Dr. Kimon Kontovasilis
Research Director
Dr. Nikos Dimitriou
Tenured Researcher
Private 5G networks are networks implemented for non-public use and for specific use case scenarios involving various vertical markets. They were introduced in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standardization as Non-Public Networks (NPNs), and their deployment models follow two different approaches: Either as Standalone NPNs (SNPNs), operating independently from Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN) and having their own core-transport and access network domains, or as Public Network Integrated NPNs (PNI-NPNs) relying on specific PLMN-provided network functions, the latter option providing lower Capital and Operational Expenditures (CAPEX/OPEX).
Building upon advanced 5G technologies, NPNs can address the needs of verticals in an individualized, flexible and robust fashion, through features such as: Guaranteed QoS (e.g. throughput, latency); controllability and customization (flexible network control and reconfiguration) for meeting specific vertical use case requirements and/or maintaining backward compatibility, when required; data protection (securing sensitive NPN user data from unauthorized access or loss); and guaranteed coverage (ensuring adequate radio coverage of the NPN user designated areas for uninterrupted operation).
The wide range of 5G NPN deployment and configuration options creates a high potential for innovation and business impact, expanding the opportunities for all stakeholders in relevant markets belonging to a wealth of sectors, such as Smart Cities, Media & Entertainment, Public Protection & Disaster Relief, eHealth, Industry 4.0, Smart Energy Distribution, Intelligent Transportation, Logistics and Precision Farming. Although the envisaged advanced services in each sector differ, all services may be organized in three distinct classes: (i) Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), going beyond 4G broadband to include Augmented/Virtual/Extended Reality applications, Ultra High Definition video streaming (for media creation/processing businesses), or holographic and teleporting communications, with peak downlink data rates of 20 Gbps, cell edge user rates up to 100 Mbps and traffic densities in the order of 10Mbps/m2; (ii) Massive machine type communication (mMTC) for supporting numerous low rate and power devices with indicative densities of 1M devices/km2, and battery autonomy up to 10 years for mobile IoT delay tolerant applications related to smart cities, energy grids, agriculture, etc.; and (iii) Ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC) for mission critical communications involving latency requirements below 1 ms, for applications in industrial automation, robotics, drones, vehicular safety, etc. Appropriately deployed and configured NPNs are an effective way of ensuring the successful introduction of services with such stringent characteristics.