When should you consider a private wireless network?
Tech Trends · Feb 13, 2023
Organizations are rapidly turning to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and automation to accelerate innovation and optimize operations. But doing so requires them to connect more devices, sensors and people than ever before. For asset-intense organizations, a private wireless network (PWN) may be the key element to enabling these complex technology transformations. But what exactly is a private wireless network? What are their core benefits? And when does it make sense for your organization to go private?
What is a private wireless network?
Similar to a public network, a private wireless network provides your organization with broadband connectivity. In fact, both operate in a similar manner and require a lot of the same infrastructure; a network core, cell towers, edge routers and licensed spectrum.
The main difference though is that while public LTE/5G networks are intended for use by the public, a private wireless network is a standalone network that is dedicated to the use of a single enterprise or organization and delivers the critical performance required to support new levels of quality, efficiency and productivity in the connected world.
Benefits of a private wireless network
Private wireless networks provide the enhanced reliability, coverage, and security needed to power mission-critical applications and give you confidence in your operations.
Here are some of the top benefits:
Consistent coverage: Private wireless networks offer long-range coverage ideal for connecting large campus environments as well as deep signal penetration to pass through buildings, rocks and other objects that can traditionally cause interference.
Ultra-reliable connectivity: Private wireless networks offer ultra-reliable cellular connectivity with high-bandwidth, ultra-low response times and high device capacity.
Network scalability: With support for up to 1 million devices per square kilometer, private wireless networks provide you with a high-performance, high-capacity network to connect large volumes of devices, users and equipment.
Enhanced data security: A private cellular network physically sits on-premise, keeping your data on-site and isolated from public networks. As well, they provide device-specific policies, authorization and always-on centralized encryption
When does a private wireless network make sense?
While most organizations will often debate if they should go with Wi-Fi or a private wireless network, both technologies are excellent solutions. Instead of an either/or scenario, the question to answer is how you can utilize both to give your business a competitive advantage.
Wi-Fi is an excellent technology that provides enough reliability, connectivity and capacity for day-to-day IT or business activities such as providing employees with connectivity or video collaboration.
On the other hand, private wireless networks are ideal for more demanding applications and critical operations such as AR/VR, worker safety or manufacturing automation. With wide and deep coverage, an ability to connect, in some instances, up to 1MM devices per square kilometer, and ultra-reliable low-latency cellular connectivity, private wireless networks are a practical and effective solution to handle any operational tech workloads where near real-time predictable performance is required.
Private wireless networks provide the enhanced reliability, security, and data privacy needed to power mission-critical applications and give you confidence in your operations.
Which industries are best suited for a private wireless network?
Just about any organization can implement a private wireless network and it can be used effectively across an impressive range of sectors. Here are just a few examples:
Mining: Ensuring worker safety on mining campuses — using connected video cameras to pinpoint any concerning signs, increase worker safety through driverless vehicles, monitor environmental conditions using sensors or communicate quickly and reliably with workers.
Oil & Gas: Predictive maintenance on an oil rig and using IoT sensors to identify issues before they develop into full-blown disruptions and ensure continued productivity and safety.
Manufacturing: IoT sensors for production line control, high resolution AI video analytics for enhanced quality inspection, autonomous mobile robots for precise inventory selection and to enable AI-driven product inspections on the assembly line.
Logistics and Transport: Automatically-controlled trucks and other transport vehicles, transporting construction materials around the clock and improving productivity while taking the strain off human workers.
Public safety and first-responders: For first responders like the police and fire services, reliable connectivity during unpredictable situations is critical. During a natural disaster, for example – a mobile Private Wireless Network on wheels can be used to deploy drones to survey land in areas without public network access.
Working with community officials, TELUS was given the green light to set up a mobile Cell On Wheels at the Chief Jacob Bearspaw School, overlooking Eden Valley.
How TELUS can help
Finding the right Private Wireless Network provider for your needs is a crucial business decision. At TELUS, we work closely with our partners to deliver the best service, built around your needs — with robust security, reliability, and connectivity at the core.
Partnering with TELUS offers a number of strategic benefits for your organization:
Professional services: Our in-house design and deployment teams bring years of experience in helping you build, design and deploy your private wireless network.
Advisory & strategic planning: Our strategic advisory services help ensure you are making the right business and technical decisions for your organization.
Managed services: Our in-house integration and deployment teams can help, build, maintain and operate your network 24/7 so your teams can stay focused on your business.
Partner ecosystem: Our extensive partner ecosystem and continuous investment in private wireless network help bring new technologies first to market and act as a single point of contact for all of your infrastructure, spectrum and devices.
Proof of Concept program: A unique proof of concept program that allows you to test our private wireless solutions in a controlled environment to ensure it meets your needs.
Want to learn more about TELUS Private Wireless Networks?
