Release Date: November Number of Pages: 2, Number of Tables and Figures: However, in most national markets, private cellular networks or NPNs Non-Public Networks based on 3GPP-defined 5G specifications are just beginning to move beyond PoC Proof-of-Concept trials and small-scale deployments to production-grade implementations of standalone 5G networks, which are laying the foundation for Industry 4. Compared to LTE technology, private 5G networks β also referred to as 5G MPNs Mobile Private Networks , 5G campus networks, local 5G or e-Um 5G systems depending on geography β can address far more demanding performance requirements in terms of throughput, latency, reliability, availability and connection density.
In particular, 5G's URLLC Ultra-Reliable, Low-Latency Communications and mMTC Massive Machine-Type Communications capabilities, along with a future-proof transition path to 6G networks in the s, have positioned it as a viable alternative to physically wired connections for industrial-grade communications between machines, robots and control systems.
Furthermore, despite its relatively higher cost of ownership, 5G's wider coverage radius per radio node, scalability, determinism, security features and mobility support have stirred strong interest in its potential as a replacement for interference-prone unlicensed wireless technologies in IIoT Industrial IoT environments, where the number of connected sensors and other endpoints is expected to increase significantly over the coming years.
It is worth noting that China is an outlier and the most mature national market thanks to state-funded directives aimed at accelerating the adoption of 5G connectivity in industrial settings such as factories, warehouses, mines, power plants, substations, oil and gas facilities and ports.
To provide some context, the largest private 5G installations in China can comprise hundreds to even thousands of dedicated RAN Radio Access Network nodes supported by on-premise or edge cloud-based core network functions depending on specific latency, reliability and security requirements. Despite prolonged teething problems in the form of a lack of variety of non-smartphone devices, high 5G IoT module costs due to low shipment volumes, limited competence of end user organizations in cellular wireless systems and conservatism with regards to new technology, early adopters are affirming their faith in the long-term potential of private 5G by investing in networks built independently using new shared and local area licensed spectrum options, in collaboration with private network specialists or via traditional mobile operators.
