After attending last month’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, it was clear that many technology vendors and service providers see private 5G as the solution to solve many operational challenges that affect business operations. Make no mistake; the rollout of private 5G networks in the United States is underway, but in terms of solving the overwhelming majority of challenges that businesses face today, private cellular 4G LTE is clearly up to the task.
Of course, there are very obvious benefits coming from 5G — such as expanded bandwidth, higher throughput and low latency. But the stark reality is that only a subset of enterprise customers that either use or are considering private cellular technology can fully utilize these 5G advantages. In most instances, existing 4G LTE networks have more than enough capacity to support industrial needs, while also solving the market’s most pressing problem: consistent and reliable connectivity.
Coverage is king
Customers that operate in agriculture, logistics, manufacturing and other industries rely heavily on automation, sensors, edge devices and IoT services that collect and transmit data utilizing wireless networks. Many of these organizations have tried Wi-Fi as the network of choice to support these functions, but with mixed results. While Wi-Fi is ideal for offices, it does not work nearly as well in industrial settings where metal structures can create interference and customers can experience costly—and even dangerous—lapses in coverage. Wi-Fi is even more problematic outdoors. It can be very expensive to deploy, requires a relatively large quantity of access points (AP), and can potentially weaken network security. By comparison, a private cellular network utilizing mesh connectivity can cover as much as 10-20 times more area, or one cellular AP to 10 Wi-Fi APs, and offers the inherent encryption and security of a cellular infrastructure.
Deploying the best-fit wireless for each part of a plant, farm or facility offers customers reliable connectivity and communication services, and facilitates business efficiency.
The private cellular continuum
As businesses evaluate private cellular for their operational needs, some customers view the rollout and availability of 5G as the starting line for investing in a private cellular network. But this is a misconception that could lead to delays for addressing immediate needs. In the short term, both 4G LTE and 5G offer similar coverage characteristics and have operational compatibility that will enable targeted upgrade opportunities when and where it makes sense.
In cases where bandwidth-hungry or low latency applications are expected to be used, planning for an upgrade path from 4G to 5G may be the best option. New applications and new industrial demands driven by emerging and expanding developments utilizing AI, machine learning and multi-task automation and robotics will undoubtedly exhaust 4G LTE bandwidth at some point, but for solving challenges today, 4G LTE is perfectly suitable, and can always be upgraded to 5G when needed.
In a recent podcast, Jeff Stark, director, strategic operational partners team at Zebra, shared his thoughts about the timing and progression of private 5G in warehouse and industrial use cases. He noted that incumbent networks are not going to be replaced by 5G, but rather augmented where appropriate. “They’re already the incumbent networks that are baked into many of these locations,” said Stark. “Private 5G only enhances those capabilities and future-proofs them.”
Partnering for success
Zebra keeps a finger on the pulse of markets that rely on wireless devices and systems which underpin productivity and efficiency. Ranging from handheld—and back of hand (BOH)—scanners to ruggedized computers and tablets to autonomous robots and cobots (collaborative robots), management platforms and IoT sensors and controls, Zebra is at the heart of enterprises across more than ten major market sectors. The company’s 2023 Warehousing Vision Study projects substantial year-over-year increases in endpoint deployments in 2024.
Compatibility and cost
Deploying a continuum of wireless coverage utilizing the best-fit technology for each location makes economic and operational sense. Delivering more connectivity, more access and more efficiency will enhance business-critical applications and productivity and deliver the best ROI.
The other opportunity for cost management resides in endpoint devices such as those delivered by Zebra. The market maturity of 4G-LTE endpoints makes them more cost competitive for the enterprise. There are a multitude of market-tested devices available, while the variety of 5G devices is just now starting to expand. This translates into more attractive pricing for 4G-LTE endpoints and the likelihood that a business can find an off-the-shelf device to immediately satisfy their specific business needs. .
Solve today’s problems
Leaders in the technology sector seem to be of common mind about private cellular: There should not be a hurry to upgrade to 5G. The decision to implement should be business-driven.
There are, and will be more, compelling reasons to deploy 5G in support of emerging capabilities and applications. It will happen. However, 4G LTE can do the job today and serve as a reliable and efficient bridge to 5G whenever a customer decides to make this transition.
