In the era of digital transformation, the concept of digital twins has emerged as a groundbreaking technology that promises to reshape industries and enhance connectivity. iBwave’s new eBook “Unlocking the Power of Digital Twins” explores this technology, shedding light on its potential and applications.
Understanding Digital Twins
Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical objects, systems, or processes. These replicas are highly accurate and encompass a wide range of attributes, including geometry, behavior, and real-time data.
In network design and optimization, digital twins are virtual replicas of your network, building or campus that allow you to optimize network performance and plan for future innovation.
Digital twins act as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds, allowing for real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization of various aspects of your network’s performance.
Digital twins can be used to assess the impact of new technologies and services on the network, identify potential issues before they occur, and test out various network configurations. By utilizing digital twins, network operators can optimize their networks for maximum performance, and ensure that their networks are able to effectively handle new services and technologies. Digital twins are becoming increasingly important in network design and optimization, and are allowing network operators to stay ahead of the curve in terms of network management and optimization.
Applications Across Industries
There are diverse applications of digital twins across various industries. From manufacturing and healthcare to telecommunications and smart cities, digital twins offer a transformative approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Manufacturers can optimize production processes, predict maintenance needs, and reduce downtime by creating digital twins of their equipment and network designs.
In the telecommunications industry, digital twins enable network operators to proactively identify and address network performance issues, and even predict future network needs and requirements. And, in smart cities, digital twins can be used to model and simulate the behavior of energy, water, and transportation systems, enabling cities to become more efficient, safe, and sustainable.
Telecommunications and Connectivity
Digital twins are already having a significant impact on the telecommunications sector. With the advent of 5G and the growing complexity of network infrastructure, digital twins offer a way to design, deploy, and manage networks more efficiently. By creating virtual replicas of cellular networks, operators can optimize coverage, predict potential issues, and ensure seamless connectivity.
Challenges and Solutions
While there is significant potential for using digital twins in your network designs and optimization, there can be challenges associated with their implementation. Creating accurate and dynamic digital twins requires reliable data, advanced modeling techniques, and seamless integration with existing systems. By fostering collaboration between network engineers and building plans you can ensure more accurate data in your virtual replica.
Additionally, security must also be taken into account when utilizing digital twins. All data used to create the digital replica must be encrypted and secure. By ensuring that the data is secure, it will help protect against malicious actors from accessing sensitive network information. With the right security measures in place, digital twins can be a powerful tool in network design and optimization.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to evolve, digital twins are poised to become even more sophisticated and integral to various domains. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics will amplify the capabilities of digital twins, enabling more accurate predictions and faster problem resolution.
This will open up more possibilities for digital twins to be used in various applications, creating even more efficient networks and optimized solutions. Digital twin technology is evolving rapidly, and organizations should embrace it to remain competitive. With the right team and planning, digital twins can help achieve better understanding and control of complex systems.
Conclusion
In a world driven by data and connectivity, digital twins stand as a transformative force with the potential to reshape industries and revolutionize decision-making. The eBook “Unlocking the Power of Digital Twins” by iBwave offers a comprehensive exploration of this technology’s capabilities, applications, and challenges. From manufacturing to telecommunications, digital twins are paving the way for a more efficient, connected, and innovative future.
In the ever-evolving landscape of connectivity solutions, enterprises face a pivotal decision – whether to embrace the promise of 5G or deploy a blend of multiple network technologies. While the allure of a 5G-centric future is undeniable, practical considerations and real-world complexities necessitate a more nuanced approach. This article delves into the key factors that influence the choice between deploying 5G and integrating multiple network technologies, exploring use cases, considerations, and future trends.
The Complex Reality of Enterprise Connectivity
The widespread anticipation surrounding 5G’s transformative potential is undeniable. However, the practical reality is far more intricate. Enterprises operate within a realm where a myriad of connectivity solutions coexist, each catering to unique demands. Wi-Fi, IoT-dedicated systems, Bluetooth, and others are evolving alongside 5G, presenting a diverse ecosystem of options.
The notion of a 5G “monoculture” is compelling, but it clashes with a host of commercial, technical, and regulatory constraints. These constraints encompass legacy systems that perform well, lack of suitable 5G devices for IoT, frequency band limitations, higher costs, certification requirements, skill shortages, geopolitical restrictions, and more. These realities necessitate a thorough evaluation of when to deploy 5G and when to blend it with other technologies.
Suitable Scenarios for Enterprise 5G Deployments
Deploying 5G can be suitable for the following applications:
High-Speed Connectivity Applications: In scenarios where ultra-fast data speeds and low latency are critical, like industrial automation, real-time analytics, and immersive AR/VR applications.
Massive IoT Deployments: When deploying a massive number of IoT devices that require 5G’s enhanced capacity and support for a high density of connections.
