How private 5G networks can help companies accelerate their transformation to Industry 4.0

With the rise of IoT applications and the increasing need for real-time data analytics to make critical business decisions, many large enterprises, especially those with mission-critical infrastructure, are exploring how to improve coverage, enhance security, real-time data analytics and improve costs through high-performance, low-latency dedicated cellular solutions.

The global private cellular networks market is forecast to expand to USD 6.32 billion by 2026 from USD 1.83 billion in 2021. The contribution of private 5G networks will be significant, reaching USD 5.05 billion during the forecast period from USD 600 million in 2021.

Current state of the dedicated 5G market

While this is an exciting time for new connectivity solutions, it also brings with it a host of new challenges for businesses large and small, and across the public sector. Common challenges include limited in-house expertise in network integration, vendor selection, corporate and customer data protection, and selecting the appropriate solution.

In some cases, it is an end-to-end process of identifying a business problem for a customer, applying a specific use case, and then recommending and deploying the most beneficial technology solution. Technologies such as edge computing, cloud and data center networks are often implemented along with private wireless networks to take full advantage of the Industrial Internet of Things, machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities that connectivity enables.

To help enterprises choose the right approach to design and implement the right private 5G networks, Kyndryl is collaborating with Intel and Future Technologies Corp. By working together, the three companies bring their best “know-how” that will accelerate the design-to-deployment cycle for enterprises and their target use cases.

Private 5G solutions meet enterprise customers' needs for LAN reliability, wireless technology flexibility, security and reliability. Private 5G is delivered as a service to integrate the high speed, low latency and device segmentation that only 5G connectivity can provide to improve business efficiency.

Kyndryl’s network integration and managed services expertise spans other technologies, including cloud, security and resiliency, digital workplace, artificial intelligence and applications. Intel’s full network technology stack, from silicon to software to reference architecture, helps provide the building blocks needed for today’s solutions.

The cellular domain expertise that FutureTech has developed over the past 12+ years provides accelerated design and deployment cycles, making this three-way collaboration an industry accelerator. As part of the collaboration, the private 5G network will be designed and deployed by FutureTech, managed by Kyndryl Global Services, and run on Intel architecture.

Dedicated 5G use cases

While businesses in all industries can benefit from 5G private wireless deployments, we will begin with key vertical markets including chemicals, oil and gas, utilities, manufacturing, federal and state and local education.

Looking ahead, we will continue to expand our partnership to cover other industries such as retail, transportation, logistics, finance and healthcare. We are just beginning to see the innovations and use cases this advanced technology will enable, automation to increase productivity, connected cameras, enhanced worker safety, IoT sensors, robotics, extended reality, real-time analytics, and lower business costs and carbon footprint.

Private 5G networks are just the first building block, and all connected platforms and devices will need additional technology layers built on top of them, from applications and data, cloud to security. 2023 will be the year of private networks.