What is a Private Wireless Network and How It Compares to a Public Network Private Wireless Network An isolated wireless network with higher security, quality, and complete command & control for the organization deploying it. Examples: Private Wi-Fi network Private 4G/5G Cellular Private network for IoT ( LoRAWAN , Zigbee, BLE, etc.) Proprietary networks Hybrid Wireless Network A shared network infrastructure (optionally some dedicated elements) with dedicated connectivity. It offers organizations better quality and security than a public network but limited command and control. Examples: 4G/5G Hosted Network as a Service Network slicing offered by Telecom Operators Public Wireless Network Examples: Public 3G/4G/5G Cellular Public Wi-Fi hotspots Narrowband IoT service A common network accessible by multiple individual and enterprise users. Often provided by telecom operators and wireless internet service providers. Does not offer command and control to the organizations using it.
Wireless Network Choices for Private Networks Common & Emerging Wireless Options Private Wi-Fi Network Private Cellular (4G/5G) Dedicated low-cost network Best used for everyday internet access and digital application Limited mobility and roaming Isolated network with full command & control, improved security Critical connectivity requiring deterministic performance and indoor/outdoor mobility Enhanced indoor and outdoor coverage Costs comparable to Wi-Fi networks Learning curve and upfront cost
What’s Driving Adoption of Private Cellular Networks by Enterprises? Complete command and control Improved data security & privacy Increased network agility & resilience Indoor and outdoor coverage & mobility Overloaded Wi-Fi networks New class of IoT (High Bandwidth) Lower network OPEX Wireless Network Designed for Industry Specific Digitalization & Automation Needs
Private Cellular Network Adoption is Happening Globally Source: Private Mobile Networks, GSA, May 2023 Manufacturing and Education have the most deployments Europe and North America lead the way * Note: This is an indicative list of deployments tracked by Global mobile Suppliers Association based on member inputs. Deployments by one organization over multiple sites count as one. Actuals number of deployments are much higher. Adoption Happening Across All Verticals
Example Use Cases Monitor traffic flow Track vehicle and fleet performance Improve freight and supply chain management Transportation Private Cellular Networks Sensors and devices to monitor industrial equipment Secure communication among workers Connect autonomous robots Manufacturing Digital learning initiatives Campus and home connectivity Real-time communication among teachers, students, and administrators Support for contactless purchases Education Track inventory levels Monitor worker safety Enable autonomous guided vehicles Warehouse Telemedicine Asset tracking and patient monitoring Wearable sensors Healthcare Track vehicle and fleet performance Determine parking availability Monitor traffic flow Smart Cities
Spectrum 101 1 GHz 6 GHz 71 GHz Low bands Mid bands High bands Travels far Carries little data Non-Line of Sight Carries a lot of data Travels very short distance Line of Sight Weather can cause interference Carries a good amount of data Travels a reasonable distance CBRS is at 3.5 GHz – right in the sweet spot All wireless communications signals travel over the air via radio frequency, aka Spectrum. Different Spectrum bands are like highway lanes for wireless traffic.
CBRS Spectrum – Great Fit for Private Networks 3.55-3.7 GHz Up to 150 MHz Spectrum with CBRS Shared Licensed Spectrum No Cost / Low-Cost Spectrum Broad LTE Coverage & High Reliability Mature Technology Expansive Ecosystem 5G Ready Key Benefits Spectrum Worth Billions of Dollars Available for Free Use!
Rising Adoption of CBRS Across Verticals Universities Manufacturing Oil & Gas Utilities Healthcare Large Venues CBRS Private Networks are Driving Innovation Across All Industries Education Digital Education Homework Gap Community Upliftment K-12 Schools Warehouses Hospitality Airports Agriculture Public Safety Manufacturing Autonomous vehicles and robots Connect factory stations, parts room, etc. Improve worker safety Airports Venues Improved coverage Baggage tracking Streamlined operations Facial authentication for ticket entry Enhanced concession sales Remote parking lot surveillance
Cost Comparison CBRS Private Network Relative Cost of CBRS vs. Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Spectrum License & Cost Licensed by rule (free) Licensed (low cost) Higher Unlicensed (free) Infrastructure Cost # access points (and associated sites) needed to cover the required area Lower (single AP covers 0.5-several miles and connects large number of devices) Significantly Lower Higher (single AP covers a few hundred feet and connects smaller number of devices) Cost per AP $$ Slightly Higher $ Core/Controller Software $$$ Somewhat Higher $$ Initial setup costs $$ Slightly Higher $ Total infrastructure cost (# AP x Cost per AP + set up costs) $$ Lower or similar $$$ Ongoing Costs Usage, Management, Infra $ $ Similar or slightly higher $ Overall Total Cost $$ Similar or Slightly Higher $$
What Do You Need to Operate a CBRS Private Network? Devices User Equipment (UE) includes cell phones, smart monitors, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. SIM/ eSIM cards that uniquely identify each UE and determine access to the private cellular network. Gateways to connect user devices that do not support CBRS spectrum CBRS Access Points Access Points include indoor and outdoor small cell base stations (similar in size to Wi-Fi access points, but with greater range and device density), and network switches/routers. Often referred to as CBRS Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSD) Core 4G/5G Core Network software provides authentication and authorization of users, data connectivity, mobility management, subscriber data management, and policy management and controls, and can be on premises or in the cloud. Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) to run some (or all) core functions on network edge nodes, closer to users to help reduce latency (Optional) SAS Spectrum Access System (SAS) allocates frequency channels and power levels to base stations (and is unique to OnGo -based CBRS networks, not public 4G/LTE or 5G). Management Orchestration and Network Management Software to set up and manage private cellular network components, devices, applications, and services.
How It All Fits Together (On-premise Network) Devices with CBRS SIM/ eSIM CBRS Gateway CBRS Access point Devices without CBRS SIM/ eSIM 4G/5G Core Firewall Rest of the World Spectrum Access System PRIVATE CBRS NETWORK PUBLIC/ EXTERNAL
Where is CBRS Today? Source: OnGo Alliance Devices authorized by FCC to operate in CBRS CBRS Access Points deployed in the US 350K+ > 5,000 Certified Professional Installers are CBRS Certified 140+ Members of the OnGo Alliance (MSPs, SIs, WISPs, Vendors, Telcos) Driving Wireless Innovation Across All Industry Sectors > 650