LanceSoft in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric India (MEI) conceptualized and then successfully launched first of its kind Private 5G Network lab for Industry 4.0 at Mitsubishi Electric Factory at Talegaon Industrial Area, Pune, India on 8th Dec 2023. Subsequently, LanceSoft showcased this solution at MWC Barcelona in Feb’ 2024.

Introduction to Connected Factory

With the increasing complexity of Manufacturing Processes, there is an ever-increasing need to improve equipment performance and uptime. Wireless communication in the factory shop floor will reduce deployment costs and improve flexibility. Newer technology devices like Cobots, Robots, AGV, AR/VR Devices, Handheld devices etc. on the shopfloor need high-speed, secure and reliable communications. Private 5G network is the right technological choice to achieve the same. It has advantages over traditional wired LAN and Wi-Fi communication as it is a more secure, reliable and faster mode of communication. With unique features like lower latency and network slicing, it will be possible to achieve ultra-high reliability for applications such as Robotic and CNC Control. 5G Private network is poised to enhance the adoption of Industry 4.0

What do you need to set it up?

Private 5G network is built on a 5G Core server and the Radio Access Network (RAN), like 5G small cells. The 5G core acts as the brain and manages the entire wireless network and the data traffic. The Radio Access Network is connected to the 5G core, it transmits the 5G radio signal to interface with the devices like Cobots, Robots, AGV, AR/VR Devices, Handheld devices etc. on the shopfloor.

Possible application areas for a 5G Private Network in a connected factory include:

• IoT and Machine-to-Machine Communication.
• Collaboration of mobile robots.
• Communication in inter-logistics with Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGV) and the augmented workers.
• 5G devices to communicate across locations with real-time tracking.
• Private 5G supports augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR), allowing for self-assist, work-assist, and remote-assist.

Benefits of Deploying 5G Private Networks in an Enterprise

Devices can remain reliably and securely connected on a 5G Private Network throughout the work shift without relying on Wi-Fi or portable hot spots. Wi-Fi networks have limitations in terms of the number of connected devices, unpredictable radio interference, higher packet jitter, lower reliability and no handover possibility. The 5G network, on the other hand, has advanced quality of service for Industry 4.0 applications (e.g., TSN) and uses data encryption and integrity protection mechanisms to protect the data transmitted by the enterprise, prevent information leakage, and enhance the data security of the enterprise.

Conclusion

A private 5G network infrastructure provides essential benefits for the industries. The data always stays on-premise and remains private, the networks can be tailored to perfectly suit the applications. LanceSoft has proven expertise to transform any enterprise into a connected enterprise. Niche services offered by LanceSoft are meticulously tailored to meet the complex demands of contemporary business environments, providing robust security and innovative technology integration to enhance enterprise capabilities. Talk to us and let our technology experts handhold you through your transformational journey.