Private 4G / 5G networks

A private 4G / 5G mobile network, as the name implies, is a non-public network owned or operated by an organization without the involvement of a mobile network operator (MNO) and the dependency and availability of those public networks. With a private mobile network, you ensure that you have control over the users, data traffic and devices on the network. Capestone provides a complete private mobile network consisting of hardware, network design, installation and a service level agreement through our own Network Operation Center. In this article, we explain the architecture of a private 4G/5G network, the frequency bands used by a private 4G / 5G network, which SIM cards are available for Private LTE / 5G and for which application this solution is interesting.

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What does a 4G / 5G Private Mobile Network consist of?

The architecture of a private mobile network has some similarities to public mobile networks and WiFi networks but also some significant differences. For example, there are 4G/5G Access Points, also called eNodeB (4G LTE) or gNodeB (5G New Radio) base stations that provide indoor or outdoor coverage by emitting a 4G LTE / 5G signal that is received by devices within the network. These Access Points are virtually and software linked together and behave as 1 complete network so users do not experience call drops as they walk through the building with their mobile devices.

All 5G Indoor and Outdoor Access Points are linked to Baseband Controllers via an Ethernet LAN connection. A Baseband Controller is responsible for performing all baseband processes and planning, and coordinates the transmitter and receiver functions for all radio points. The Baseband Controller is then linked to an Internet connection for connection to the Private Core Network.

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Evolved Packet Core (EPC) – the Private Core Network

Capestone uses Druid’s Raemis EPC platform for the Private Core Network. Using this EPC, we can provide additional services 4G/5G Network Slicing and QoS for specific groups or users.

Private Core Network

On which frequency bands is a Private Mobile 4G or 5G network possible?

In the Netherlands, Private 4G LTE uses the license-free Band 3. Part of the 1800 MHz band (1780-1785 MHz and 1875-1880 MHz) is license free. This frequency space can be used without requiring a license. It does come with conditions. For example, there is a limit on the 1875-1880 Mhz frequency of the power of the radios at 200mW so that public networks of the MNOs are not disrupted.

Private 5G networks still require a license in the Netherlands. This is because the Ministry of Defense satellite ground station in Burum also uses the 3.5Ghz frequency. Transmitters from around the country can interfere with reception of satellite signals. To prevent this, there are strict conditions for using the 3.5 GHz band.

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Private 4G / 5G SIM cards

To use the private mobile network, users need SIM cards configured by Capestone specifically for this network. Because the network is non-public and completely separate from mobile network operators, users need a private LTE/5G SIM card.

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Private 4G / 5G use cases

Industry: manufacturers and producers can connect their products, sensors, devices and machines to the Private network so that all data from these devices can be read out. With a private mobile network, a full coverage mobile network is established, including in remote locations or ATEX zoning.

Events: Event organizers often have to use local WiFi networks or provide their own mobile data connection for their devices and applications. Because the public network is often congested during an event, bandwidth and availability is limited. By building a Private LTE / 5G network, an organizer ensures good availability and control over the data passing over the network.

Warehousing: warehouses and logistics companies choose Private LTE / 5G networks because of the high degree of coverage of these networks within their warehouse or logistics premises. All devices in use such as 4G/5G mobile handhelds, scanners, tablets, smartphones and smart glasses can be easily connected to the private network.

Construction sites: temporary construction sites, especially those in remote locations, are in great need of a reliable and covering mobile network. Where public mobile networks and WiFi networks often do not provide enough coverage, a Private LTE / 5G network is the solution to connect all devices to the mobile network.

Healthcare: Environments where privacy and coverage are necessary ideally suited to build a Private LTE / 5G network. All data generated at hospitals, nursing homes and medical centers such as patient records are privacy sensitive. By choosing a Private LTE / 5G network, this data remains local.

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