Private wireless networks continue to show strong applicability, as they can create localized cellular networks. These secure networks have limited latency issues and greater capacity. They can also connect many mobile devices, and the focus of these applications has been around supporting and connecting devices.
Many of these devices never leave a specific local network, such as some manufacturing plants that have robots on assembly lines. We are seeing a growing need for private wireless networks to be tailored to people's needs. This is especially true as they travel with mobile devices.
Island Accessibility
For private wireless networks, which can be described as network islands supporting their own localized cellular networks, having a mobile device associated with a person, rather than a piece of immovable equipment, changes the dynamic. That person with a mobile device typically is not sedentary and may not remain in a particular area serviced by a private network for long.
Maintaining connectivity within a private network is crucial. It’s important to keep connections when mobile devices move from the private network “island” to the public cellular network. The benefits of a private network, including the security and performance, is carried along with that device as it moves with a person between the private cellular and public cellular networks.
Device Continuity
Let’s explore why mobile devices need seamless connections when switching between private wireless networks and public networks. Here are a couple of potential use cases.
A college campus is a great example of the need for mobile device continuity. Students need access to superior cellular connectivity that has low lag time, expanded capacity, and elevated security to efficiently access:
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college-owned assets
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education resources
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curriculum
A private wireless network that encompasses the college campus is perfect.
But if their research requires college resource access beyond the campus limits, a localized private network may be unreachable.
Syniverse Global SIM provides a single SIM option for devices. It allows communication via public mobile network resources, while supporting back-end data connections. Devices can securely reach college resources.
But what to do when the device returns to campus? To maximize superior cellular connectivity offered by the private network, the device must release its public cellular connection. Automated Network Reselection (ANR) capabilities within our Private Wireless Network solution was designed to give mobile devices this flexibility.
To explain, ANR technology lets a mobile device with a single SIM reconnect to its designated private mobile network upon return from the public macro network. ANR’s functionality solves the challenge of network selection when private and public networks have overlapping coverage. This hand-off between public and private wireless networks is seamless, giving the mobile device a positive experience.
Another use case can be healthcare, as the medical industry transforms and patients tend to spend less time in healthcare facilities like hospitals. The ability to monitor patients through sensors or other mobile devices is becoming increasingly important.
Devices registered on the hospital's private network need flexibility to connect beyond that network when a patient leaves. They must maintain connection continuity and high security.
What Are the Advantages of a Private Network?
A private wireless network has many pros and cons. The main advantages of a private network include:
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Increased security
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Controlled access for use
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Faster speeds, especially because there are less people using the network
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Customization based on organizational needs
How Does Wireless Technology Affect Society?
Wireless technology, like private wireless networks, make communication faster and more convenient. For enterprise use, it allows a faster transfer of data for specific uses. Services like Google private wireless network drive innovation for industries like manufacturing, where IoT devices need to remain on secure networks. However, there are many options for providers that can make wireless technology more secure and offer an even more customizable solution.
In our blog, The Impact of Private Wireless, Kathiravan Kandasamy, Syniverse’s VP of Product Management, discusses in a tech talk video how private network deployments target people who use mobile devices, rather than “things,” with SIMs. It also covers the importance of maintaining connectivity as those people move between private and public networks.
