For years, businesses have relied on Wi-Fi as the core component of their wireless networks, using it to connect devices in their offices, warehouses and factories. And just as Wi-Fi has replaced cords for devices, today there are fixed wireless access systems, such as Verizon 5G Business Internet (where available), that provide Internet service to a business location. without the need for traditional cables.
But for many medium and large businesses, there’s another tool to consider: private 5G, a type of network that brings personalized 5G experiences to indoor and outdoor facilities, whether or not those facilities are in a 5G coverage area. public.
For technology decision makers, especially those looking to keep up to date with the latest standards, the question today is how to deploy these solutions to position businesses for the future, while delivering wireless networks. fast and reliable that are essential to success.
Businesses considering different business Internet and networking solutions don’t have to make a decision. Many will find themselves deploying more than one solution, says Bob O’Donnell, president and chief analyst at TECHnalysis Research, a California-based market research and consulting firm. “They will only focus on optimizing different types of apps.”
How Private 5G Networks Can Complement Wi-Fi
Earlier this year, O’Donnell’s firm conducted a survey of 400 medium and large US businesses that either had an existing private cellular network or were looking to add one. More than 70% of respondents said 5G would complement their existing Wi-Fi infrastructure. According to the survey, the most common business applications for private 5G are campus-wide networks, sensor data transmission for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and asset control from a distance.
“If you have a multi-building campus with a lot of people moving between buildings, it’s important to have indoor and outdoor coverage,” says O’Donnell. This can be a situation where Wi-Fi struggles to provide the consistent coverage businesses need, but the small cells in a private 5G network might provide sufficient coverage. “That’s why many companies are considering adding private 5G to supplement their Wi-Fi, which may not be able to support this widespread use.”
The TECHnalysis Research study also found that many companies rely on aging Wi-Fi standards and equipment when it comes to the Internet and business networks. As these companies consider upgrading to Wi-Fi 6, the latest Wi-Fi standard, it may be a good idea to consider a complementary private 5G network as well. “Certainly businesses can upgrade their Wi-Fi to faster speeds,” says O’Donnell. “But when they still have to invest, it is possible to think of using private 5G in addition to their Wi-Fi.”
The benefits of combining 5G and Wi-Fi networks
Stronger security, faster speeds and wider coverage are three of the main benefits of a private 5G network. With on-premises private 5G, businesses can securely integrate and connect large numbers of devices and manage large amounts of data without sacrificing performance. In fact, O’Donnell says these factors may make private 5G the technology of choice for government agencies, financial services firms and utilities.