IoT connectivity for industry, logistics and maintenance
5G consulting: With a campus network to a networked company
As a result of the networking of machines and processes in the value chain, data volume will rise considerably over the next few years. Connectivity using cabled networks then will become increasingly uneconomical and implementation will become more difficult. The 5G wireless standard, with its fast reaction times and great reliability, is ready for data transfer that lets business models be designed for the future. This puts the spotlight ever more on 5G consulting for companies.
5G – Entrepreneurial independence from public wireless networks
As part of its 5G initiative for Germany, the German federal government provided frequencies for setting up private 5G networks early on. Just like the public mobile communications network, “campus networks” also use 5G technology. However, by using dedicated frequencies, they are locally defined, e.g., limited to a company's boundaries. This makes campus networks as attractive for smart industrial applications as for logistics, the maintenance sector or health care. That is the case because private networks meet the highest standards for availability, reliability and fast reaction times. Sensitive data are transmitted only within the network. Thus, their own campus network allows both corporations and small and mid-sized companies more independence from public wireless networks and expensive data rates while also providing great security against external attacks.
Currently, 5G technology has taken another important step. Since Spring 2023, more and more manufacturers offer smart phones, tablets, notebooks, cameras, routers and sensors for private 5G. Companies that had still hesitated to set up their own campus network can now implement use cases in a stable network that is tailored to their needs. The advantages of such a network are obvious:
Data security is generally significantly higher in 5G networks than when using WLAN.
Private 5G networks offer the option for processing data locally, which makes handling highly sensitive data even easier and much more secure.
Thanks to their higher transmission power, mobile communications allow for more easily connecting large areas.
Mobile communications can handle reflections within halls, tunnels or buildings much better than other networks and thus can minimize data losses.
With a private 5G network, property owners can act as providers on their campus and turn this fact into a business model.
Companies can configure their private 5G network as they wish and thus maximize network reliability because they do not depend on third parties. A 5G campus network can connect and manage significantly more devices and IoT sensors than, for example, WLAN.
5G consulting by LHIND experts
Often, SMBs, in particular, don’t have the necessary capacities and knowledge. Our experts advise and support you here. They provide concepts for private 5G networks and help companies to set these up, and, if desired, also operate them. LHIND IT specialists have already developed 5G campus networks since 2019, and have gathered much experience in setting up and operating a private 5G network, at Lufthansa Technik, among others.
5G consulting for companies includes various sectors that must be covered for successful implementation. We provide an overview of the most important tasks below.
Identification of applications: Description of the applications and review of spatial and safety-related requirements, and the traffic volumes to be expected
Potential analysis and assessment: Analysis of operational potentials and assessment of spatial, legal, organizational requirements
Definition of a suitable 5G network, incl. security requirements
Translation into technical requirements
Selection of suppliers for network expansion
Application for a suitable frequency band from the German Federal Network Agency (BNA, Bundesnetzagentur)
Setup and testing of the new frequencies
Hardware and network installation, supplier handling, tests and transfer
Network performance validation, preparation for network operation, and supplier performance monitoring
Matching use cases and devices
Testing and integration of the hardware
Life cycle & change management of devices
1st level support
Supplier and stakeholder management
Configuration of an APN matrix
Quality assurance during operation
Benefit now from the advantages of LHIND
Experienced 5G network technology and IT experts
LHIND’s own 5G reference pool
Experience that has been proven in business practice
LHIND's 5G technology radar
LHIND’s own supplier assessment matrix
Standardized RFP process
Standardized frequency ordering process (e.g., for BNA)
Set up of the 5G network according to roll-out checklist
LHIND quality standards
Manufacturer-independent 5G consulting by LHIND
Not only has LHIND's 5G team researched the best setup of a 5G infrastructure in the ports, airports, trains and hospitals sectors and in industry for years, it has also operated an industrial 5G company network in the maintenance sector for years. This means the experts are always up to date on the technology and its practical implementation. With their expert knowledge, the 5G specialists advise customers in the industrial environment, in logistics, in maintenance and in the health care sector independent of manufacturers and also dispel preconceptions in the process:
Many companies today have a notion that a campus network is expensive and complicated to operate. But this is not confirmed in practice. Rather, 5G is a chance to promote digitalization in the company – here LHIND can provide valuable support.
Dr. Claudius Noack IT consultant and 5G expert at Lufthansa Industry Solutions
Our approach in a 5G project
Beyond pure 5G consulting, our specialists, with their proven hands-on mentality, help to set up the private network and – if desired – also operate it. This is how LHIND proceeds here:
1. Connectivity check First, the experts analyze whether there is a connectivity problem that cannot be resolved with the company’s existing WLAN or Ethernet or with the public 5G network. If there is a decision for a private 5G network for one or several use cases, the experts demonstrate the capabilities of the technology at the customer’s site using a mobile 5G network
2. Concept for the private network During radio hop planning, antenna locations are identified, and during a technical walk-through, the IT infrastructure (core, cable paths, etc.) is planned and specified together with the customer. The campus network is aligned with the customer's requirements for upload and download capacities
3. Network set-up The specialists assume set-up of the private 5G network, from application for the frequency to selecting suitable hardware.
