Five key steps to building scalable private 5G networks
Private 5G networks are an exciting development, but they don’t come in a standard, cookie-cutter format. Why? Because no two enterprise sites are alike. Every deployment requires some level of customization. Each private 5G network requires a unique plan to map out radios, account for RF interference and achieve a unique network configuration according to the special needs, business requirements and Industry 4.0 aspirations of that given enterprise. With all these variables at play, the possible configurations of individual private 5G networks seem almost endless.
Although the possibility of a one-size-fits-all format might sound great, the reality is, the need for customization is essential to the success of private 5G networks. And the ability to build agility and flexibility into the plan is essential to the successful scaling of these diverse private 5G networks. Organizing pre-build tests and strategies to avoid common pitfalls, ensures smoother implementation from the start.
Here are five practical steps that the EXFO team recommends to help avoid common mistakes when deploying 5G private networks. These steps will enable smooth activation and deployment while also setting you up for easier scaling in the future.
Before network activation
Step 1: Spectrum clearing
Step one is clearing the spectrum. After deciding which spectrum to use (e.g. CBRS if in the United States, private or operator-licensed) it’s important to check for congestion along the chosen band. Walk the site to ensure no one else is using your selected spectrum, or if CBRS is in play, ensure power levels are kept in check between those sharing the band. It’s also important to identify any interference that could impact your network before construction begins. For businesses planning to scale, like a retailer looking to expand to thousands of locations, this is especially important. You don’t want interference issues or power leakage problems to hinder your network growth or attract unwanted attention from regulators.
Step 2: Fiber testing
Next up is fiber testing. A faulty 5G installation can often be traced back to something as simple as dirty fiber. Industrial environments rely more and more on fiber, but it’s not always thoroughly tested before use. Unlike coaxial cables, fiber cables aren't certified in the same way, so you’ll need to ensure they’re clean and free from defects. Dirty or broken fiber can impact network speeds and create failure points later so make sure fiber optic cables are properly inspected and cleaned.
Step 3: Transceiver validation
When technicians are equipped with the right equipment, transceiver validation involves a quick test of the transceiver components in your cell-site router, radio unit, or baseband unit. It’s a sanity check to make sure the transceivers are functioning properly before deployment. Most transceiver issues happen out-of-the-box, so catching a faulty one early on can save significant headaches down the line.
Step 4: Radio discovery
The goal of radio discovery is to confirm that communications are working properly and the configuration is correct. You’ll want to ensure that all radios are properly detected and communicating within the network. This step also looks for potential crossed connections, checking MAC addresses to identify where a fiber might be incorrectly connected to the wrong port.
After network activation
Step 5: Transmission validation
After activation, the next step is to create a signal-coverage map ensuring that all equipment, including production lines and robots, are fully covered. Walk or drive around with an RF spectrum analyzer to identify any dead zones or red spots where coverage may be lacking. This could point to issues such as a radio not transmitting correctly, interference or incomplete RF spectrum clearing.
Conclusion
By following these five steps, you can reduce the chances of running into common issues that derail 5G deployments before they even begin.
Learn more:
- Watch our on-demand webinar ‘Balancing customization and simplicity in private industrial 5G networks’ featuring speakers from Ericsson, EXFO,Verizon Business and CCS Insight
- Discover how a leading national retailer transformed e-grocery fulfillment with private 5G and cutting-edge automation. Read the success story.