Why business and industry need Private LTE networks
Private LTE is, as the name suggests, a private network that operates within an organization. It differs from public networks in that it is not connected to public networking infrastructure. All its elements — from sensors to the control center — are in a closed loop.
Such a network allows companies to get their own controlled and stable digital environment for data transmission, robotization, voice communication, video monitoring, VR/AR technologies, etc. In addition to the basic functions of speed, coverage and mobility, Private LTE provides a wide range of vertical solutions, from NB-IoT technologies to MCPTT, enabling businesses to meet different technology and business needs within a single network.
The advantages of Private LTE for companies
1) Safety and reliability. Because there is no communication with public infrastructure, the company’s entire IT system is protected from external influences and penetration. Corporate information is always on the client’s network. Each device has its own unique identifier, and all connections are controlled by network administrators.
2) Flexibility. The number of cells, infrastructure density, and network load level — all these parameters can be controlled independently in private networks, significantly reducing the number of unforeseen disruptions.
3) Infrastructure compatibility. A private network can be connected to all corporate IT systems, including video surveillance, monitoring, production control and corporate telephony.
4) Upgradeability. LTE technology is used as a technological base for the development of 5G networks. Operators often say that their projects are LTE/5G or LTE/5G-ready, which makes it possible to transfer Private LTE to the next 5G technology.
Private LTE application examples
Dozens of Private LTE projects are being implemented in Russia. For example, Norilsk Nickel successfully tested a Private LTE/5G wireless network at the Skalisty mine, the deepest in Eurasia. The tests took place in extreme conditions at a depth of 875 m. Experts tested the operation of two networks at once: an LTE network and a 5G network. Both showed good performance: high speed, stable and secure communication.
MegaFon is planning to deploy Private LTE at the Lebedinsky Mining and Processing Plant. Here, LTE will be used to automate production, control equipment and quarry equipment. Inside the production buildings, dense indoor coverage will be provided, which will allow the implementation of services based on IoT and video analytics.
In other European countries, the range of Private LTE network applications is slightly wider. For example, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, a private network provides data transmission for autonomous forklift control. And at Charles de Gaulle airport, it is used for internal communications and data download from aircraft flight sensors.
