What to ask before adopting private 5G networks

By Gaurav Mohan, VP, SAARC & Middle East, NETSCOUT

The interest and debate surrounding private 5G networks is growing. Private 5G here and now, a recent report from NTT Ltd. and Economist Impact, revealed significant global interest, with 90% of CIOs and executive decision-makers believing that private 5G will become the new standard for networks. Around 51% of businesses plan to deploy a private 5G network by year-end in 2024. A private 5G network is appropriate considering its adaptability and how devices can be deployed, adjusted, and transferred without the difficulties and expenses of wired, hardware-based networks.

Although private 5G is intriguing, how can you determine if a private 5G network is appropriate for you? To do so, communications service providers (CSPs) and businesses should consider the following questions.

Is there a cost-benefit? 

Although implementing a private 5G network can be expensive, and thereby impact an organization’s forecasted return on investment (ROI), it is also worth considering the additional revenue it can generate by enabling faster communication and supporting related services. Additionally, a private network’s improved security features can also enable businesses to provide additional services and applications to their clients. It is crucial for businesses to establish a baseline of their current business environment before proceeding, to accurately determine if the private 5G network can indeed support their revenue infrastructure. 

Does your IT team have the expertise to operate the network?

Private 5G networks, like private 4G networks, present novel and challenging security concerns and require a different skill set than a Wi-Fi network. Enterprise network operations are in charge of deploying and maintaining the vital infrastructure. Therefore, organizations need to ensure that their enterprise network operations team has the necessary skills, expertise, and resources to effectively manage the network.

What are the security implications?

The increased bandwidth that 5G offers necessitates a greater emphasis on security and threat prevention. Additionally, as private 5G networks are essentially software-based, they do not have the centralized “choke spots” that older, hardware-based networks did. Contrarily, security concerns are accelerating the adoption of private 5G networks as they offer far superior security features.

Is site-specific 5G required?

Carriers can build secure and dependable private 5G networks even in places where cable access is challenging or non-existent. Similarly, businesses can install private 5G inside buildings where the service is not yet offered by their carriers, enabling rapid connection wherever it is required. Additionally, an internal 5G network is not only fast, but it is also private. Airports and government offices around the world can benefit from implementing their own 5G networks.  

What is your spectrum strategy?

Private 5G requires organizations to get access to bandwidth on a sanctioned 5G spectrum, and it is crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option in order to decide the optimal route for developing your private 5G network.