The use of 5G Non-Public Networks to support Industry 4.0 scenarios

Abstract

The on-going digital transformation is key to progress towards a new generation of more efficient, sustainable and connected industrial systems allowing the so-called factories of the future. This new generation, commonly referred to as industry 4.0, will be accompanied by a new wave of use cases that will allow companies from logistics and manufacturing sectors to increase flexibility, productivity and usability in the industrial processes executed within their factory premises. Unlike typical use cases from other vertical sectors (e.g. energy, media, smart cities), industry 4.0 use cases will bring very stringent requirements in terms of latency, reliability and high-accuracy positioning. The combination of 5G technology with enterprise network solutions becomes crucial to satisfy these requirements in indoor, private environments. In this context, the concept of 5G non-public networks has emerged. In this article we provide an overview of 5G non-public networks, studying their applicability to the industry 4.0 ecosystem. On the basis of the work (being) developed in 3GPP Rel-16 specifications, we identify a number of deployment options relevant for non-public networks, and discuss their integration with mobile network operators' public networks. Finally, we provide a comparative analysis of these options, assessing their feasibility according to different criteria, including technical, regulatory and business aspects. The outcome of this analysis will help industry players interested in using non-public networks to decide which is the most appropriate deployment option for their use cases.

Verticals in 5G MEC-Use Cases and Security Challenges

“…Different communication service models must be supported: data transmission in client/server and peer-to-peer types of communication, fast and reliable system-wide distribution of data, based on a publish-subscribe model, etc. Following solutions are possible using OPC UA standards [66], exploiting SDN advances [67] for heterogeneous industrial networks, integrating 5G mobile networks with existing industrial communication standards [52] or creating 5G-based private networks [68].…”

Architecture for integrating vertical customer’s programmability control of network functions and connectivity in a slice-as-a-service schema

“…Different interconnection models are foreseen ranging from standalone NPNs up to NPNs that show different degrees of integration with public networks [26]. The latter are the ones of interest for this paper, since such model implies also some level of interaction among the vertical service and the operator infrastructure.…”

Beyond Private 5G Networks: Applications, Architectures, Operator Models and Technological Enablers

“…reliability, availability, quality of service, security and interworking) in public safety, infrastructure and industry. Ordonez et al [4] and 5G-ACIA alliance [2] provide an overview of 5G non-public networks, studying their applicability to the industry 4.0 ecosystem. They identify a number of deployment options relevant for non-public networks, and discuss their integration with Mobile Network Operators (MNO) public networks according to different criteria, including technical, regulatory and business aspects.…”

“…In the literature, there is a growing interest in nonpublic network [2], private network [3,4,5,6], campus network or micro licensing for locally operated networks [7]. Larmo et al [3] propose private 5G networks to address critical wireless communication requirements (i.e.…”