Download the Uni5G technology blueprints here.

The Alliance met with Mandala Insights‘ founder Shiv Putcha as part of our ongoing conversation with analysts and industry experts to discuss private network trends, and discuss the Mandala Insights report, “Changing Trends in the Private Network Deployment Landscape,” to shed light on the current private network situation in India alongside the country’s 5G rollout. Below is a recap of that conversation, particularly aimed at India-based enterprises considering private network deployments of their own.  

What prompted this report?

Shiv Putcha: The main driver for this report was to draw attention to the importance of the enterprise segment for the success of 5G deployments in India. Much of the discourse in India has traditionally been focused on the consumer segment and smartphones. Enterprise digital transformation is a relatively new theme in India, and private networks will be a key driver. Also, there has been relatively little in-depth coverage of this space in India, so we felt it was an important time to release such a report. 

What do you see as the biggest hurdle and/or advantage for deploying private networks in the region?

Putcha: The biggest hurdle is spectrum and the framework within which enterprises can gain access to suitable bandwidth. The regulatory environment in India prioritizes the auction of spectrum and predictably, the country’s incumbent mobile operators are up in arms about the prospect of spectrum being issued to an enterprise for a paltry administrative fee. While there has not been an official announcement, all current indications show that enterprises will not be allowed to acquire spectrum directly. Rather, they will have the option of “leasing” spectrum or working with telcos for a managed service.   The other big challenge is a lack of relevant use cases for the Indian context. This will take time as 5G network deployments are still in the early phases.

Which industries do you think would benefit most from private network deployment and why?

Putcha: While there are several verticals undergoing digital transformation, we believe that three stand out:

• Utilities are the first, covering both the electricity and natural gas distribution markets. Around the world, utilities are investing in field area networks (FANs) that operate within a private network deployment to cover endpoints like smart meters and others.
• Manufacturing is the next vertical of interest. The “Make in India” program launched by the Government is seeing a lot of traction and there are several use cases already evident in manufacturing facilities, from automated vehicles to employee safety to inventory control and more.
• Transportation is another vertical that we believe will see demand for private networks. In recent years, India has experienced massive investments toward transportation-related infrastructure. The most visible manifestation of this is in the thousands of kilometres of new roads and expressways that have been built, but also in new airports and port infrastructure.

Can you share any particularly interesting findings from your report?

Putcha: Mandala Insights projects that by 2027, total spending on private networks in India will rise to $240 million, including managed services, equipment leasing and direct CAPEX by enterprises. Only a quarter of sites will be deployed as dedicated, standalone networks run by enterprises. The majority will be deployed as a Service (aaS) by Communication Service Providers (CSPs) or System Integrators (Sis).

Any trends/changes in the market that you’ve seen since your initial report that you find interesting?

Putcha: Since we published the report last year, the regulator is hard at work to come up with a framework for private networks. Besides conversations around how to allocate spectrum, there has also been discussion about whether to create a separate, dedicated spectrum band for private network usage; similar to the n79 band being used in North Asian markets like Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Where can readers find your full report and when do you expect the next one to be published?

Putcha: As this report is client-access only, the simplest way would be to reach out to me through LinkedIn. We can share an exec summary with anyone interested.

Shiv Putcha is the Founder and Principal Analyst at Mandala Insights. Shiv is also the publisher of a new blog/newsletter, Beyond the Next Billion, that is published on LinkedIn. Prior to founding Mandala, he covered the telecommunications industry in Asia-Pacific for IDC and Ovum, along with stints at the Yankee Group, Qualcomm and LogicaCMG while based in the United States.

The global manufacturing and port industries have made significant strides in recent years. New technologies, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart automation, have transformed traditional linear manufacturing supply chains into intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems. Meanwhile, ports have become more sophisticated, with an increasing focus on optimizing the movement of goods, reducing downtime, and improving worker safety.

One key technology driving these changes is private wireless networks. With a private network, ports and manufacturing facilities can create intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems that offer a range of benefits, including speed, reliability, security, mobility, and full site coverage. However, these ports and manufacturers cannot always access licensed spectrum, and public networks cannot always meet the coverage and reliability requirements of ports with complex environments.

MFA, the Alliance for private networks, is championing the global industry adoption of private networks in any available spectrum using Uni5G™ technology blueprints for 5G and MFA-defined MulteFire® specifications for 4G/LTE. MFA’s Uni5G technology blueprints and MulteFire specifications can help port authorities and manufacturing enterprises unlock and easily deploy and operate their own secure 5G or 4G/LTE private network to accelerate their digital transformation using any available spectrum including locally licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum.

For port and terminal operators, private networks offer significant benefits. They can increase productivity through more automation and remote control, enable true, transparent visibility into everything in the terminal, and reduce downtime with seamless handover and extended coverage across the entire port. Private networks also allow for the deployment of AI to solve efficiency and even address safety issues.

Manufacturing enterprises can also benefit from private wireless networks that allow them to enable smart manufacturing. Intelligent automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and improved augmented and virtual reality overlays become possible with a private network. With a private network, reconfiguring factory floors becomes easier, reducing costly product stops typical in fixed wired environments. Private networks also allow manufacturers to analyze, predict, and prescribe processes for better performance, longer maintenance cycles, and energy savings.

Private networks offer a simple, productive, and efficient solution that manufacturing and port facilities require, and MFA is working to help simplify the deployment of these private networks through its growing ecosystem of members. To learn more, watch MFA’s port and manufacturing videos for specific use case examples of how MFA can help you experience the full benefits of a private network today.