In order to provide private wireless networks (PWN) utilizing 5G technology, communication service providers (CSPs) and hyperscalers are collaborating to offer networks owned and managed by the builder. Understanding the common patterns and management aspects of such networks, including the necessary components and architecture, is crucial for enterprises weighing the advantages and disadvantages of PWNs.

Components of a Private Wireless Network

A private wireless network requires essential elements such as spectrum, network core, and Radio Access Network (RAN). Additionally, supplementary components including orchestration, service assurance, management, monitoring, and security play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operation, optimization, and security.

Companies building these solutions include telecommunications vendors like Nokia, Ericsson, and hyperscalers like IBM, AWS, Azure, and GCP, as well as communications service providers like AT&T, Verizon, and TELUS. These entities collaborate to deliver PWNs for enterprises directly or through communication service providers or systems integrator (SI) partners.

Architecting Private Wireless Network in IBM Cloud

IBM Cloud supports the deployment of PWNs, such as in industrial settings and enterprise campuses. These networks offer increased control and customization for enterprises and are typically deployed on-premises. This architecture pattern allows for the deployment of private wireless networks on IBM Cloud Satellite, providing low-latency and high-throughput capabilities to support real-time, mission-critical use cases.

Benefits of Private Wireless Networks

Private wireless networks can be deployed in various industrial settings and offer enterprises control over network deployment and operation. It enables customized 5G network deployment, providing secure, high-speed, high-bandwidth, and low-latency features to meet exact enterprise requirements. The architecture pattern fulfills the need to serve end users, devices, and applications closer to their location, supporting real-time, mission-critical use cases.

Enterprises considering private wireless networks should ensure the network is built on a flexible platform that allows for scalability. While cost is a consideration, PWNs provide a secure and reliable alternative to public networks, making them an attractive option for more enterprises.

IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation

To support the deployment and management of private wireless networks, IBM offers Cloud Pak for Network Automation, in collaboration with telco vendors and CSPs. This solution provides service orchestration, service assurance, monitoring, logging, and identity access management. The user interface ensures streamlined management, provisioning of services, and comprehensive monitoring and logging, simplifying operations and enhancing overall efficiency.

It is essential for hyperscalers and CSPs to collaborate in building and managing PWNs, ensuring networks are built on a flexible platform that allows for scalability. Enterprises can choose to set up a private wireless network on their own or outsource it to a hyperscaler, taking into account the benefits of security and reliability over public networks.

FAQ

What are the key components of a private wireless network?

Key components of a private wireless network include spectrum, network core, Radio Access Network (RAN), orchestration, service assurance, management, monitoring, and security.

Who are the key players involved in building private wireless networks?

The key players involved in building private wireless networks are telecommunications vendors like Nokia, Ericsson, hyperscalers like IBM, AWS, Azure, and GCP, as well as communications service providers like AT&T, Verizon, and TELUS.

Why are enterprises opting for private wireless networks?

Enterprises are opting for private wireless networks due to the control and customization they offer, along with secure, high-speed, high-bandwidth, and low-latency features that meet exact enterprise requirements.

What support does IBM Cloud offer for private wireless networks?

IBM Cloud offers Cloud Pak for Network Automation, which provides service orchestration, service assurance, monitoring, logging, and identity access management to support the deployment and management of private wireless networks.