What is private 5G?

What is the difference between 5G and private 5G?

Public 5G is a shared resource provided by mobile network operators to their subscribers, whereas private 5G provides dedicated enterprise access to private resources under enterprise control.

How does private 5G work?

Private 5G consists of 3 key components and can be managed on-prem, in the cloud, delivered as a service or through a hybrid model:

• 5G mobile core
  The management layer of the private 5G network, exposed to the enterprise through the same tools used to manage existing Wi-Fi networks.
• Radio access network (RAN)
  The local radio network, typically leveraging shared spectrum identified specifically for enterprise use.
• 5G client devices
  The mobile endpoints of the network with physical or virtual SIM credentials.
• Management layer
  The cloud-based management layer is used for monitoring, radio management, and SIM/eSIM provisioning.

The private 5G core can be deployed in the public or private cloud or on-prem.

What models exist for private 5G?

There are several models including:

• Enterprise-owned private 5G: The organization owns and manages all the equipment and leverages shared spectrum identified for private enterprise use.
• 5G as a service: A service provider or system integrator deploys the network and manages it on behalf of an enterprise.
• Neutral host: In either of the above deployment models, the private network accepts inbound roaming of subscribers from a public cellular network, bridging local gaps in cellular coverage.

Private 5G vs private LTE

Both 5G and LTE are 3GPP standards for cellular. LTE, also known as 4G, refers to the generation immediately prior to 5G. As such, 5G offers architectural and performance enhancements designed to address specific enterprise networking requirements. It does this based on three fundamental technologies to improve spectral efficiency:

• Flexible core network architecture
• 5G radio
• Mobile edge computing, which moves resources from the core to closer to where data is consumed and generated

What are the key use cases for private 5G?

Private cellular (LTE and 5G) is an emerging market with most investments thus far in energy, mining, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, government, and public venues. As private cellular networks become more closely integrated with existing Wi-Fi networks, opportunities open across a broader range of markets, including coverage over larger areas, segregating guest from back-of-house traffic, ensuring more deterministic mobility for high-velocity IoT clients, or filling gaps in public network coverage. Examples include:

• Retailers can operate mobile point-of-sale terminals and inventory scanners, connect building IoT systems, feed ruggedized tablets on forklifts, and power robotic warehouse systems
• Manufacturers can use wirelessly enabled power tools to record every aspect of a product’s creation as it moves down the line, and apply machine vision systems for automated quality inspection
• Public venues can perform ticket scanning, enable push-to-talk (PTT) voice communication between staff members, and sports teams can provide secure sideline data terminals for real time decision making
• Hospitals can deliver latency-sensitive medical telemetry to nursing stations and electronic medical record servers, and provide PTT voice communication for clinical staff, and enhance in-building cellular service for patients, families, and staff
• Mining and heavy industry can use private 5G to cover large areas without the need to run cable.

What is the HPE Aruba Networking approach to private 5G and Wi-Fi?

HPE Aruba Networking believes that enterprises will rely on both private cellular and Wi-Fi in the future to meet their wireless needs. Enterprises have told us that they do not want to deploy private cellular and Wi-Fi in silos and prefer a combined solution allowing organizations to manage them with existing tools and on familiar terms.

The acquisition of private 5G leader Athonet gives HPE a boost in the 5G cloud-native core software with the ability to deliver the Athonet suite on-premises, wholly in the cloud, or in a hybrid manner, according to IDC. HPE announced its new offering, HPE Aruba Networking Enterprise Private 5G, which delivers all the components necessary to deploy a private cellular network—from SIMs and eSIMs to small cell radios to core appliances and software. Unlike other solutions, our private cellular offering will integrate with Wi-Fi for shared identity and secure access to resources. HPE also offers customized solutions based on its acquisition of Athonet, an industry leader in 4G/5G mobile core technology.

How does Air Pass support 5G and Wi-Fi integration?

HPE Aruba Networking Air Pass enables Wi-Fi enabled devices with SIM credentials to automatically connect to local Wi-Fi networks. The combination of the Air Pass service, Passpoint authentication, and Wi-Fi Calling (WFC) ensures robust in-building and campus cellular coverage, delivered over Wi-Fi. It can also be used with private 5G networks to share credentials and access policies.