Mission-Critical Applications: For applications demanding robust and reliable connectivity, such as remote surgery, autonomous vehicles, and emergency response systems.
Unreachable Locations: When extending wired connectivity is impractical, 5G can provide a cost-effective solution to connect remote or underserved areas.
Future-Proofing: Choosing 5G as a long-term investment to accommodate future applications and services that demand higher data rates and network capabilities.
Enhancing Campus-Wide Coverage: Deploying 5G across a large campus or facility to provide comprehensive coverage for various use cases and devices.
Next-Generation Entertainment: For entertainment venues seeking to provide high-quality streaming, gaming, and interactive experiences to visitors.
Keep in mind to conduct a thorough assessment of specific use cases and technical requirements before opting for a 5G-only deployment. To learn more, read our article about the importance of Deploying Private 5G for Enterprises!
Key Use-Case Scenarios for Multiple Networks
The integration of multiple network technologies offers a strategic advantage in various scenarios:
Separate Networks for Specific Environments: Enterprises may opt for separate networks indoors and outdoors or for on-site and off-site roaming. This separation caters to distinct connectivity needs within different environments.
Device-Led Network Integration: Certain devices are inherently tied to specific networks. A worker on a production line, for instance, may use Wi-Fi for a connected tool while wearing a 5G-connected headset for guidance. This scenario emphasizes the need to integrate networks based on device capabilities.
Migration Strategy: Transitioning from legacy networks to new infrastructures is a gradual process. Enterprises may need to run old and new networks in parallel to ensure smooth migration without disrupting operations.
Backup and Resilience: Multi-network integration enhances resilience against cyber threats, software bugs, and emergencies. Critical systems can switch between networks in the event of failures, ensuring continuity of operations.
Backhaul and Gateway Scenarios: Employing one wireless technology for backhaul to another’s access points optimizes cost and performance. Satellite backhauls, mmWave radios, and Wi-Fi meshes illustrate this strategy.
Bonded and Hybrid Networks: Combining diverse 4G/5G radios, public and private networks, and other technologies offers increased coverage, throughput, and efficiency. This approach is particularly relevant for applications like vehicle fleets, public safety agencies, and large campuses.
Shared Infrastructure and Tools: Enterprises can share physical infrastructure, network design tools, operations centers, and security platforms across multiple networks, fostering efficiency and collaboration.
To illustrate the practical application of these concepts, consider an airport. Airports extensively use wireless networks for passenger Wi-Fi, service vehicles, air-traffic control, and more. While these networks largely operate independently, specific scenarios demand integration.
For instance, a private 5G network can serve service vehicles on the ramp, while public 4G/5G covers broader areas. Wi-Fi might bridge indoor and outdoor networks for seamless coverage. This example underscores the complexity of integrating networks based on diverse use cases.
Examples of Wireless Network Combinations
Consider the microcosm of an airport, where diverse networks serve different purposes. From passenger Wi-Fi to air-traffic control, each network often stands alone. Yet, scenarios arise where blending two platforms is vital, leaving room for expansion.
Prominent network combinations include:
In the current landscape, common combinations include:
Private 4G + Private 5G: Many sites begin with LTE for private networks, often transitioning to 5G for advanced use cases. Others adapt from early “non-standalone” 5G networks, combining the technologies for enhanced capabilities. For instance, manufacturing plants blend private 4G for equipment monitoring with private 5G for real-time operations.
Private 5G + Public 4G/5G: Common for users traversing localized and wide-area networks. Field workers in utilities travel between private sites and public networks, using dual-SIM devices for seamless connectivity. Airports use private networks for better indoor coverage while bridging to public networks for broader access.
Private 5G + Wi-Fi: Vital hybrid combination with various technical approaches. Private 4G/5G backhauls enhance outdoor Wi-Fi access points. In-building Wi-Fi bridges to outdoor private 5G, for instance, connecting warehouse operations. Entertainment venues utilize Wi-Fi for visitors and private 5G for critical functions like payment terminals.
Private 4G/5G + PMR: Industrial sectors adapt legacy private-radio systems with private 4G/5G for smoother transitions. Airports deploy private 4G/5G networks for ground staff while relying on older radios for baggage handlers. Utility field workers use private radios for maintenance and private 5G at newer facilities.
Various hybrid wireless scenarios emerge:
Countless other permutations exist, like private 5G with satellite or Wi-Fi combined with Bluetooth Low Energy for smart buildings. Yet, network complexity extends beyond technology integration, encompassing security, device management, and more. Commercial and HR considerations underline the need for astute integrator and service provider choices.
Private 5G + Satellite: Industries in remote areas benefit from this blend, such as shipping companies or oil/mining exploration ventures.
Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Low Energy: Smart buildings leverage Wi-Fi for well-powered equipment and Bluetooth Low Energy for battery-operated sensors.
