Private networks, at a high level, means leveraging a dedicated network that lies outside of public networks. Typically, the reason to use private networks falls under security and bandwidth purposes.
The GSMA defines private networks more technically as an infrastructure that is used only by devices authorised by the end-user organisation. It is a dedicated network for the sole use by a single operator.
Only connected devices authorised within a private network are allowed to connect to the network. With private networks, or non-public networks, performance is higher in both data management capacity, quality of service, reliability, security, latency, and the flexibility of coverage.
Also with private networks, these solutions are purpose built to an organisation’s requirements outside of a traditional network through service providers.
Private networks offer a host of benefits, some of which is dependent on the use case, but has features that can support business cases in all verticals.
Security: With dependability and redundancy mechanisms that occur at every level of the protocol stack, private networks help secure mission-critical or sensitive data.
Penetration: Private cellular networks can penetrate through walls and obstructions much better than Wi-Fi can, which makes it an ideal use cases in large campuses and industrial use cases.
Low latency: A strong, reliable network connection means gaps or interruptions in communication. This is important in all communications, but critical in applications such as robotics or autonomous vehicles/machine operations.
Wide range and coverage: Large areas, like those is shipyards, airports, educational or business campuses, and much more can enjoy the wide range and coverage of dedicated cellular network connectivity.
Control and customisation: With full control over design, deployment, and operations, as well as the option to quickly configure the network, private networks offer greater plasticity than wired communications or public cellular.
Creating a private network comes with challenges, and one of the greatest challenges is strategy and entirely understanding your business requirement.
Devices that travel outside of a private network may still need to connect to a public network. Devices may need to be equipped with the ability to connect to a private and a public network. The opposite is true for devices traveling into a private network and need to be configured appropriately.
That’s why having an agile strategy is crucial before being locked into a solution that only works for a portion of operations.
Another thing to consider is choosing the cellular network that best fits your needs, as private networks can both be built off of 4G LTE and 5G networks. Again, this can be highly dependent on the use case. And while backward compatibility between 4G LTE and 5G helps prevent network lock in, it is still useful to have insight before making this decision.
KORE Private Network as-as-Service (PNaaS) solutions help enterprises and organisations in all verticals with purpose-built, optimised private networks. Recently, KORE, AWS, Orange Business Services, and AT&T hosted a private networks webinar that discusses the benefits and market for private networks, as well as top tips for getting started.
Download the webinar “Private Networks: Simplify and Unlock the Potential” to watch on-demand now.
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