The active ecosystem for LTE private cellular networks has matured significantly, but there are still a number of options for private 5G. And the network, according to one participant, is “just part of the puzzle.” Spectrum availability, end-user device availability, and overall flexibility can also enable cellular networks to perform functional and financial purposes that initiatives are considering.
Speaking at a private network forum session, Stephen Deubel, head of marketing for Nokia’s Enterprise Solutions, said the company has seen significant improvements in the state of the ecosystem since launching the private network in 2011. “Now, we have many ecosystems. We address the players in all the parts we address, ”he said, adding that LTE technology provides planning tools and a variety of devices with a variety of verified companies. 5G, however, is still not so advanced, especially when it comes to the integration of certain industrial features.
In some sense, private networks are both directly providing real-world benefits, but are still finding their location. Among the development factors discussed by the participants in the session were:
– Establish a baseline network framework that can then be customized for vertical-specific needs. Rasmus Hellberg, senior director of product management for Qualcomm Technologies, describes it this way: “You need a baseline – which we consider to be a multi-vendor – that you can customize and program so that you can set it up for specific uses.” Has done. “But then, to truly scale it and then meet customer demand, you have to work from the baseline of this network, to work with specific systems or challenges. For that vertical, then tweak RAN and add usage and programming for it.” . In the case of use. “He added that the implementation of Open RAN can be particularly effective.
“Let’s be clear, I think a lot of the companies that are actually looking at building and customizing this ecosystem are doing it because they have unique needs that aren’t currently being met,” said Cambridge Consultants Wireless and Digital Services. VP Jacob Ribb. “I think that drives a part of it. The other part is that companies want to own their own data, their own destiny and potentially see a revenue opportunity. There is a lot of risk for companies to look at this. ”
Double Mining points to the importance of the experience of integrating customized basic networks by providing examples. Once you’ve completed 10 or 20 mines, he said “you realize you will always need the same ecosystem players” – and those are different for open mines versus deep mines. Nokia, he added, has integrated “segment blueprints” for different verticals so that instead of customizing 15-20% of the solution, it’s only 2-3% that needs to be tweaked for a specific customer’s need.
–End-user devices are a potential hiccup. The Murray City School District has been operating a CBRS network for several years, including the introduction of a fixed wireless access service to provide connectivity during the Covid-19 epidemic worldwide. Jason Eyre, coordinator of the district’s technology department, said the network core and radio worked well together, but the devices stumbled. “What we’re looking for is end-user devices. If you can’t find a vendor that is completely unlocked and unlocked with their chipsets, you’ll find devices that you can buy anywhere and expect them to work. , And they don’t work. No, “he said.” And I think that’s where the industry is improving, and we’ve certainly seen improvement over the last three years – but I think that’s a place where the industry can do better. ”
– Find out the total cost of ownership. Comparing Apple-to-Apple between Wi-Fi and cellular is still a difficult task, determining which business should go with which for their specific needs. DeBall said Nokia has some basic planning tools (including the online version available) that can help estimate a fair number of cells based on the frequency at which they are used এবং and typically, when viewing a TCO for more than 5-7 years, cellular Wi -Fi has comparable costs, such as “costs are no longer a barrier.”
One thing about creating a network, Reib noted, and another thing to fully understand is the end nodes and their relationship and impact with the activities of that network: how things fluctuate over time and how it affects design, ability, and ability to scale over time. One of the observations Cambridge Consultants has made over time, he said, is that “many companies get themselves into trouble because they make a really big guess at the beginning of what they’re going to do that is not based. We can do what is cost-effective. ”
He recommends that private wireless research firms hire experts to understand the technology choices available to them, not just for design, but for consulting services. “Really, what comes up is that when you’re doing it – and it’s the same across any industry – you’re either trying to build skills or you’re trying to create a new revenue stream. If you remember it and build it from there If you do, you can help with the growth of your organization. ”