In today’s technology-driven landscape, the reliance of organizations on their technological infrastructure is nothing short of absolute. While some may make do with conventional Wi-Fi setups, others will find that off-the-shelf solutions simply fall short of meeting their unique and complex needs.
Private wireless networks have long promised to revolutionize productivity, adaptability and distinctiveness for businesses with intricate communication demands. Tailored exclusively to a business’s requirements, a private infrastructure offers that a rare gem: self-sufficiency. Private networks have the potential to elevate enterprises above their competition and future-proof their operation.
Yet although the groundwork is in place and the benefits of private networks are clear, their adoption has been slower than anticipated. But I believe change is on the horizon as various pivotal factors align to make the call for private wireless networks more significant than ever.
The disruptors shifting the landscape for private wireless adoption
Today’s economic stage is fraught with challenges that are refocusing the priorities of many enterprises. Rapid changes in various industries, particularly manufacturing and logistics, have exacerbated labor shortages. Additionally, geopolitical factors have driven up energy costs and highlighted the need for heightened security and resilience in supply chains, with concerns around dependence on potentially unfriendly nations for manufacturing and technology resources prompting businesses to rethink their operational strategy.
We also can’t overlook the importance of two factors that are poised to reshape enterprise IT and OT infrastructure planning: sustainability and AI. With a growing focus on sustainability, businesses will need to ensure their existing infrastructure is working at maximum efficiency for greater productivity, stepping away from the traditional practice of overprovisioning network capacity. Meanwhile, as Industry 4.0 transitions into the AI-enabled Industry 5.0, connectivity platforms will need to evolve to meet new demands to facilitate generative AI and the opportunities it presents for automation and operational efficiency. However, this heightened automation and data-driven approach also exposes enterprises to increased cybersecurity risks – another element their infrastructure will need to be able to combat.
These economic, social and geopolitical shifts are emphasizing the importance of technologies that enhance productivity and sustainability, allow for more control over costs, protect operations from security risks, and most of all, offer a self-reliant infrastructure. Here, private cellular networks emerge as a solution.
Making the leap: future-proofing your operation
Of course, none of this is to say that a private network is right for every enterprise. Deciding on whether a private network is right for your organization is a complex decision, and creating a business case isn’t always easy. In my experience at Cambridge Consultants, we’ve broadly seen two general categories of enterprise use cases that could significantly benefit from private network-based communications:
- Use cases that exceed the connectivity needs of what Wi-Fi can offer
- Installations with exceptionally demanding and unique requirements
Within these categories, there are many other markers and scenarios that indicate whether a private network adoption is the right move, such as if an enterprise has mobility requirements for devices like AGVs, mobile robots and hospital trolleys. Another example would be enterprises requiring enhanced automation, future AI-based autonomy or reliability for simultaneous communication among multiple devices. The list goes on. Cambridge Consultants explores more demanding use cases where private networks can be integral to driving an organization forward in our whitepaper – Developing private network technologies for demanding use cases: Finding the right path forward – as well as detailing factors to consider when assessing the suitability of private network technology for you.
With an eye toward the enterprises of the future and the mounting factors that are already reshaping the economic landscape, the time has come to future-proof technological infrastructures and invest in creating vertically integrated technology stacks. To the right organization, a private wireless network can offer the control, productivity, resilience, flexibility and security that will allow an enterprise to thrive in the years ahead.
In Cambridge Consultants’ whitepaper, we expand on this topic and offer recommendations on how enterprises and vendors can find the right approach in planning for these evolving trends.
About the author
Dr Derek Long
SVP of Telecommunications at Cambridge Consultants
Derek leads our collaboration within the telecoms and mobile sector, helping create breakthrough innovations that transforms the delivery of high-performance communication – for mobile carriers and ISPs to vendors and component manufacturers. With over 20 years’ experience in mobile technology, Derek has held a range of senior management roles with multinationals and has a wealth of expertise across all generations of mobile and broadband technology, including LTE-A and 5G. Derek holds a PhD in telecommunications from the University of Bristol.
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