The manufacturing industry is exploring 5G technology at an increasingly rapid rate, largely to enable AI-based use cases such as closed loop production, adaptive production“Predictive analytics for maintenance and employee training is based on augmented reality (XR) and safety based on open reality,” said Jagadeesh Dantuluri, general manager for private and dedicated networks at Keysight Technologies. wide. “It’s not about a static assembly line that does the same action over and over again, but one that can change based on their needs,” he said. “Private networks fundamentally enable new business models in manufacturing.”
However, the benefits of 5G private networks extend beyond the manufacturing sector. As the technology offers more reliable connections, faster data speeds and lower latency, and greater network scalability, security, and control than previous communications technologies, 5G private networks will drive innovation in many areas of industry and business.
Benefits of 5G private network
The private cellular network is built on 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defined standards (such as LTE or 5G), but it provides dedicated on-site coverage. This is important for remote facilities where no public network exists or where indoor coverage is not strong. A private network also exclusively uses the available capacity; without controversy from other network users, as on a public network. Private operators can also implement their own privacy policies to authorize users, prioritize traffic, and most importantly, to ensure that sensitive data does not leave the premises. without authorization.
The dedicated nature of 5G private networks along with customized service, intrinsic control, and URLLC capabilities provide more reliable industrial wireless communication for a wide variety of use cases, Dantuluri said. Applications include wireless control, real-time, closed-loop and process automation, AI-based manufacturing, and AR/VR-based design for on-site and remote employees,” he explains. prefer. “Additionally, low-cost connectivity enables sensors to be easily deployed in a variety of scenarios, allowing businesses to create innovative applications and capture real-time data.”
The industrial sector is heading towards a major digital transformation, and the integration of information technology (IT) systems with operational technology (OT) systems will accelerate this process. Digital technology will also enable many new use cases, such as automated manufacturing.
The 5G private network allows a facility to synchronize and integrate tracking data into its workflow, allowing production lines to be configured in real time, Dantuluri said. “Since assembly lines and factory infrastructure, such as robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and sensors, are connected wirelessly, much easier to configure or move assembly elements as required. This use case requires high-reliability, low-latency wireless connectivity and coverage, and potentially high data rates in both uplink and downlink, and can support for Time sensitive network (TSN) Future. This use case application can only be achieved with a 5G private network. ”
Outside of the industrial sector, 5G private networks enable mobile augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, such as allowing engineers to view overlapping blueprints, soldiers have a live display, and businesses have virtual meetings in the field or work remotely. “If a machine has to be repaired and a technician or factory worker has AR glasses, they can have technical information superimposed on the real-world device to see what’s wrong,” says Dantuluri. “And the data center can send instructions on how to fix it step-by-step.”
As businesses realize the benefits of pervasive, low-latency, high-bandwidth, and secure connectivity, the applications of 5G private networks will expand. By the end of 2024, analysts expect investment in 5G private networks to increase tens of billions of dollars. A separate analysis by investment firm JP Morgan’s research team predicts that the global enterprise opportunity for 5G will exceed $700 billion by 2030.
