Pairing private networks with 5G to boost smart city development

Consider the superior performance that 5G offers in terms of security and data flow, as well as the reliability, speed, mobility, flexibility, efficiency, and coverage of connectivity required to support advanced smart technology applications. As more organizations develop operations, processes, and services that require robust and ubiquitous cellular coverage, private networks are rapidly emerging to meet these high-connectivity demands.

Therefore, it is easy to understand why 5G private network implementations are gaining traction as the infrastructure of choice for enterprises to take advantage of the opportunities presented by 5G. More practically, private networks are also ideal for overseeing key operational technology priorities, especially data flows and security, for regional operators such as municipalities, large venues and campuses.

Key factors that facilitate private network deployment

Private networks powered by 4G/5G cellular wireless technology offer unparalleled capabilities and are supported by a vast commercial ecosystem. In contrast, public networks often fail to meet extreme requirements for coverage, capacity, reliability, security, low latency, or low-power devices. Not only do private networks overcome these challenges, but their evolving technology ecosystem makes them suitable for organizations in any sector.

They are highly customizable and are often designed and deployed by infrastructure companies such as BAI Communications to meet specific requirements, starting with coverage. Large indoor locations such as factories, warehouses, transportation hubs, tunnels, underground, etc. require ubiquitous coverage to operate smoothly and achieve network slicing.

These environments are also increasingly leveraging the Internet of Things, automation, machine learning, and data analytics, which can make their operations and services more susceptible to disruption and change. In order for advanced technologies to function powerfully, coverage cannot have dead spots or downtime, which can be ensured by dedicated networks.

High capacity is another benefit of private networks, especially since it can be provided by telecommunications infrastructure companies at a reasonable cost, adjusted or upgraded on demand. The capacity provided by public networks is insufficient to support the extensive operations and related technical requirements at scale, let alone advanced features.

High-capacity networks are needed to support high-bandwidth services, such as video calls across many devices in a large organization or supporting hundreds or thousands of users in a stadium at the same time. High capacity is also required to support the large number of low-bandwidth sensors required to deploy IoT and complementary technologies. Again, dedicated networks can easily meet these requirements.

Another important driver for deploying private networks is the requirement for low latency to ensure fast reaction times to varying network loads. Industries such as resources, manufacturing and logistics require industrial control with extremely low latency to ensure fast processing and reaction times. With lower latency, communication between connected devices is more efficient and immediate, making cloud services and applications more responsive and capable, providing instant access to information, seamless video conferencing and reducing employee downtime. Enterprises that rely on automation can monitor, identify and repair faults in real time, avoiding costly asset downtime.

Finally, high reliability and security are also key advantages of private networks, which are characteristics that public networks cannot meet. Private networks are designed to protect data, device and user identities, locations, and external security threats. They provide organizations with full control over their networks and ensure that communications are always available, even under adverse conditions.

Important considerations for design and deployment

First, make sure your infrastructure provider is designing and/or deploying a future-proof network. Meaning, a network that will not need to be redesigned in the foreseeable future. In the long run, the best option is to deploy 4G infrastructure that can be used for 5G, and at a lower cost, rather than choosing short-term cost savings over the long-term costs of restructuring the network over the next few years.

The next important consideration is the choice of network infrastructure provider. An infrastructure contract with a single mobile network operator (MNO) can be restrictive for your organization in the long term due to the contractual obligations that must be met and the costs of breaking them or even switching providers when the contract expires. The infrastructure built by an existing mobile network operator is tailored to the services and technologies it offers. A neutral host infrastructure offers flexibility and the option of (ren)negotiation.

A neutral host network owned and operated by a third party provides wholesale mobile coverage solutions to mobile network operators or other communications service providers, who can all use – and share – a single network. Its greatest potential is to improve 5G and 4G network coverage and capacity in rural areas, inside large buildings, in city centers, and along major highways and railways.

BAI Communications is an industry leader in providing future-proof, 5G-ready, neutral host wireless and fiber services that are tailored to suit local environments. This capability has enabled BAI to be responsible for major infrastructure projects, providing cellular and Wi-Fi coverage in major cities such as New York, Toronto and Hong Kong, providing solid support for the neutral host dedicated network business case.

Transport for London (TfL) recently awarded BAI Communications a 20-year contract to provide high-speed mobile connectivity across the capital in what is perhaps the most significant example of a neutral host infrastructure project in one of the most advanced and largest infrastructure projects in the world. BAI’s partnership with TfL will establish the long-awaited connectivity backbone with a city-wide integrated communications network providing multi-operator cellular, Wi-Fi and fibre connectivity services.

The 4G and 5G-enabled communications networks that BAI will build and operate as a neutral host for fixed and mobile operators will accelerate London’s development as a smart city. BAI will also help create a safer, smarter London by building and operating critical communications infrastructure that supports the police, fire and ambulance services.

These important considerations will help both government and private organizations avoid some of the key risks associated with building telecommunications networks. They will also ensure that the technology an organization employs operates to maximum effect and achieves the desired business outcomes, providing the best experience for the people and customers that the organization serves.

Therefore, neutral host infrastructure providers, especially those working with mobile network operators such as BAI Communications, have an important role to play in supporting the public and private sectors to build “smart communities” using their 5G-ready private networks, contributing to smart city development in a meaningful and achievable way.