Understanding private cellular networks for enterprise connectivity

Public cellular networks have been the go-to answer for wireless connectivity for consumers and businesses alike. These public-facing networks are susceptible to slowdowns from the huge amounts of traffic they manage, place enterprise data at risk by exposing business networks to the public, and are susceptible to disruptions and outages. 

Enterprises increasingly need more reliable and secure connections that offer greater network control. As more and more business needs depend on high-quality networks, the costs of cyber breaches increase and cyberattacks become more prevalent. Taking more direct control over network access, performance, and structure has become paramount.

Private cellular networks provide the direct network control for enterprises in many industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and transportation. In smart cities, these networks facilitate city-wide IoT applications and services. Educational institutions, corporate campuses, and large venues use private networks to ensure seamless connectivity and comprehensive coverage for many users. In remote and rural areas, private networks provide connectivity where public networks are often inadequate, improving access to telecommunications services.

Private networks enhance security, reliability, performance, and scalability

Fundamentally, private cellular networks deliver value by providing enterprises with greater control over virtually every aspect of the network. Businesses can monitor network performance, identify and resolve issues promptly, and adjust network infrastructure as needed to align with specific goals and standards. Control over network coverage, device connectivity, and traffic management streamlines the network even further.

Private networks can be configured to prioritize critical applications and devices, ensuring that mission-critical operations always receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency, which is crucial for applications that require real-time data processing and communication, such as industrial automation and telemedicine. This high level of performance ensures reliable connectivity even in high-demand situations, making private networks ideal for dynamic and data-intensive requirements such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) applications.

With private networks, enterprises get better security. Isolating the network from public access reduces the risk of unauthorized intrusion and data breaches and ensures that sensitive information remains protected. Security policies can be tailored to meet specific requirements, including implementation of robust security measures such as encryption, secure authentication, and access controls.

Private networks also provide enterprises with greater flexibility. Because the public can’t access the network, traffic is greatly reduced and the network can be scaled to accommodate traffic to meet demand, both at initial deployment and on an ongoing basis.

Furthermore, by reducing dependency on public network providers, enterprises are less susceptible to outages and service disruptions. This reliability is especially critical for industries where downtime can result in significant operational and financial impacts, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.

Different types of private cellular networks meet different needs

Various entities provide private 5G and LTE networks, leveraging different spectrum options. The providers can be broadly categorized into traditional mobile network operators (MNOs) and specialized service providers. Which you choose will depend on your particular business needs.

MNOs reserve a portion of their licensed spectrum for private LTE and 5G uses. Operators provide end-to-end solutions by leveraging their existing cellular infrastructure, including network design, deployment, and maintenance, making this a more expensive option but one that’s generally simpler and faster to deploy.

Specialized service providers focus on deploying private networks using unlicensed or shared spectrum options, which do not require purchase of a license. The Citizens’ Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band in the United States, for example, uses a three-tiered spectrum sharing model that includes Incumbent Access, Priority Access Licenses (PALs), and General Authorized Access (GAA). This tiered approach makes it a flexible and cost-effective option for private network applications.

Hardware components required for network deployment

There are several hardware components necessary for any enterprise to deploy a private cellular network, including:

• SIM cards and embedded SIMs (eSIMs) are needed to authenticate and authorize devices, ensuring only approved devices can connect, maintaining network security and integrity. SIM cards also allow devices to move seamlessly across different parts of the network. Remotely programmable eSIMs add flexibility and scalability, especially in environments where managing physical SIM cards is impractical.
• 5G cellular routers, which use LTE and 5G to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity for private cellular networks, are needed to ensure robust performance for various applications, from mobile devices to IoT systems. Advanced routing capabilities handle high data throughput and simultaneous connections, making them suitable for enterprise environments with complex requirements. Embedded secure authentication protocols help safeguard data communication integrity.
• Outdoor cellular antennas may also be required, especially if the business is in a rural or remote area farther from cell towers. Outdoor antennas capture and amplify cellular signals, expanding coverage and improving signal strength. They are particularly useful in large campuses, industrial sites, and agricultural fields, or in scenarios where indoor signals need to be significantly boosted.
• Comprehensive remote device management platforms are essential for overseeing and optimizing network performance, allowing network administrators to monitor devices in real time, enforce security policies, and troubleshoot issues remotely. Features typically include device enrollment, configuration, firmware updates, and analytics, providing a centralized dashboard for managing the entire network. This is particularly important for large-scale deployments where manual management of individual devices would be inefficient and time-consuming.
• Cellular cores and evolved packet cores (EPC) are the central hub of LTE and 5G networks. They are used to manage critical functions such as data routing, mobility management, and quality of service. Consisting of key elements like the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (SGW), and Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), the EPC ensures secure and efficient communication between the Radio Access Network (RAN) and end-user devices. They also integrate the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) for real-time policy enforcement. In private cellular networks, the EPC supports advanced features like Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and IoT applications, maintaining integrity, reliability, and high performance.
• Small cells can also be used in private networks. These low-power, short-range base stations can be used to enhance coverage and capacity within specific areas, such as office buildings, manufacturing plants, or outdoor venues. They offload traffic from macro cell towers, ensuring robust connectivity even in high-density environments, and can extend network coverage where signals from larger cell towers may not reach, resulting in a more consistent user experience.
• Additional essential infrastructure elements may also be needed, including power supplies for base stations, backhaul connections to link the RAN to the core network, and network management systems to oversee and optimize network performance. Together, these elements form the backbone of a private cellular network, ensuring it operates smoothly and efficiently.

Inseego offers industry-leading support every step of the way

As an industry leader in 5G, Inseego is ready to support enterprises making the transition to a private cellular network every step of the way. Our outdoor CPE access points and indoor industrial-grade gateways and 5G routers are equipped with all the features needed for secure and reliable private network solutions, such as firewalls, VPNs, and encryption. They provide advanced traffic management and optimization, which helps ensure that data is transmitted quickly, efficiently, and securely.

Get the most out of your private cellular network with Inseego. To learn more about Inseego's innovative wireless solutions and how they can benefit your private network needs: