Explore some real-world examples of private 5G networks
The use of private 5G networks is on the increase in industrial, agricultural, manufacturing and other vertical markets. The 5G solutions employ mmWave and MIMO technologies.
The roster of companies who are early adopters of private 5G networks is a short one. Even though in its infancy, the networks are delivering noteworthy results. Read our companion article, More industries look to build private 5G networks, to understand the technology behind the networks.
Who is building or running a private 5G new radio (NR) network today?
John Deere
Agricultural machinery maker John Deere is a big advocate of 5G and believes that better rural connectivity for farmers is essential to help feed the world. The company also sees the benefits for its manufacturing operations and bought 5G licenses in Iowa and Illinois in 2020. The licenses, which reportedly cost $500,000 for 50MHz of the spectrum, are for 3.5GHz mid-band and the networks that run on them are an investment to “…improve internal processes and leverage the best-connected technology for a smart, connected factory,” according to Joel Dawson, manager, production and precision ag marketing, at John Deere. It connects vehicles, robots and even hand tools.
John Deere already used LTE microcells in at least one of its factories, so it is familiar with cellular technology. John Deere developed the specification for its private 5G network to include an onsite core, so it stands alone without the need for a connection to a public network. Subject to being able to obtain the required wireless spectrum, the company aims to expand its 5G networks to other locations around the world. At an industry event in September 2021, Keil Ronning, John Deere’s Industry 4.0 lead, described better control and enhanced data security as key reasons for choosing to build private 5G networks.
John Deere aims to improve internal processes and leverage the best-connected technology for a smart, connected factory by investing in its private 5G networks (Photo: John Deere)
Belfast Harbour, UK
Automating supply chains and transportation to achieve efficiency gains led Belfast Harbour in Northern Ireland to invest in a combination of private and public 5G networks as part of its digital transformation program. The 5G investment is part of a “Smart and Green” port initiative that includes a digital twin of the system. It connects a host of devices from drones to CCTV cameras and vehicles. Improving safety at the port is cited as another benefit for the system because remote-controlled inspection technology running over the network will reduce the requirement for staff to work at height.
The network was Installed and managed by BT, which has a partnership with Ericsson for building and managing private 5G networks. According to Belfast Harbour Chief Executive John O’Neill, "The smooth and efficient running of our port logistics network relies on the accurate tracking and integration of data gathered from multiple sources. We believe the increased capabilities of 5G technology can have a beneficial effect on our operations, helping us for example to capture, process and interpret data in real time and giving insights that will speed decision making, better manage vehicle traffic through our Harbour Estate and improve productivity across our operations and services."
Belfast Harbour’s investment in private 5G is part of a drive toward creating a ‘Smart and Green’ port
(Source: Port of Belfast)
Kirkland Lake Gold, Detour Lake, Canada
Gold mining may not be the first application that comes to mind for private 5G networks but Rogers Business, a division of Rogers Communication, has installed one at Kirkland Lake Gold’s (now Agnico Eagle Mines) Detour Lake mine in Canada. The network is designed to facilitate a safer work environment and support innovations that will improve productivity at the mine, including remote drilling operations, and real-time monitoring and control of IoT sensors and delivery drones. For the future, autonomous transportation is being considered as another potential benefit of having a reliable, high-speed, low-latency network.
Private 5G networks may be in their infancy, but many more are being planned
The examples cited above are all recent investments in private 5G networks and these companies are early adopters. Many more are at the trial-and-test bed stage in applications ranging from agriculture to public utilities.
About Author
Avnet Staff
We use Avnet Staff as a collective byline when our team of editors and writers collaborate on the co...
Additional Information
Related article: More industries seek performance benefits of private 5G networks
silica content library/articles/real-world-examples-private-5g-networks
Real-world examples of private 5G networks | Avnet Silica
