The Good Stuff


05/03/2023

Private 5G: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions

By Team Boingo
  • Article
  • 5 min read

Wireless network management is a critical responsibility for IT executives. As the number of connected devices and the demand for reliable, secure and low latency connectivity continues to grow, organizations are turning to private 5G to meet their evolving needs. In this article, Boingo answers the frequently asked questions about private 5G, including what it is, how it differs from public 5G, its benefits, what industries and applications it is best suited for, and much more.

 

WHAT IS PRIVATE 5G?

Private 5G refers to a mobile network infrastructure that is built and operated by an organization, typically for their own internal use. It provides similar features to public 5G and Wi-Fi networks, but with greater control and security. Organizations can leverage private 5G as a network to connect Internet of Things (IoT) and other enterprise devices.

 

HOW DOES PRIVATE 5G DIFFER FROM PUBLIC 5G?

Private 5G networks can be exclusively used by an organization for their own use, whereas public 5G networks are built and operated by telecommunications companies and are accessible to anyone with a compatible device and a service plan.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRIVATE 5G?

Private 5G networks offer greater control, security and reliability compared to public networks. They can be customized to meet the specific needs of an organization and can be used to support mission-critical applications.

 

HOW IS PRIVATE 5G DEPLOYED?

Private 5G can be deployed either as a standalone network or as a complement to existing networks like distributed antenna systems (DAS) and Wi-Fi. It requires installation of base stations and antennas and a managed service provider like Boingo to oversee the network with intelligent software.

 

WHAT ARE THE SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR PRIVATE 5G?

Security is a critical consideration for private 5G networks, as they are used to transmit sensitive data. Private 5G can help organizations further enhance their security efforts as these are closed, non-public networks only accessible by defined users and devices. Network security can be further enhanced with multi-access edge computing (MEC), bringing data processing and storage on site.

To protect partner networks against potential security breaches, Boingo relies on a layered security architecture that encrypts critical systems, uses perimeter security policies and devices and mandates security awareness training.

 

WHAT INDUSTRIES BENEFIT MOST FROM PRIVATE 5G?

Sports and entertainment, transportation, healthcare, commercial real estate, military and government, and manufacturing can leverage private 5G to improve their operational outcomes and user experiences.

 

WHAT ARE THE APPLICATIONS OF PRIVATE 5G?

Private 5G can be used to support a wide range of applications, including industrial automation, remote monitoring and augmented reality. It is particularly well-suited for use cases that require low latency and high reliability.

 

WHAT IS THE RANGE OF PRIVATE 5G?

The range of private 5G varies depending on a variety of factors, including the frequency band used, the type of antennas used and the environment in which it is deployed. But one of the key benefits of private 5G is that an enterprise can deploy coverage where they need it most.

 

IS PRIVATE 5G INTEROPERABLE WITH OTHER NETWORKS?

Private 5G can be designed to be interoperable with other networks, including public 5G networks. This can be accomplished using standard interfaces and protocols, such as those defined by the 3GPP.

Learn more about private 5G by contacting us at sales@boingo.com.