What is a private 5G network and who should use P5G?

We have exciting news to share as we start 2025 – with private 5G wireless network solutions about to be added to the Cogent Distribution portfolio from a world-class 5G RAN and backhaulBackhaul is the use of wireless communication systems to tra... More vendor with a global footprint! Stay tuned as we bring cellular P5G connectivity to businesses for greater security, low latencyLow latency means that data packets sent over a network conn... More, faster speeds, greater bandwidth and higher availably. But what is a private 5G network and who should use P5G?

A private 5G network (P5G) is a type of mobile cellular network, but it operates differently to public cellular networks that are managed by major telecom operators. Here’s an introduction to how it works and what distinguishes P5G.

The key characteristics of a private 5G network are, dedicated infrastructure, private spectrum, controlled access for greater security and privacy, and high performance.

A private 5G cellular network is a secured and isolated network from the public internet, using private LTELTE (Long-Term Evolution) is often used in conjunction with ... More/5G spectrum purchased from Ofcom, allowing only authorised devices and users to connect and exchange data with one another. Private networks are often used by businesses to create local area networks, which offer secure access to network resources within a defined geographic location.

Private networks let companies customise their network according to specific organisational needs and locations. They allow enterprises and public sector organisations to bring tailored 5G experiences to large indoor or outdoor facilities, even if they are located outside a public 5G coverage area.

Private 5G applications

With low latencyLow latency means that data packets sent over a network conn... More, high throughput, and enhanced reliability, private 5G networks are ideal for applications such as industrial automation, IoT, and real-time communication. In particular, private networks are designed to support applications or environments such as:

• Telecom service providers and ISPs
• 4G LTELTE (Long-Term Evolution) is often used in conjunction with ... More and 5G operators
• Cellular network operators
• Point-to-multipoint wireless networking
• CCTV connection for multiple cameras
• City infrastructure projects
• Wind and solar farms
• Oil, gas and power utilities
• Fast rollout and temporary deployment (e.g. outdoor harsh environment scenarios requiring rapid deployment of Fixed WirelessFixed wireless is the operation of wireless communication de... More Access applications).

How P5G differs from public mobile networks

A public cellular network serves multiple users and organisations through shared infrastructure. Private 5G is dedicated to a single entity and optimised for their unique operational requirements. In summary, while private 5G networks are mobile cellular networks, their private, customisable, and secure nature makes them distinct and well-suited for enterprise applications.

P5G – Wi-Fi vs private networks – Ofcom – spectrum and licenses

Check our website blog and LinkedIn page for more on private 5G very soon, when we will delve deeper and compare Wi-Fi versus private networks and talk about Ofcom and private network spectrum / licenses.