Private Cellular + LoRa: Large enterprise sites can integrate high data-rate users with low-power/low-volume IoT endpoints, enhancing connectivity and efficiency.
As we peer into the future, several trends will shape the landscape of network technologies:
Private 5G’s Evolution: Private 5G networks will mature further, transitioning from trial deployments to production networks. Cloud-based network-as-a-service models will simplify deployments.
Use-Case Stacking: Businesses will expand 5G usage within existing industry verticals, extending initial deployments to accommodate additional applications or coverage areas.
5G Evolution and New Features: 5G will continue to evolve with new features and releases. Releases 17 and 18 will introduce precise positioning, ultra-low latency, and low-power IoT connectivity, expanding 5G’s capabilities.
Innovation Across Technologies: Wi-Fi will advance with spectrum expansion and new features. Satellite networking will gain prominence, linked to 5G through non-terrestrial networks. Specialist service providers and system integrators will play a crucial role in delivering 5G solutions.
Glimpses of 6G: Early discussions about 6G are underway, but its commercial viability for enterprises is distant. 5G’s impact will remain dominant until around 2030, with early trials and testbeds exploring future use cases.
Designing 5G and Multi-Technology Networks
The process of designing and integrating multiple networks, including the seamless incorporation of 5G, is a complex undertaking that demands meticulous planning and execution. Design considerations encompass coverage, capacity, network architecture, device compatibility, and more. The challenge lies in harmonizing diverse technologies into a cohesive framework that optimizes performance and meets operational needs. This intricate process calls for expert guidance and innovative tools to ensure successful implementation.
Here, iBwave takes center stage, offering a comprehensive suite of wireless network design solutions. Whether it’s optimizing private 5G deployment, integrating Wi-Fi with 5G for seamless coverage, or incorporating satellite connectivity into the network mix, iBwave provides the tools and expertise needed to design multi-technology networks with precision. By leveraging iBwave’s advanced capabilities, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of 5G and multi-network integration. iBwave’s seamless survey and design solutions enable enterprises to weave together the threads of connectivity, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and a future-ready network infrastructure that paves the way for innovation and success.
You can leverage the capabilities of iBwave Private Networks for designing Private LTE, 5G and Wi-Fi seamlessly in one solution. You can also use our flagship solution iBwave Design for designing wireless networks for any type of inbuilding environment and network or iBwave Reach if you’re interested in designing indoor/outdoor campus networks. Whatever your network needs are, iBwave has you covered. Learn more about our solutions here!
Conclusion
In the intricate world of enterprise connectivity, the decision to deploy 5G or integrate multiple network technologies is far from straightforward. Balancing technical feasibility, financial considerations, legacy systems, and future-proofing requires a holistic perspective. As the technological landscape continues to evolve, enterprises must carefully assess use cases, select integrators wisely, and adapt to the dynamic interplay between 5G and other wireless solutions. By embracing a flexible and strategic approach, businesses can navigate the complexities and carve a path toward a connected future that maximizes efficiency and innovation.
If you want to learn about 5G use cases and integrate multiple network technologies, read our eBook!
Though private 4G/LTE and 5G deployments are happening around the world, there are substantial differences in band availability by region. This aligns with differences in how different geographies make use of private networks. For example, Chile and Australia rely on private networks to support mining operations in remote areas. Other countries see more deployment in ports and airports, while Germany is focused on manufacturing use cases.
As a result, there is a highly fragmented international private network ecosystem. This is beginning to change, as much of this fragmentation is simply a characteristic of early markets. As more private deployments occur, much of this fragmentation should begin to subside.
But it will be an ongoing process. In the meantime, network designers in all regions need design software with databases that support the bands available in their geography.
Knowing Local Frequency Band Availability Is Crucial
It is crucial for enterprises looking to deploy a private network, whether 4G/LTE or 5G, to know which bands are available in their country. This is because the available bands will determine both hardware and software requirements.
On the hardware side, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are likely to only have equipment capable of supporting the locally available bands. An enterprise that attempts to deploy a private network in an alternate band is probably going to have to pay significantly more for the hardware, as equipment like antennas, amplifiers, or filters won’t be available from local OEMs.
Localized Spectrum Availability
The table below provides a few examples of locally licensed spectrum availability by geography:
Country
Spectrum bands
Licensing model
U.S.
3.55-3.7 GHz
Tiered licensing and dynamic access via automated SAS (Spectrum Access System) providers. Priority Access Licenses were auctioned on a county level basis. General Authorized Access is widely usable.
Germany
3.7-3.8 GHz
Reserved for localized private network licensing, either with 4G or 5G equipment. Licensees can request rights for specific locations from the national regulator – typically for campus-sized facilities.
