Both public 5G networks and private 5G networks have their advantages and disadvantages
5G is enabling a new era of digital transformation in enterprises. With its ultrafast data speeds, massive network capacity, and ultra-low latency, this fifth-generation wireless technology represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, 4G, and promises to revolutionize the way businesses and consumers use and interact with technology.
Enterprises wanting to use 5G for their business-critical applications have two choices. They can use a public 5G network, sharing the network resources with millions of consumers, or they can deploy a private 5G network dedicated to their exclusive use. For an enterprise, the choice will depend on multiple factors like needs, budget, and security requirements. However, both have their own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Let’s first look at the main attributes of a public 5G network and situations in which they are advantageous for the enterprise. Public 5G networks have a wide coverage area, allowing users to access the network from almost anywhere. They are built for a wide variety of applications like high-speed Internet access, video streaming, cloud computing, and gaming. Here are the key characteristics of public 5G networks:
- Wide coverage area: Public 5G networks are built to cover cities, states, and countries. A key goal of public 5G coverage is to ensure users get to access the network from almost anywhere. If an enterprise runs applications like fleet management or remote equipment operations, wide area coverage encompassing large geographies becomes necessary.
- Cost-effective: Public 5G networks are cost-effective for enterprises since they don’t have to invest in infrastructure or maintenance. The enterprise only pays for network usage.
However, public 5G networks may not be suitable for all enterprise applications. Here are some disadvantages of public 5G networks:
- Limited control: Enterprises have negligible or little control over public 5G networks, which can be a concern for organizations requiring high levels of availability and security.
- No customization: Public 5G networks are built to serve a broad range of applications, which can limit customization options for organizations with specific needs.
- Network congestion: Public 5G networks can become congested during peak usage times, resulting in slower speeds and connectivity issues degrading application performance or even making some applications unavailable.
- Patchy coverage – In many locations (like city outskirts or even indoors), public 5G networks may not offer the speed and performance that 5G promises
On the other hand, enterprises can customize key 5G attributes like high speed, security, ultra-low latency, and high availability and reliability to meet their specific needs. For instance, depending on the need, private 5G networks can be optimized for speed and security requirements in a factory for automation or a hospital for better patient management. Here are the key advantages of private 5G networks:
- Reliable coverage and network capacity – Enterprises can build reliable coverage and network capacity with private 5G in areas where a public mobile network is unavailable. For instance, almost all mines are located in remote areas without public wireless coverage. As such, mining operators are increasingly relying on private networks to run their mining operations. With a private 5G network, they can build a network enabling applications like autonomous vehicles, real-time condition monitoring, remote-controlled drilling rigs, unmanned drone inspection, and smart ventilation control.
- Greater control: With private 5G networks, organizations have greater control over the network, which can provide higher levels of security and reliability. For instance, in healthcare, patient data security is paramount, and private 5G networks can ensure that patient data is always secure.
- Customization: Private 5G networks can be customized to meet the organization’s specific needs, providing greater flexibility and performance.
- Improved security: Private 5G networks can provide higher levels of security, which is essential for organizations that handle sensitive data or require high levels of privacy.
However, private wireless networks, too, have their set of challenges –
- High cost: Private 5G networks require a significant upfront investment in infrastructure, maintenance, and operation, making them expensive. The high cost of deploying private networks is the key reason most private networks are deployed by large companies with the financial and technical muscle to build and maintain these networks.
- Limited coverage area: Private 5G networks have a restricted coverage area, and enterprises will still need to use public networks for broader coverage.