4. Network operation In addition, the LHIND team provides its expert knowledge for operating the network.
Nokia and Lufthansa Technik, the leading supplier of technical services for airplanes, set up a private 5G mobile communications network in industrial quality to expedite a project that permits remote inspection of engine parts for civilian aviation customers. As part of the “virtual table inspection” by Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, a hyper-fast private 5G mobile communications network will save customers the need for physical presence during maintenance work by permitting seamless video access to the engine overhaul shop. (Source: YouTube/Nokia)
A (Use) case for 5G campus networks: Virtual table inspection
In Hamburg, Lufthansa Technik uses a private 5G campus network implemented by LHIND for, among other things, virtual engine inspections. A high-resolution video connection with low latency is required for the “virtual table inspection.” The images of the engine parts are transmitted to a digital platform via smartphone camera. The customers follow the parts inspection on their screens and conveniently make decisions about repairs remotely instead of needing to be in person on site for the inspection.
Warehouse optimization: 5G guarantees fast and reliable connectivity. Inventory can be monitored and managed in real time, which allows for the prevention of bottlenecks and for increasing efficiency overall.
Real-time localization and tracking: 5G permits real-time localization and tracking of goods, vehicles and employees. The supply chain is optimized and bottlenecks are prevented.
Autonomous vehicles: Fast and reliable connectivity, which can be established by 5G, is the precondition for communications between autonomous vehicles and other devices, including infrastructure and other vehicles.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): 5G simplifies the use of AR and VR technologies in logistics. These technologies can be employed for training workers, monitoring systems and inspecting goods.
Industrial automation: 5G permits real-time communications between machines, sensors and robots. This leads to greater automation and efficiency in production and can reduce human errors.
Industrial IoT applications: 5G offers high-performance connectivity for IoT sensors that can be used in industry for monitoring machines, systems and environments.
Robotics: 5G’s real-time communications and low latency time can contribute to significantly improving the interaction of robots with the environment and with other robots.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): 5G simplifies use of AR and VR applications in industry. These technologies can be used, among other things, for monitoring systems and inspecting locations that are difficult to access.
Sensitive health data and large data volumes from medical imaging processes can be transmitted reliably and latency-free in 5G networks. In the process, the security of confidential data, in particular, is ensured in the private campus network.
IoT-based health monitoring: 5G offers faster and more reliable connectivity for IoT devices, such as smart beds, vital sign monitors and wearables. These devices can collect data faster and more reliably, and transmit it to medical specialists at the hospital.
Telemedicine: By using 5G, physicians and other medical specialists can communicate in real time with patients in other parts of the hospital or in other hospitals, and transmit medical images and data.
Medical imaging: 5G permits interference-free transmission of medical images, such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Remote monitoring and remote maintenance: By using 5G networks, data can be transmitted faster and more reliably for early identification and remediation of problems. This can contribute to reducing both downtimes and maintenance costs.
Predictive maintenance: By using 5G and its related faster data transmission, machine data can be collected and analyzed in real time to predict problems and perform preventive maintenance.
Augmented Reality (AR): 5G can improve the use of AR technologies in maintenance. This technology supports maintenance technicians in solving complex problems quickly and precisely.
Drone inspections: Using 5G, drones can transmit data in real time to allow for fast and precise inspection.
Robot maintenance: By using 5G, robots can be controlled faster and more reliably to perform maintenance and repair tasks more efficiently.
What our customers often want to know about 5G
In principle, a company’s 5G campus network solution should always be considered starting from the specific use case. If you have hesitated so far, the following questions can serve as a decision-making tool:
Do very large data volumes arise in your company?
Are there networked machines, processes and devices in your company?
Are a large number of devices integrated in your network?
Must data transmission be fast, stable and with low latency, for example to control machines?
Are data transmitted inside large halls and in outdoor areas?
Do you need a network that you can configure yourself?
Do you need more upload than download capacities?
Do you transmit much confidential data that never should be sent outside the company boundaries?
Are you thinking about “wireless”, flexible production?
Do you want your devices to have an additional option for secure and reliable connectivity when WLAN is insufficient?
If you answered “Yes” to the majority of these questions, you should consider a campus network. That is the case because it makes sense in principle to use a private 5G network solution anywhere where
high-resolution video connections or large data volumes with low latency must be managed,
large halls starting from 3,000 square meters or outdoor spaces are to be covered,
there are many metal barriers, such as stacked containers,
the confidentiality of sensitive data must be preserved,
wired production reaches its limits.
5G consulting: Can 5G replace WLAN?
5G allows for smart connectivity, but it’s not a replacement for WLAN and Ethernet; rather, it is an addition. Therefore, 5G should always be considered starting from the use case.
Dr. Claudius Noack IT consultant and 5G expert at Lufthansa Industry Solutions
LHIND whitepaper “Private 5G Networks in Companies: Fast, Secure, Reliable” supports you in your decision whether to implement a fast WiFi network, a public or a private 5G network. Downloading the whitepaper is free of charge.
Send us your questions and find out more about mobile 5G networks: We look forward to hearing from you.
You answered yes to most of the questions under “When is implementation worth it?”?
You identify with one of the use case examples?
You are interested in trying out your use cases with our mobile 5G network?
Then contact us now for your individual 5G consultation.