France
2.6 GHz 3.8-4.2 GHz
40 MHz section of the 2.6 GHz band has been made available for critical communications and industrial broadband use. New use of local licenses in Band 77 is evolving and may be extended.
UK
3.8-4.2 GHz 1.8 GHz 2.3 GHz
The 3.8-4.2 GHz band is available for local 5G use, subject to protecting incumbent licensees. There are also small allocations at 1.8 GHz and 2.3 GHz. Another class of licenses is available for agreed secondary reuse of existing MNO bands in specific locations where they are unused.
Japan
4.6-4.9 GHz
Local 5G licenses.
Australia
1.8 GHz
30 MHz set aside for enterprise and community groups.
Finland
2.3 GHz 26 GHz
Local licenses for industrial networks and other use cases.
Chile
2.6 GHz
Local networks are widely used for mining. Also, the participation of MNOs allows the use of national-licensed bands.
Denmark
3.7 GHz
Leasing from MNOs is possible, albeit rare.
Canada
Various bands possible or under consultation
Remote areas have industrial SPs with various licenses around 700-950 MHz, but Canada also considering CBRS-type models.
Taiwan
4.8 GHz
China
Various bands with MNO or government permission
Common participation of China Mobile and other MNOs in industrial projects, with government support on spectrum availability.
It’s also worth noting that there are signs band availability will be changing as early as 2023/2024, as a result of:
India: Ongoing discussion and debate between the telecommunications industry, government, and other stakeholders over rules and spectrum allocation for private 5G (P5G)
Europe: Talks of opening bands from 3.8-4.2 GHz, as well as plans to update the European Union’s 5G action plan for the upcoming digital decade
China: Signs of direct allocation increasing, particularly in the 6 GHz band, where previously allocation has been dominated by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
Canada: Examining 3.0-4.0 GHz range availability, though it lacks an equivalent to the U.S.’s Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)
Middle East: Looking at bands in the 4.0-4.2 GHz range, with more movement anticipated in 2023 (including the UAE and Saudi Arabia)
South Korea: Increasing its emphasis on private 5G, including solutions in the 4.7 GHz range and into mmWave at 28 GHz (Samsung aims to be a major participant globally and has support from the government, including with P5G)
Choose the Right Design Software
In this changing environment, network designers will need equipment that operates at the correct frequencies, but they will also need design software capable of simplifying designs for any of those frequencies. As such, when choosing network design software, it’s important to consider the band allocation available in the country that the network, or networks, are ultimately going to be in. Particularly for multinational enterprises, software that supports a broad variety of hardware built for different network frequencies will be key to ensuring efficient and effective network design.
Wi-Fi 6E/7 and Global Allocation Variations:
Another area of difference around the world is in the allocation of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use, and especially for Wi-Fi 6E/7. Some countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Brazil, have released the entire band spectrum, while others have only allocated part of it. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, we will also see the launch of automated frequency coordination (AFC) for outdoor use, which will help ensure non-interference of devices operating in the 6 GHz spectrum.
While Wi-Fi and private 4G/5G are broadly complementary in use cases, there is some overlap and substitution: the same will be true for Wi-Fi 6E/7 and private 6G. Differing allocations by country on 6 GHz may drive medium-term differences, and the outcome of the World Radiocommunication Congress at the end of 2023 is one to watch closely.
iBwave enables the design of wireless networks in most bands for deployments practically anywhere with no issues. Our solution allows you to design wireless networks for a variety of use cases, from a factory in Ohio to an office in Japan.
In addition, we’ve added frequency bands for Europe, APAC and Latin America to the existing CBRS and 3.5-3.7 GHz bands in the U.S. and Canada in iBwave Private Networks software. With our easy-to-use solution, you can accelerate the design of private LTE/5G and Wi-Fi networks and efficiently deliver the most reliable networks that enterprises can rely on. Future releases will add more bands to our Private Networks software to support more countries and regions.
Frequency Calculator in iBwave Private Networks
Our solutions include a suite of powerful features that make it easy for designers to:
Design from a database of vendor-modeled network components, including small cells, aps, cables, controllers, routers, and more
Calibrate prediction with survey results
Run key project reports
Model venues in advanced 3D with AutoCAD import
With a complete database of the leading OEM equipment available in most regions, iBwave delivers the most reliable solution for planning, designing, and delivering private, high-performance, 4G/LTE and 5G networks anywhere in the world. Advanced and powerful features such as the Fast Ray Tracing Prediction Engine, Prediction Calibration, Inclined Surface Modeling, and Attenuation by Frequency ensure the network you design functions exactly as intended.
Plus, cloud connectivity via iBwave Unity — our network and project management solution —keeps your entire company aligned and ensures seamless integration between all iBwave solutions. And advanced report generation features ensure that iBwave can meet all your present and future network needs.
