As we heard last week, good 5G is bad 5G without careful network design – especially with private 5G in complex enterprise venues. This was the line from Nazim Choudhury, director of market development at Canada-based iBwave Solutions, which sells design software for all enterprise network technologies. His ultimate message is that network design should be deliberate and careful, and keep the business outcome as its ‘north star’.
Which means, in the end, that each network technology should be considered on its merits, and matched to each enterprise application. It preaches about ‘technology agnosticism’ and ‘strategic planning’ – as the correct path to deliver ‘good 5G’ as part of a fine-tuned and fluture-proofed enterprise network architecture. To this end, its real value proposition is a digital twin of the enterprise network within a digital twin of the enterprise environment.
Choudhury (pictured left) explains: “Having a building represented as a digital twin significantly simplifies the process of layering on new technologies and proving their ROI. This contrasts with the traditional method of individually surveying and designing for each technology.”
Once the original network design and deployment is completed, according to the steps below, a live network simulation affords a way for enterprises to test future applications against future technologies, as required. It also show them how a good private 5G network brings value to their operations.
Below, Choudhury sets out five principles of good network design; all the comments are his. For more on this subject, check out the recent RCR Wireless webinar on private 5G with iBwave’s Choudhury, plus with ABI Research, Future Technologies, and Spirent; and also check back next week for a new RCR Wireless report on the same.
1 | Define (applications and scalability)
Prioritize current needs | Focus on the immediate use cases the private network will address. This ensures your initial investment delivers tangible results.
Plot long-term vision | Outline the strategic future use cases for the network. This will help you plan for expansion and ensure your initial design decisions support future growth.
Populate app roadmap | Create a plan that stacks use cases over time, clearly laying out the steps needed to add complexity and value incrementally.
2 | Evaluate (architecture and integration)
Survey radio environment | Thoroughly analyze the radio-frequency environment to understand potential sources of interference, signal blockages, and optimal equipment placement.
Define system architecture | Carefully assess the network’s overall architecture, including integration with existing systems, security requirements, and capacity planning.
More haste, less speed | Proactive planning saves costs by reducing rework, minimizing equipment needs, and streamlining deployment.
3 | Design (technology and solution)
Focus on business outcomes | Prioritize the desired outcomes and performance metrics over specific technologies (such as targeting specific latency and bandwidth requirements).
Avoid ‘shiny object’ syndrome | Recognize that the newest, most hyped technology may not necessarily be the optimal fit for your specific needs.
Keep tech options open | Consider a range of technologies, including Wi-Fi 6/6E and CBRS where applicable, to determine the most cost-effective solution for each use case.
4 | Deploy (phased and focused)
Target value zones | Identify the initial areas where the private 5G network will provide the most immediate ROI; begin with areas where 5G’s benefits are most impactful, and gradually expand to areas with less immediate need.
Take careful steps | Build a roadmap to extend the network in phases, aligning with the strategic plan for new use cases and applications.
Make a digital twin | Create a detailed digital twin of your physical environment, including buildings, infrastructure, and key assets.
5 | Simulate (optimize and expand)
Test and predict | Use the digital twin to simulate network scenarios, optimize coverage, and predict potential issues. Envision how different technologies interact and complement each other, ensuring an efficient and effective network.
Use data insights | Make informed decisions about network design and technology choices based on insights from the digital twin. Add and manage technologies in a simulated environment to avoid re-surveying and re-designing.
Maximize ROI | Use the digital twin to validate changes and drive ongoing improvement. Simulate how investments in new tech impact overall performance, and make informed decisions about where to direct resources.
